Do you have a potted Hydrangea and are searching for a companion? let’s give you the best. When planting hydrangeas in pots, I always choose companion plants that complement the hydrangea’s growing conditions. Hydrangeas typically prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, so I look for plants with similar care requirements to plant with Hydrangeas. I love selecting plants that thrive together and add beauty and texture to the container garden. Here are some of my top choices for planting alongside hydrangeas in pots:
Hostas Is a Stunning Companion for Hydrangea
Hostas are a great fit with hydrangeas because they thrive in the same conditions—shade to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. I love how their lush, broad foliage contrasts beautifully with the hydrangea’s leaves. Plus, hostas come in various colours and sizes, so you can easily find a variety that suits your design. They’re also excellent in pots because they have relatively shallow roots and don’t need deep soil. Just ensure the pot is large enough for its roots to spread. Hosta is also a proper choice for planting with Black Mondo Grass.
Heuchera (Coral Bells) Is the Best to Plant with Hydrangeas
Heucheras are another wonderful companion for hydrangeas. These plants prefer similar growing conditions, thriving in part shade and moist soil. What I love about Heucheras is their stunning foliage in purple, silver, red, and green. They provide year-round interest with their vibrant leaves, while the hydrangeas take centre stage with their beautiful summer blooms. Heucheras are also compact, making them perfect for pots since they won’t outgrow the container quickly.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is one of my favourite groundcovers to pair with hydrangeas. It thrives in moist soil and tolerates partial shade, just like hydrangeas. The bright green or golden foliage cascades over the edges of the pot, creating a beautiful contrast to the hydrangea’s upright structure. It’s great for filling in any gaps and giving the container a fuller, lusher look. Since it’s low-growing, it won’t compete with the hydrangea for vertical space.
Caladiums
Caladiums are a fantastic choice to add a pop of colour to your hydrangeas. They thrive in shady spots and need consistently moist soil, just like hydrangeas. Their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves come in stunning shades of pink, red, or white, which creates a visually striking effect when planted alongside hydrangeas. They are also magic colourful low-light houseplants.
Caladiums are also perfect for containers because they grow from bulbs that don’t require a lot of space. Just keep in mind that they prefer warm temperatures, so I always bring them indoors if I live in a cooler climate during the winter months.
Lobelia
Lobelia is another great companion plant for hydrangeas. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and handles partial shade, making it a perfect match. I love how Lobelia’s small, vibrant blue, purple, or white flowers spill over the edges of the pot, creating a lovely trailing effect. It’s especially great for hanging baskets or pots with trailing edges. However, I keep an eye on it in hotter climates, as it can be sensitive to heat and might need a little extra shade. It also can be one of your stunning flowering houseplants.
Tips for Planting Hydrangeas in Pots:
- Container Size: Hydrangeas need a large pot—at least 18-24 inches in diameter—to accommodate their root systems. The larger the container, the better, as it gives all the plants plenty of space to grow.
- Soil: I always use a well-draining potting mix that retains moisture. There are potting mixes specifically designed for hydrangeas or general container plants, which work well for creating the right environment.
- Watering: Hydrangeas need consistent moisture, so I make sure to check the soil regularly, especially in containers, as they can dry out faster than garden beds.
- Sunlight: Hydrangeas prefer partial shade, so I ensure that the companion plants I choose also have similar light needs. I avoid pairing hydrangeas with plants that need full sun, as they might not thrive together.
Key Considerations for Potting:
- Container Size: Hydrangeas are large plants, so they need a big pot. But for companion plants, I often mix several smaller plants in a single container. Just make sure the pot is large enough to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to poor root growth.
- Watering: Since container plants usually need more frequent watering, I always pay attention to the moisture requirements of each plant. Plants like hydrangeas and Heucheras are fine with moist soil, but if I’m mixing in drought-tolerant plants, I adjust the watering accordingly.
- Drainage: Good drainage is essential to avoid root rot. I make sure the container has plenty of drainage holes, especially when planting moisture-loving plants like hydrangeas, Lobelia, or Astilbes.
- Climate: Some plants, like Caladiums, thrive in warm climates, so I might need to move them indoors or protect them during cooler months.
In conclusion,
I’ve found that most of the plants I’ve mentioned work well in containers, as long as I meet their basic needs: a large enough pot, good drainage, and consistent watering. By mixing plants with similar care requirements and paying attention to how they’ll look together in colour, texture, and size, I can create a lush, thriving display that will look beautiful all season long.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.