Little quick fire hydrangea companion plants enable you to introduce a lot of variety to your garden without imposing any severe threats to the original residents.
Companion planting allows you to use your garden space fully by planting a diverse cast of flowering plants, edible plants, fruit trees, and evergreen shrubs.
Hydrangea paniculata also called panicle hydrangeas, are beautiful plants to look at. Their companion plants will add to your garden’s interest and visual appeal by matching or contrasting their colors becoming the center of attention in your home with their unique textures, colors, and fragrances, here are the best plants to grow around them.
Contents
Best Quick Fire Hydrangea Companion Plants
1. Blue Hostas
Blue Hosta is a unique plant with large waxy leaves with a blue tint. Sometimes, they also come with green and blue variegation, which adds another level of uniqueness to their appearance.
If they are kept in direct sunlight for a long time, the blue waxy coating will peel off, making the plant look pale green.
– Characteristics
These leaves are what make the blue hosta a visually appealing plant. The flowers are bell-shaped that grow on long flower stacks.
The leaves of these plants can flaunt their full beauty in a shady environment, as excessive sunlight will scorch the leaves and peel off the blue tint. Their resistance to shade is a big positive as they can fill the shaded regions of the garden.
Blue hostas are planted in early spring after the first frost leaves the land, or they can be produced at the end of summer as the heat ends in early fall, when they will begin to show a hard texture.
On the other hand, in summer, they will be softer, and during which, you may see some bites taken by some wild animals such as deer, who would come in the evening to munch on them,
One important thing to consider is that these plants are toxic to humans and pets, so proper care should be taken when planting them, because when ingested, they will be intoxicating to the body. Choose a location where you can get companion planting benefits without hurting children or pets.
Hostas are very tolerant to many climate and soil situations as they can quickly adapt and thrive in different growing conditions. There are also many varieties of slow, medium, or fast-growing hostas, giving you a lot of wiggle room depending on your areas and needs.
– Growth Requirements
Hostas prefer loamy, moist, and well-draining soil that will not get waterlogged. They also like soil that is rich in nutrients and acidic in nature. Some hosta varieties require the sun to grow properly, but some varieties thrive in the shade, as exposure to the sun can lead to leaf scorch.
On another note, remember that they require proper watering in their early days, but they can tolerate some dryness once they are established. It is better to do occasional deep watering instead of regular shallow watering
2. Lily Of The Valley
Lily of the valley, also known as Mary Bell, is another flower shaped like a bell. It is a minimalist flower that grows in a cluster all along its stem.
It is a small beautiful white flower that can sometimes be pink in color. Not only that, but it is primarily a perennial plant that commonly grows in woodlands.
– Characteristics
Lily of the valley is not actually a type of lily but is closely related to asparagus. However, this does not mean it is safe to eat, as it is toxic. The plant produces dangling white flowers in spring that are easily recognized hanging against their lush green foliage. These flowering plants also have small red berries after the flowers wither away.
They are also called “Mary bells” and these flowers are pest-resistant flowers that are pretty easy to grow and care for. To elaborate further, it means that you don’t have to worry about having them damaged by any pest infestation.
As they are naturally found in woodland areas, they grow well in areas with partial shade. These can grow in rich soil and spread very aggressively. This is an essential factor to consider, as they can quickly overrun your entire garden.
When these flowers bloom, they can last for about three weeks before making room for their fruit. The flowers are fragrant, and up to 15 flowers can be on a single stem, which would make them grow in a big quantity.
Mary bells grow from underground root stems, so it is best to plant them in late fall, basically they can develop during this cool dormant period, and then they blossom up in spring.
– Growth Requirements
These plants grow best in moist and well-draining soils that do not have the danger of waterlogging. On another note, you must be keen on placing the lily of the valley in a location that is specific, so that it grows with partial shade and does not like to be under full sun.
However, remember that these plants do not require a lot of water but keep an eye out for dry spells as those can be fatal for the plant. When you over water it, it would not be resilient to the clogged soil, and as a result of its stress, it may die.
3. Daylilies
Daylilies are beautiful perennial plants that are an excellent option for little quick-fire companion planting. They thrive in the same growing conditions and do not compete for space or nutrients with their neighbors.
Daylilies can be accommodated perfectly with hydrangea plants without any hindrance or harm.
– Characteristics
These plants produce abundant flowers from summer all the way to winter months. But their flowers are not the only reason to plant them. Their strapped leaves contrast beautifully with the hydrangea flowers when daylilies are not blooming. They both complement each other in all the best ways.
These beautiful flowering plants are hardy, easy-to-grow, and low-maintenance flowers. These qualities of a perfect plant provide your garden with increased beauty, interest, and appeal without asking for much in return. On another note, they are also flexible to be planted in spring or fall, a few weeks before the frost comes.
These plants can grow very quickly if all these benefits are not enough to make you fall in love with daylilies.
This means you do not need to wait long to see them bloom. However, their fast growth can be a problem in some areas where they are considered invasive. Another thing to keep in mind is that they are toxic to cats, which means you must be mindful about their location.
– Growth Requirements
Daylilies achieve their full potential in areas that receive plenty of sunlight as it helps them produce abundant and healthy flowers.
These plants grow very well in moist soils that drain quickly, because they would be under stress. To elaborate further, excessive moisture can lead to root rot, which would mean that the plant would quickly degenerate.
Ideally, you should consider how they would require a moderate amount of water, but it is necessary to avoid over-watering as it will lead to problems for the plant.
4. Boxwood
Boxwood is a common bush that can be seen everywhere, but it is a high-maintenance plant that requires regular trimming and care to keep them presentable.
