Stunning Companion Plants For Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden. They can be grown in a variety of conditions, and their large, oak-shaped leaves and showy flower clusters add interest to the landscape from spring to fall.

One of the best ways to enhance the beauty of oakleaf hydrangeas is to plant them with companion plants. Companion plants are those that grow well together and complement each other in terms of size, color, and texture. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a stunning and harmonious garden display.

Here are some of the best companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas:

• Hostas: Hostas are a classic companion plant for hydrangeas. They offer beautiful foliage in a variety of colors, and their mounding growth habit helps to fill in the space around the hydrangeas. Hostas also prefer the same type of soil and moisture conditions as hydrangeas, so they are a good choice for a low-maintenance garden.
• Azaleas and rhododendrons: These acid-loving shrubs are another great choice for companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas. They offer beautiful blooms in a variety of colors, and their foliage provides a nice contrast to the oak-shaped leaves of the hydrangeas. Azaleas and rhododendrons also require similar care to hydrangeas, so they are a good option for gardeners who want to keep things simple.
• Ferns: Ferns are a great way to add texture and interest to a garden. They can be planted in front of or behind oakleaf hydrangeas, and their delicate fronds will provide a nice contrast to the large leaves of the hydrangeas. Ferns also prefer shady conditions, so they are a good choice for gardens that receive a lot of shade.
• Daylilies: Daylilies are a colorful and carefree choice for companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas. They come in a variety of colors, and they will bloom for several weeks in the summer. Daylilies also prefer full sun and well-drained soil, so they are a good match for hydrangeas.
• Butterfly bushes: Butterfly bushes are a great way to attract pollinators to your garden. They offer nectar-rich blooms that will attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Butterfly bushes can be planted in full sun or partial shade, and they prefer well-drained soil.
• Ornamental grasses: Ornamental grasses add height and interest to a garden. They can be planted in front of or behind oakleaf hydrangeas, and their graceful blades of grass will provide a nice contrast to the large leaves of the hydrangeas. Ornamental grasses prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
• Evergreens: Evergreens add year-round interest to a garden. They can be planted in front of or behind oakleaf hydrangeas, and their green foliage will provide a nice contrast to the changing leaves of the hydrangeas. Evergreens can tolerate a variety of conditions, so they are a good choice for gardeners in any climate.

These are just a few of the many companion plants that can be grown with oakleaf hydrangeas. When choosing companion plants, it is important to consider the size, color, and texture of the plants, as well as their sunlight and soil requirements. By taking the time to choose the right companion plants, you can create a stunning and harmonious garden display that will last for years to come.

Oakleaf hydrangeas are beautiful shrubs that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. But did you know that they can also benefit from having the right companion plants?

The right companion plants can help to improve the health and growth of your oakleaf hydrangeas, and they can also add visual interest to your garden. Some good companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas include:

• Hostas: Hostas are shade-loving plants that can help to provide your oakleaf hydrangeas with some much-needed shade. They also have attractive foliage that can complement the flowers of your hydrangeas.
• Daylilies: Daylilies are sun-loving plants that can add a pop of color to your garden. They are also relatively easy to care for, which makes them a good choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.
• Ferns: Ferns are another good choice for shade-loving companion plants. They add a touch of elegance to your garden and can help to improve the air quality.

If you are looking for more information about oakleaf hydrangea companion plants, I recommend visiting Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a comprehensive list of companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas, as well as detailed information about each plant.

FAQ of oakleaf hydrangea companion plants

1. What are some good companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas?

Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are shade-loving shrubs that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. They have large, lobed leaves that turn a beautiful shade of red in the fall. Oakleaf hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil and acidic conditions.

Some good companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas include:

• Hostas are shade-loving perennials that come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes. They can help to add interest to the garden throughout the growing season.
• Ornamental grasses add movement and texture to the garden. They can also help to suppress weeds.
• Daylilies are another type of shade-loving perennial that comes in a variety of colors. They bloom in the summer and can help to attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
• Coral bells are small, shrubby plants that have colorful foliage and bell-shaped flowers. They can help to add a splash of color to the garden in the spring and summer.
• Ferns are a classic choice for shade gardens. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can help to add a touch of elegance to the landscape.

2. What should I consider when choosing companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas?

When choosing companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Sunlight requirements: Oakleaf hydrangeas prefer partial shade, so you will want to choose companion plants that also tolerate shade.
• Water requirements: Oakleaf hydrangeas need moist soil, so you will want to choose companion plants that have similar water needs.
• Soil conditions: Oakleaf hydrangeas prefer acidic soil, so you will want to choose companion plants that also prefer acidic soil.
• Height and spread: Oakleaf hydrangeas can grow quite large, so you will want to choose companion plants that have a similar height and spread.
• Color: Oakleaf hydrangeas can bloom in a variety of colors, so you can choose companion plants that complement their color scheme.

3. How far apart should I plant oakleaf hydrangeas and their companion plants?

The distance between oakleaf hydrangeas and their companion plants will depend on the size of the plants. Oakleaf hydrangeas can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, so you will need to give them plenty of space. Companion plants should be spaced at least 3 feet apart, but more space may be needed if the plants are large or fast-growing.

4. What are some tips for planting oakleaf hydrangeas and their companion plants?

Here are some tips for planting oakleaf hydrangeas and their companion plants:

• Prepare the soil by adding compost or other organic matter.
• Plant the hydrangeas in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
• Backfill the hole with soil and water the plants well.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
• Fertilize the plants in the spring and fall with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium.

5. How do I care for oakleaf hydrangeas and their companion plants?

Oakleaf hydrangeas and their companion plants are relatively easy to care for. The most important thing is to water them regularly, especially during the hot, dry months. You should also fertilize them in the spring and fall.

Oakleaf hydrangeas can be pruned in the spring to remove dead or damaged branches. You can also prune them to shape them or to encourage more blooms.

Companion plants may require different care depending on the type of plant. Be sure to do your research to learn about the specific care needs of your companion plants.

Image of oakleaf hydrangea companion plants

• Oakleaf hydrangea and boxwood. Boxwood is a classic companion plant for oakleaf hydrangeas. Both plants thrive in partial shade and moist soil, and their different textures and colors complement each other well.
• Oakleaf hydrangea and hosta. Hostas are another good choice for companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas. They come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes, so you can find one that will complement the hydrangeas in your garden.
• Oakleaf hydrangea and azaleas. Azaleas and oakleaf hydrangeas both prefer acidic soil and partial shade. They also bloom at the same time of year, so they can add a splash of color to your garden.
• Oakleaf hydrangea and ferns. Ferns are a low-maintenance option for companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas. They add a touch of elegance to the garden and can help to fill in any gaps between the hydrangeas.
• Oakleaf hydrangea and ornamental grasses. Ornamental grasses add movement and texture to the garden. They can be planted in front of or behind oakleaf hydrangeas to create a visually interesting display.