What Goes Well With Pink Hydrangeas?

Hostas

• Hostas are shade tolerant perennials that are prized for their foliage. Large, gracefully arching leaves come in a variety of textures, shades of green and types of variegation. Hostas' tolerance of shade and coarse textured leaves make it a perfect companion for a filtered-shade-loving hydrangea. Try the cultivar 'Halcyon,' its blue-green leaves and blue-lavender flowers offer a nice contrast to a pink-blossomed hydrangea.

Ferns

• The finely textured fronds of a fern can offer a nice contrast to broad, coarse-leaf hydrangeas. Ferns share the light and soil requirements of hydrangeas as well and will thrive alongside them. The tassel fern, with deep green foliage and shaggy stems, is an ideal complement for any hydrangea, but its fine-toothed fronds match the delicacy of pink blooms best.

Begonias

• House plants no more, the begonia has moved out of the parlor and into the garden. The exotic Begonia pedatifida has jagged, five-lobe leaves and pink flowers. Planted next to the much larger hydrangea, the pink flowers can help create continuity in your garden from the ground up. B. pedatifida can be finicky and will most likely need mulching in colder areas. Begonia grandis is a hardier, but more common variety.

Solomon's Seals

• The evergreen Solomon's seal is an excellent companion to provide interest during a hydrangea's dormant season. These shrubs have gracefully arching stems with bell-shape flowers dangling from their undersides. The fragrant variegated Solomon's seal has creamy stripes along the leaf margins and tiny white flowers with a sweet scent. These plants share the hydrangea's love of rich, moist soil.