Border Hydrangea Companion Plants: Creating a Beautiful Garden Design

The Importance of Companion Plants

When planning your garden, it's important to consider not just individual plants but also how they will work together as a whole. Companion planting is the practice of grouping plants together based on their compatibility and ability to enhance each other's growth and beauty. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a more diverse, visually appealing, and sustainable garden.

Hydrangeas are versatile flowering shrubs that come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are often used as focal points or accents in borders because of their showy blooms and foliage. However, border hydrangeas can also benefit from being paired with other plants that complement their characteristics and meet their growing requirements.

In this blog post, we will explore 15 of the best companion plants for border hydrangeas, including perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees. We will also provide tips on how to plant, care for, and design your border with these plants in mind.

1. Hostas

Hostas are shade-loving perennial plants that have attractive foliage and flowers. They are excellent companion plants for border hydrangeas because they share similar growing conditions and add contrasting colors and textures. Hostas come in different sizes and leaf shapes, from small mound-forming varieties to large leafy specimens that can grow up to 4 feet tall.

Growing Requirements

Hostas prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. They can tolerate some sun but need protection from hot afternoon rays. Hostas are easy to grow and propagate, making them a popular choice for woodland gardens.

Design Tips

To create a harmonious border, plant hostas in front of or around hydrangeas, alternating leaf sizes and colors. You can also mix hosta varieties with different foliage patterns, such as variegated or solid green leaves. Hostas make excellent ground covers and can help suppress weeds around hydrangeas.

2. Astilbes

Astilbes are herbaceous perennials that produce feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. They are ideal companion plants for border hydrangeas because they thrive in the same moist, shady conditions and provide a soft contrast to the hydrangeas' bold blooms. Astilbes are low-maintenance plants that can bloom for several weeks in mid-summer.

Growing Requirements

Astilbes prefer fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate some sun but need consistent moisture to prevent wilting. Astilbes are hardy plants that can survive winter temperatures if mulched properly.

Design Tips

To create a layered effect in your border, plant astilbes behind hydrangeas, using taller varieties as backdrops and shorter ones as fillers. You can also combine astilbes with other shade-loving perennials, such as ferns, heucheras, and hellebores, to create a diverse and textured landscape.

3. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are spring-blooming perennials that have heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They are charming companion plants for border hydrangeas because they add a whimsical touch to the garden and bloom at the same time as the hydrangeas' foliage. Bleeding hearts are deer-resistant plants that can grow up to 2 feet tall.

Growing Requirements

Bleeding hearts prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but may go dormant in hot weather. Bleeding hearts are low-maintenance plants that can be divided every few years to maintain their vigor.

Design Tips

To create a romantic atmosphere in your border, plant bleeding hearts in front of or around hydrangeas, using their airy foliage as a backdrop for the hydrangeas' blooms. You can also mix bleeding heart varieties with different flower colors and sizes to create a playful effect.

4. Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are small trees or large shrubs that have delicate leaves in shades of green, red, purple, and gold. They are stunning companion plants for border hydrangeas because they provide color and structure to the landscape and thrive in the same acidic soil conditions. Japanese maples are slow-growing plants that can live for decades if properly cared for.

Growing Requirements

Japanese maples prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. They can tolerate some sun but need protection from strong winds and drought. Japanese maples are susceptible to pests and diseases if not kept in optimal conditions.

Design Tips

To create a focal point in your border, plant a Japanese maple near a group of hydrangeas, using its height and shape to complement the hydrangeas' form. You can also use Japanese maples as specimen plants or accents along a pathway or in a container.

5. Ferns

Ferns are versatile perennials that have elegant fronds and come in various sizes and shapes. They are excellent companion plants for border hydrangeas because they prefer the same moist, shady conditions and provide a soft contrast to the hydrangeas' bold blooms. Ferns are low-maintenance plants that can add texture and movement to the garden.

Growing Requirements

Ferns prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and partial to full shade. They can tolerate some sun but need protection from hot afternoon rays. Ferns are hardy plants that can survive winter temperatures if mulched properly.

Design Tips

To create a woodland atmosphere in your border, plant ferns behind or around hydrangeas, using their delicate foliage as a backdrop for the hydrangeas' flowers. You can also mix fern varieties with different frond shapes and colors, such as maidenhair, ostrich, or cinnamon ferns.

6. Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are herbaceous perennials that have colorful leaves and small bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. They are attractive companion plants for border hydrangeas because they share similar growing conditions and add a pop of color to the garden. Heucheras are easy to grow and propagate, making them a popular choice for rock gardens and borders.

Growing Requirements

Heucheras prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and partial shade. They can tolerate some sun but need consistent moisture to prevent wilting. Heucheras are low-maintenance plants that can be divided every few years to maintain their vigor.

Design Tips

To create a bold statement in your border, plant heucheras in front of or around hydrangeas, using their vibrant foliage as a contrast to the hydrangeas' blooms. You can also mix heuchera varieties with different leaf colors and patterns, such as silver, bronze, or variegated leaves.

7. Hyacinths

Hyacinths are spring-blooming bulbs that have fragrant flowers in shades of pink, blue, white, and purple. They are lovely companion plants for border hydrangeas because they add a burst of color and fragrance to the garden and bloom at the same time as the hydrangeas' foliage. Hyacinths are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for borders and containers.

