Hydrangeas are beloved for their lush blooms and elegant appearance, but did you know that they pair beautifully with a variety of companion plants? Adding the right plants nearby not only enhances your garden’s beauty but also supports healthy growth and balanced soil moisture. Here’s a list of 10 ideal companions for your hydrangeas:

1. Hostas – These shade-loving foliage plants thrive under hydrangeas and add texture and depth with their broad, variegated leaves.
2. Astilbe – Their feathery plumes provide a soft contrast to hydrangea blooms. They love similar moist, shady conditions.
3. Ferns – With their airy fronds, ferns give a woodland touch to your hydrangea bed and help fill in empty spaces.
4. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) – This ornamental grass adds a graceful cascade of golden-green leaves, creating contrast and movement.
5. Coral Bells (Heuchera) – These offer colorful foliage that ranges from deep purple to lime green and pairs well with hydrangea blooms.
6. Azaleas – Sharing a preference for acidic soil, azaleas bloom at similar times and complement hydrangeas in both shape and color.
7. Brunnera – Also known as “false forget-me-nots,” their heart-shaped leaves and small blue flowers brighten shady garden beds.
8. Lungwort (Pulmonaria) – Speckled leaves and early spring flowers make lungwort a charming groundcover under hydrangeas.
9. Toad Lily (Tricyrtis) – Perfect for late-season color, toad lilies bloom in autumn and thrive in the moist shade hydrangeas love.

• 10. Bletilla (Hardy Ground Orchid) – These easy-to-grow orchids add a unique twist with their orchid-like flowers and grow well in similar conditions.

Useful Tip: Hydrangeas prefer well-draining, consistently moist soil and partial shade. Adding mulch around the base helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Avoid planting aggressive root competitors too close, as they can compete for nutrients.

Create a harmonious, layered garden by combining colors, textures, and bloom times — and your hydrangeas will truly shine! 🌼