What to Plant Under Hydrangea Tree: Tips and Ideas

Choosing the right plants to grow under a hydrangea tree can be challenging when gardening. While hydrangeas are beautiful and can add visual interest to your garden, the space beneath them can be tricky to work with. The shade and root competition can make it difficult for other plants to thrive, but with the right choices, you can create a lush and vibrant garden bed that complements your hydrangea tree.

One of the key things to remember when selecting plants to grow under a hydrangea tree is the amount of sunlight they will receive. Most hydrangeas prefer partial shade, so choosing plants that can tolerate these conditions is important. Additionally, the roots of the hydrangea tree can be quite extensive, so it’s best to choose plants with shallow root systems or that can tolerate competition from the hydrangea roots.

Fortunately, many beautiful and hardy plants can thrive under a hydrangea tree. From low-growing groundcovers to colorful perennials, there are plenty of options. By selecting plants that are well-suited to the conditions under your hydrangea tree, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden bed that will enhance the overall look of your landscape.

Considerations for Planting Under a Hydrangea Tree

When it comes to planting under a hydrangea tree, there are a few important considerations to remember. Here are some key factors to consider:

Soil Type and Moisture Requirements

Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. When planting under a hydrangea tree, choosing plants with similar soil requirements is important. Some good options include ferns, hostas, and astilbes. These plants all prefer moist soil and can thrive in the shade provided by the hydrangea tree.

It’s also important to avoid planting anything too close to the hydrangea tree’s roots, as this can compete with the tree for water and nutrients. Instead, choose plants that can be planted further away from the tree’s base.

Light and Shade Tolerance

Hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, so choosing plants that can tolerate similar light conditions is important. Some good options include impatiens, begonias, and coleus. These plants can add color to the area under the hydrangea tree while thriving in the shade.

It’s also important to consider the amount of shade the hydrangea tree provides. If the tree is very dense and provides a lot of shade, it may be difficult to find plants that thrive in such low-light conditions. In these cases, it may be best to focus on plants tolerant of dappled shade or partial sun.

Companion Plants for Hydrangeas

When choosing plants to plant under a hydrangea tree, it’s also important to consider the hydrangea’s companions. As mentioned earlier, some good options include ferns, hostas, and astilbes. These plants can complement the hydrangea tree’s foliage while thriving in similar conditions.

Other good options include small trees like dogwoods or shrubs like azaleas. These plants can provide additional height and interest to the area under the hydrangea tree while also complementing the hydrangea’s blooms.

Ultimately, the key to planting under a hydrangea tree is to choose plants that can thrive in similar growing conditions while also complementing the beauty of the hydrangea tree itself.

Plants That Thrive Under Hydrangea Trees

Hydrangea trees are beautiful additions to any garden but can create a challenging growing environment for other plants. The shade and root competition can make it difficult for many plants to thrive. However, there are some plants that can tolerate these conditions and even benefit from growing under hydrangea trees. Here are some of the best options:

Ferns

Ferns are an excellent choice for planting under hydrangea trees. They are shade-loving plants that thrive in moist soil, making them a perfect match for the growing conditions created by hydrangea trees. Some popular fern varieties include:

●  Maidenhair Fern

●  Japanese Painted Fern

●  Ostrich Fern

Hostas

Hostas are another great option for planting under hydrangea trees. They are shade-tolerant and can handle the competition from hydrangea tree roots. Hostas come in various sizes and colors, making them versatile for any garden. Some popular hosta varieties include:

●  Blue Angel

●  Golden Tiara

●  Patriot

Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are a beautiful option for planting under hydrangea trees. They have delicate, heart-shaped flowers that add a touch of whimsy to any garden. Bleeding hearts prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them a great match for the growing conditions under hydrangea trees.

Astilbes

Astilbes are another shade-loving plant that can thrive under hydrangea trees. They have feathery plumes of flowers that come in various colors, including pink, white, and red. Astilbes prefer moist soil, so they are an excellent choice for the growing conditions of hydrangea trees.

Columbines

Columbines are a beautiful and unique option for planting under hydrangea trees. They have delicate, bell-shaped flowers in various colors, including pink, purple, and blue. In addition, columbines prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them a great match for the growing conditions under hydrangea trees.

Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, is a shade-loving plant that can thrive under hydrangea trees. They have colorful foliage in various shades, including green, purple, and bronze. Heucheras prefer moist soil, so they are an excellent choice for the growing conditions of hydrangea trees.

Lamiums

Lamiums, also known as dead nettles, are shade-tolerant plants that can handle the competition from hydrangea tree roots. They have variegated foliage and delicate flowers that come in shades of pink and purple. Lamiums prefer moist soil, making them a great match for the growing conditions under hydrangea trees.

Tiarellas

Tiarellas, or foamflowers, are shade-loving plants that can thrive under hydrangea trees. They have delicate flowers that come in shades of pink and white. Tiarellas prefer moist soil, so they are an excellent choice for the growing conditions created by hydrangea trees.

Heucherellas

Heucherellas, also known as foamy bells, is a shade-loving plant that can handle the competition from hydrangea tree roots. They have colorful foliage in shades of green, purple, and bronze. Heucherellas prefer moist soil, making them a great match for the growing conditions under hydrangea trees.

Plants to Avoid Planting Under Hydrangea Trees

While hydrangeas are stunning plants that can add beauty and elegance to any garden, choosing the right plants to grow under them is crucial. Here are some plants that should be avoided when planting under hydrangea trees:

Plants That Compete for Water and Nutrients

Hydrangeas are known for being heavy feeders, requiring a lot of water and nutrients to grow and thrive. Therefore, it’s best to avoid planting plants that compete with hydrangeas for these resources. Some plants that should be avoided include:

●  Grasses

●  Large shrubs

●  Trees

●  Vegetables

These plants can remove the water and nutrients that hydrangeas need to grow, leading to stunted growth and poor health.

Plants That Prefer Full Sun

Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and don’t do well in areas that receive full sun. Therefore, it’s best to avoid planting plants that require full sun under hydrangea trees. Some plants that should be avoided include:

●  Roses

●  Tomatoes

●  Peppers

●  Marigolds

These plants require full sun to grow and thrive, and they won’t do well under the shade of a hydrangea tree.

By avoiding these plants, gardeners can ensure their hydrangea trees have the best chance of growing and thriving. Instead, they should choose plants that complement hydrangeas and don’t compete with them for resources.