Enhancing Your Garden: The Best Oakleaf Hydrangea Companion Plants

Are you looking to add some color and vibrancy to your garden? Look no further than oakleaf hydrangeas and their perfect companion plants! These stunning shrubs produce large, cone-shaped clusters of white flowers that fade to pink in late summer and into the fall, all while providing beautiful foliage year-round. But which plants pair best with these beauties? Keep reading to find out!

Why Choose Oakleaf Hydrangeas?

Before we dive into the companion plants, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty and benefits of oakleaf hydrangeas. These shrubs offer a lot more than just pretty flowers - here are a few reasons why they should be a staple in your garden:

Foliage

Oakleaf hydrangeas have large, green leaves that turn bronze or red in the fall. They're an attractive feature even when the plant is not in bloom.

Low Maintenance

These shrubs are fairly low maintenance, requiring only moderate watering and occasional pruning.

Adaptable

Oakleaf hydrangeas can grow in full sun or partial shade, making them a versatile choice for many gardens.

Now that we've established the benefits of oakleaf hydrangeas, let's explore their perfect companions.

Companion Plants for Oakleaf Hydrangeas

American Beautyberry

This native shrub, also known as Callicarpa americana, pairs perfectly with oakleaf hydrangeas. It produces bright purple berries that last throughout the winter, adding a pop of color when everything else is dormant. The beautyberry also prefers similar growing conditions to the oakleaf hydrangea - moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.

Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a great choice for adding some contrasting foliage to your garden. With leaves ranging in color from deep burgundy to light green, heuchera provides a striking backdrop for the white oakleaf hydrangea blooms. Plus, it's a low-maintenance plant that prefers the same growing conditions as the oakleaf hydrangea.

Astilbe

If you're looking for a more classic pairing, consider astilbe. This perennial produces fluffy, pink flowers that complement the oakleaf hydrangea blooms nicely. Astilbe also prefers partial shade and moist soil, making it a great choice for planting alongside your oakleaf hydrangeas.

Japanese Painted Fern

The Japanese painted fern, or Athyrium niponicum, has stunning silver-grey foliage that pairs beautifully with the oakleaf hydrangea's green leaves. This fern prefers slightly acidic soil and partial shade, making it a great choice for planting near your oakleaf hydrangeas.

Hosta

Another classic companion for oakleaf hydrangeas is hosta. These perennials have large, lush leaves that provide a perfect contrast to the smaller oakleaf hydrangea leaves. Hostas also prefer similar growing conditions - partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Black-eyed Susan

For a burst of vibrant color, consider planting black-eyed Susans alongside your oakleaf hydrangeas. These perennials produce yellow-orange flowers that bloom from late summer into the fall, complementing the pink hues of the oakleaf hydrangea blooms. Black-eyed Susans also prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Creeping Phlox

Creeping phlox is a low-growing ground cover that produces masses of pink, purple, or white flowers in the spring. Plant it alongside your oakleaf hydrangeas for a beautiful burst of color in the early season. Creeping phlox prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Clematis

For some vertical interest, try planting clematis vines near your oakleaf hydrangeas. These climbers produce beautiful, large flowers in a variety of colors and can be trained to climb up trellises or other supports. Clematis prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Liriope

Liriope, also known as monkey grass, is a low-maintenance ground cover that produces spikes of purple or white flowers in the summer. It's a great choice for planting alongside oakleaf hydrangeas because it prefers similar growing conditions - partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Dianthus

Dianthus, also known as pinks, are a beautiful addition to any garden. These perennials produce fragrant, pink or red flowers in the spring and summer, making them a perfect choice for planting near your oakleaf hydrangeas. Dianthus prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Hyacinth

For a burst of fragrance, plant hyacinths near your oakleaf hydrangeas. These flowering bulbs produce fragrant flowers in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white in the spring. Hyacinths prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Daylilies

Daylilies are a classic garden staple, producing large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. They're a great choice for planting near oakleaf hydrangeas because they prefer similar growing conditions - full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is a great choice for adding some blue-purple color to your garden. This perennial produces spiky flowers that bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. Salvia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

The Benefits of Companion Planting

Companion planting has many benefits beyond just aesthetics. Here are a few reasons why you should consider planting companion plants alongside your oakleaf hydrangeas:

Natural Pest Control

Companion planting can help repel pests naturally, reducing the need for harmful pesticides.

Improved Soil Health

Certain companion plants, such as legumes, can improve soil health by fixing nitrogen.

Biodiversity

Planting a variety of species in your garden can help support biodiversity, which is important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Maintaining Your Oakleaf Hydrangea Garden

Now that you know which plants pair best with oakleaf hydrangeas, it's important to understand how to maintain your garden to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips:

Watering

Oakleaf hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.

Pruning

Prune your oakleaf hydrangeas in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your oakleaf hydrangeas in the early spring before new growth appears. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I plant oakleaf hydrangeas in full sun?

Yes, oakleaf hydrangeas can grow in full sun, but they prefer partial shade.

2. Do oakleaf hydrangeas attract bees?

Yes, oakleaf hydrangea blooms attract bees and other pollinators.

3. How often should I water my oakleaf hydrangeas?

Water your oakleaf hydrangeas deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.

4. What is the best time to prune oakleaf hydrangeas?

Prune your oakleaf hydrangeas in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

5. Can I plant other types of hydrangeas alongside oakleaf hydrangeas?

Yes, other hydrangea varieties can be planted alongside oakleaf hydrangeas. Just make sure they have similar growing conditions.



Oakleaf hydrangeas are a beautiful addition to any garden, but choosing the right companion plants can really make them stand out. By planting some of these complementary species, you can create a vibrant, diverse garden that's both visually stunning and environmentally beneficial.