Growing Requirements

Hyacinths prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some drought but need consistent moisture to prevent wilting. Hyacinths are hardy bulbs that can be left in the ground year-round if protected from rodents and frost.

Design Tips

To create a colorful display in your border, plant hyacinths in clusters around hydrangeas, using their upright form and fragrance to complement the hydrangeas' blooms. You can also mix hyacinth varieties with different flower colors and sizes to create a playful effect.

8. Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are evergreen or deciduous shrubs that have showy flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. They are stunning companion plants for border hydrangeas because they provide color and structure to the landscape and thrive in the same acidic soil conditions. Rhododendrons are long-lived plants that can grow up to 20 feet tall if left unpruned.

Growing Requirements

Rhododendrons prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. They can tolerate some sun but need protection from hot afternoon rays and wind. Rhododendrons are susceptible to pests and diseases if not kept in optimal conditions.

Design Tips

To create a dramatic effect in your border, plant rhododendrons near or behind hydrangeas, using their height and shape to complement the hydrangeas' form. You can also use rhododendrons as specimens or accents along a fence or wall.

9. Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is an herbaceous perennial that has spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, and white. It is a striking companion plant for border hydrangeas because it provides vertical interest and attracts pollinators to the garden. Salvia is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for borders and containers.

Growing Requirements

Salvia prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun. It can tolerate some drought but needs consistent moisture to prevent wilting. Salvia is a hardy plant that can be cut back after blooming to promote more flowers.

Design Tips

To create a bold statement in your border, plant salvia near or around hydrangeas, using its spikes of flowers to contrast with the hydrangeas' blooms. You can also mix salvia varieties with different flower colors and heights, such as blue or red spikes or white or pink blooms.

10. Daylilies

Daylilies are herbaceous perennials that have vibrant flowers in shades of orange, yellow, red, and pink. They are cheerful companion plants for border hydrangeas because they provide a pop of color and bloom for several weeks in mid-summer. Daylilies are easy to grow and propagate, making them a popular choice for cottage gardens and borders.

Growing Requirements

Daylilies prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some drought but need consistent moisture to prevent wilting. Daylilies are low-maintenance plants that can be divided every few years to maintain their vigor.

Design Tips

To create a colorful display in your border, plant daylilies near or around hydrangeas, using their upright form and contrasting colors to complement the hydrangeas' blooms. You can also mix daylily varieties with different flower shapes and sizes, such as ruffled or double blooms.

11. Coral Bells

Coral bells are evergreen or semi-evergreen perennials that have colorful leaves and small bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. They are stunning companion plants for border hydrangeas because they provide color and texture to the landscape and thrive in the same moist, well-drained soil conditions. Coral bells are long-lived plants that can grow up to 3 feet tall if left unpruned.

Growing Requirements

Coral bells prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and partial to full shade. They can tolerate some sun but need protection from hot afternoon rays. Coral bells are low-maintenance plants that can be divided every few years to maintain their vigor.

Design Tips

To create a harmonious border, plant coral bells near or around hydrangeas, using their foliage colors and textures to complement the hydrangeas' blooms. You can also mix coral bell varieties with different leaf shapes and patterns, such as silver, bronze, or variegated leaves.

12. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is an herbaceous perennial that has delicate white flowers and fragrant leaves. It is an excellent companion plant for border hydrangeas because it prefers the same moist, shady conditions and provides a soft contrast to the hydrangeas' bold blooms. Sweet woodruff is a low-maintenance plant that can spread quickly in ideal conditions.

Growing Requirements

Sweet woodruff prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and partial to full shade. It can tolerate some sun but needs consistent moisture to prevent wilting. Sweet woodruff is a hardy plant that can be cut back after blooming to promote more growth.

Design Tips

To create a woodland atmosphere in your border, plant sweet woodruff behind or around hydrangeas, using its delicate foliage as a backdrop for the hydrangeas' flowers. You can also use sweet woodruff as a ground cover under trees or shrubs.

13. Virginia Bluebells

Virginia bluebells are spring-blooming perennials that have clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, blue, and purple. They are charming companion plants for border hydrangeas because they add a touch of whimsy and bloom at the same time as the hydrangeas' foliage. Virginia bluebells are low-maintenance plants that can self-seed in the right conditions.

Growing Requirements

Virginia bluebells prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and partial to full shade. They can tolerate some sun but need protection from hot afternoon rays. Virginia bluebells are hardy plants that can survive winter temperatures if mulched properly.

Design Tips

To create a colorful display in your border, plant Virginia bluebells in clusters around hydrangeas, using their upright form and soft colors to complement the hydrangeas' blooms. You can also mix Virginia bluebell varieties with different flower colors and sizes to create a playful effect.

14. Lilacs

Lilacs are deciduous shrubs or small trees that have fragrant flowers in shades of pink, blue, white, and purple. They are stunning companion plants for border hydrangeas because they provide height, fragrance, and color to the landscape and thrive in the same alkaline soil conditions. Lilacs are long-lived plants that can grow up to 20 feet tall if left unpruned.

Growing Requirements

Lilacs prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun. They can tolerate some drought but need consistent moisture to prevent wilting. Lilacs are susceptible to pests and diseases if not kept in optimal conditions.

Design Tips

To create a fragrant focal point in your border, plant a lilac near a group of hydrangeas, using its height and shape to complement the hydrangeas' form. You can also use lilacs as specimens or accents along a path or in a container.

15. Peonies

Peonies are herbaceous perennials that have large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. They are