Planting Partners for Hydrangeas – Garden Ideas

Hydrangeas impress with their magnificent blooms – and planting partners for hydrangeas give your garden arrangement a unique touch. Light conditions play an important role here.

But not only that, the right planting partners need to stand out next to the hydrangea without stealing its show.

When searching for companion plants for hydrangeas, there's a surprisingly simple solution. Few garden owners plant different hydrangea varieties together in one bed. Yet, for instance, combining garden hydrangeas (Bigleaf Hydrangeas) and lacecap hydrangeas with a sedge creates a wonderful picture. Whether you prefer a monochromatic look or a bold, colorful array is a matter of taste.

If you like a fuller appearance, add a coral bell (Heuchera). Garden and lacecap hydrangeas don't need many companion plants. An impressive, contrasting hosta as a bedmate already creates elegance, while a hyssop (Agastache) or lavender adds romance. Now, drape a sculpture or an XXL vase nearby, and you've created a magnificent eye-catcher.

Fundamentally, when choosing companion plants for hydrangeas, the garden owner must consider whether they need shade or tolerate sun. Many plants pair well with sun-friendly hydrangea species like the Panicle Hydrangea: from iris to delphinium for a vibrant look, and from boxwood to yew for a more serene option.

Coneflowers (Rudbeckia) and Bee Balm (Monarda) are wonderfully simple yet visually spectacular as companion plants for hydrangeas. However, the lush green, arching Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra) is also enough on its own for a charming combination. An arrangement of delicate, light hydrangea blossoms with Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) appears elegant. Feel free to add Catmint (Nepeta) for a splash of color.

For companion plants for hydrangeas in partial shade or shade, Astilbes (Prachtspieren) are a great choice, adding a loosening touch with delicate pink hues that perfectly complement the color palette. A wonderfully bold combination is also achieved by pairing blue hydrangea blooms with vibrant red Astilbe flowers!

Evergreen Cherry Laurel (Kirschlorbeer) provides a contrasting, lush background. The decorative Velvet Hydrangea (Samthortensie) appreciates bedmates that won't outshine its floral marvel—here, the versatile Anemones are ready to step in. A charming, albeit unusual, pair is formed by the Smooth Hydrangea (Schneeballhortensie) with its abundant white blooms when it meets wild roses.

If you're looking for underplantings as companions for hydrangeas, Lily of the Valley (Maiglöckchen) and Violets (Veilchen) are not too proud and bring a wonderful fragrance. It becomes truly magical with ferns. They have preserved a primeval, simple beauty and provide a subtle counterweight with their feathered green.