Low Plants to Plant in Front of Hydrangeas

Ground Covers

• Ground covers are an ideal companion plant for hydrangea because they help conserve the soil moisture. Hydrangea are thirsty plants that require moist soil and frequent watering, although once they are established they do not require as much water as they do during the first several years of their lives. Ajuga, Irish moss, vinca and sweet woodruff are all good choices for low-growing ground cover plants to grow in front of hydrangeas.

Bulbs

• Daffodils, crocus, snowdrops, daylilies and winter aconite easily naturalize in the garden, making it easy to get the bulbs to grow right around the base of the hydrangea without harming the roots. Many bulbs prefer being divided every three to four years; however, it is important that you do not dig the bulbs that grow in the root system of the hydrangea. Be sure to plant both spring and fall blooming crocus for maximum effect. Growing a ground cover plant over the top of the bulbs is recommended.

Perennials

• Lungwort, hosta, heuchera, coneflower, Jack-in-the-pulpit, columbine, some varieties of ferns and toad lily are low-growing perennial plants that look good grown in combination with hydrangea. A perennial plant is one that comes back from its own root system year after year. Select perennials that spread easily to create a natural looking appearance in the garden. Hydrangeas look at home in a woodland setting, and even though some varieties prefer full sun, they seem to wilt less when they are grown in part shade.

Annuals

• Impatiens, torenia, begonia, wave petunia and verbena are annual plants that bloom all summer long, bringing color to the garden. An annual plant is one that grows, flowers, sets seed and dies in one growing season, so these plants will need to be replaced every year. Annual plants work well as filler plants that you can plant to block weeds while you are waiting on the perennial plants to grow. Consider the color of the hydrangea blooms and the color of the flowers on the annual plants you choose to make sure they either harmonize or contrast nicely.