The hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) is a popular ornamental plant because of its huge, vibrant flower heads that brighten the landscape late in the season. This hardy, deciduous shrub adds texture and color to mixed borders, shrub borders, beds and backyards with its graceful growth habit, attractive serrated foliage and long-lasting flowers. But ask yourself, “What to plant under hydrangeas?”
This adaptable plant is a great addition to gardens with a variety of shrubs, trees and evergreens. Choose plants that thrive in the same soil type as hydrangeas when deciding what to plant next to and underneath them. Partial shade, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and regular watering are ideal growing conditions for hydrangeas. Here are some suggestions for using hydrangeas in the garden and some of the best plants to grow under hydrangeas.
These are the good planting neighbors!
Funkien (Hosta)
A traditional pair are hydrangeas and hostas, which are ideal as ground cover. Lush, shade-loving hostas grow around the base of the hydrangeas and do very well in partially shaded locations and slightly acidic soil. Another strategy for controlling weeds when planting hydrangeas is to plant hostas alongside them.
Splendid Muscles (Astilbe)
When combined with hydrangeas, astilbes create a striking contrast. Its flowers are prickly and its leaves resemble lace. Gardeners who prefer partial shade seem to love these plants. They bloom more profusely if they come into light a little earlier, but they also feel comfortable in partial shade. Almost every color of the rainbow is represented in one of the astilbe species. Their bright pink flowers are the trademark of some of their most popular species. Planting astilbe in front of hydrangeas is a beautiful summer arrangement. There are dwarf sprigs that are perfect as ground cover.
How to fertilize hydrangeasfind out here!
Bluebells (Campanula)
For optimal flowering, bluebells need full light. The panicle hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata, would greatly benefit from their company. Similar to hydrangeas, bluebells thrive in acidic, well-draining soil. Campanula flowers bloom continuously from June through fall. Bluebells come in a variety of flower colors including white, pink and purple. To maintain the blooms, you should cut back the flowers of these beautiful plants. This perennial plant should be cut back to the ground in autumn.
Purpurglöckchen (Heuchera)
There's a good reason why this perennial herb is a garden classic. There are now numerous varieties of this plant, ranging from red, purple and orange to silver, bronze and even black. Even though these groundcovers bloom, their foliage is the main reason they are cultivated. Lightly colored, flower-like spikes attract a variety of pollinators. Mild locations, from full sun to light shade, are no problem for purple bells. If you plant the plants along a bed under hydrangeas, they look like a magnificent carpet of leaves, which we really like. They also look stunning in large pots.
Katzenminze (Nepeta)
Perennial catnip is a favorite plant of bees and thrives in slightly acidic soils, such as hydrangeas. It grows quickly and blooms with purple flowers until September. Sun-loving catnip is truly stunning. A wonderful mint scent wafts from the plant when the sun's rays reach it. The foliage is a beautiful silver blue. Catnip is best combined with the fragrant Hydrangea paniculata. This plant is beautiful both in a bed and as a specimen plant. Both pollinators and cats are attracted to this plant.
Also read:Buying hydrangeas: What should you pay attention to when choosing and planting?
Begonia (Begonia)
Begonias' long flowering period, attractive foliage, and adaptability make them popular plants for landscaping. Planting this shade-loving plant at the base of your hydrangea bushes will provide a continuous display of color from spring until frost. It is a popular choice for pots or bedding plants.
Geranie (Geranium)
During their development, hydrangeas thrive in the company of perennial geraniums. The attractive, low-growing perennial is also called cranesbill. The sprawling foliage is a beautiful, true shade of green and the flowers are available in white, pink or purple. Geraniums are adaptable garden plants as they thrive in both full and partial shade. In some gardens, you can find perennial geraniums in the front border, complemented by ornamental grasses, hydrangeas and catnip. Classic geraniums are easy-care plants that don't require much attention once they're established.
Also interesting:Fast-growing, easy-care perennials: These species will transform your garden into a work of art!