This problem is nullified with wintergreen boxwood, a cultivator of boxwood with a slower growth rateth.
– Characteristics
This small, evergreen, lush, bushy foliage is a hardy plant that will hold on its own even in winter. It does not face a lot of issues and does not require much care to remain presentable and attractive.
One thing to avoid is to place it in a windy area that can cause windburn on its leaves. In addition, you should remember to prune it properly, because this way, the plant will grow and have its own unique shape.
Wintergreen boxwood is an impressive plant typically used as a hedge or a border plant. It can be lined around gardens to make a natural boundary for children and pets, especially if you have toxic plants just like this one.
During spring, the foliage will produce small yellow flowers. These flowers have nothing impressive about them, and they are mostly insignificant. But they produce their signature fragrance which will be easily noticed. Due to its hardiness, ease of maintenance, and impressive appearance, wintergreen boxwood is an excellent option for any garden.
– Growth Requirements
Wintergreens like neutral, sandy, moist, and well-draining soils. Ensure there is no water logging, as it can lead to root rot and diseases. On the other hand, also remember that proper trimming will make this plant more presentable and appealing, every once a while when it starts to over grow itself, as the conditions would be met.
Due to its hardiness, wintergreen can survive in various lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Wintergreen needs moderate water when planted, but after they have been established, they only need supplementary watering to survive
5. Decorative Oregano
Oregano is different from many other entries on the list as it is an edible herb rather than a flowering plant and is an excellent hydrangea companion plant.
It is a prevalent herb used primarily in different foods, adding its characteristic flavor to various dishes. Oregano is safe to consume but does not provide an evident health benefit. It’s mainly used to make the flavor a little bit richer.
– Characteristics
The leaves of this herb are olive-green and have purple flowers. As this is a member of a large family of plants, it is closely related to other herbs like thyme and basil. The leaves have a strong taste and a pungent smell. The leave and flowers are also used for making tea and can quickly be grown indoors and outdoors.
The plants start as low-growing but can reach up to two feet in height after maturity. Spring is typically the time of year when you plant the seeds, and it proliferates to provide you with leaves suitable for use in cooking. So you do not have to wait long to use this unique herb.
Oregano can be found as young plants or in the form of seeds, and both forms allow you to grow it in your home, even in a simple pot, they would grow so well, if you wish to grow it near your kitchen to use them in your cooking. They can be sown in indoor pots at the start of the year.
After sowing the seeds, they can be watered and germinated. When the plant is visibly large, pick out these young plants and plant them in a pot of multipurpose composite for further growth. When they thrive in a healthy environment, that is when you can start sensing their aroma filling the area.
– Growth Requirements
Sandy soil with a lot of drainage is the best mixture for growing oregano. A lot of moisture and nutrients may lead to the herb not growing very well as it will in well-draining, slightly dry soil. The soil can be acidic or neutral.
However, most varieties enjoy their time under the full sun as it will help them grow to their full potential, but some types, such as golden oregano, prefer partial shade to avoid leaf scorching.
Lastly, note that the oregano can thrive easily with moderate watering cycles and does not require a lot of water. In fact, soggy soil can lead to root rot and will harm the plant
6. Angel Wings
Angel wings, also known as Tropical Caladium, are an excellent option for a companion plant if you want to make a rainforest or tropical-themed garden.
These plants can grow quickly in many conditions, making them an excellent flexible option. If there are some shady areas in your garden that you would like to fill, angel wings are a great option.
– Charcateristics
Their primary source of attraction is their striking bright foliage with bright red centers. This introduces a beautiful contrast with the foliage of hydrangeas. The leaves of angel wings are also quite large. The plant’s lush green and bright red leaves produce a beautiful tropical scene.
These heat-loving plants are perennials that are the best option if you are looking for a showy and flamboyant house plant as they would add their vibrancy all along the place, especially as a centerpiece plant.
In other words, the large leaves are in the shape of a heart and are paper-thin, which makes them look graceful. They fashion various patterns, including white, pink, green, and red veins and stripes throughout the leaves.
Although their tropical foliage is their best selling point, and most people grow them for this reason, they also produce flowers. These flowers are in the shape of spikes or spathes. However, these flowers cannot overshadow the brilliance of their foliage. These flowers are also toxic, so care must be taken when handling them.
– Growth Requirements
Caladiums grow best in nutrient-rich soil that is moist and drains very quickly. This will help them retain moisture and avoid waterlogging at the same time.
These beautiful plants are among the few ones that do not like to be under the sun, but they prefer to grow in partial shade. The latter is because when they are under some heavy sun, they would get sunburn, and it would weaken the plant, as the leaves start to degenerate.
Overall, they would also require moderate water as it helps them keep the soil moist. However, you should definitely avoid soggy soils and over-watering.
Conclusion
Little quick-fire hydrangea companion plants have a wide variety of options. They include flowering plants, shrubs, tropical foliage, evergreen bushes, and edible plants. This variety helps everyone find something to match their taste and requirements.
If you are planning to get some of these plants in your garden, make sure to keep the following points in mind:
- Different plants have different requirements, but generally, they can survive in the same environment as hydrangea.
- Companion planting allows you to use your garden space fully by planting a diverse cast of flowering plants, edible plants, fruit trees, ornamental grasses, and evergreen shrubs.
- Some plants prefer full sunlight, while others only survive in partial shade, so choose an appropriate spot for every plant.
- Many of these plants do not require much maintenance and survive with little care.
Which one of these companion plants excited you the most, and which ones are you planting in your garden?
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