Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are an excellent choice for gardeners who want a plant that offers both beauty and low maintenance. With their distinctive, large lobed leaves, showy flowers, and seasonal color transitions, they can easily become the centerpiece of your garden. However, to create a more diverse, visually appealing, and harmonious garden, pairing them with complementary plants can make all the difference.
In this article, we will cover the specific plants you can partner with oakleaf hydrangeas, explain why they work well together, and provide tips on how to better care for both your hydrangeas and their companions.
Why Partner Plants Matter
Choosing the right plants to partner with oakleaf hydrangeas can help create a balanced and cohesive garden design. Companion plants serve many purposes:
- Aesthetic Appeal: The right plants can enhance the beauty of your oakleaf hydrangeas by providing contrast in color, texture, and height.
- Functional Benefits: Some plants improve soil conditions, attract pollinators, or help with water retention. Others might offer shade to keep moisture levels high for your hydrangeas.
- Seasonal Interest: Planting companion species ensures that your garden offers visual appeal year-round, even when the oakleaf hydrangeas are dormant.
The key to successful pairing is to choose plants with similar growing requirements. Oakleaf hydrangeas thrive in partial shade and well-drained, moist soil, so plants that tolerate these conditions make the best partners.
Best Companion Plants for Oakleaf hydrangeas
Hostas
Hostas are popular shade-loving plants with large, lush leaves that pair beautifully with the striking foliage of Oakleaf hydrangeas. Their broad, rounded leaves provide a contrast to the more lobed structure of the hydrangea's leaves, and they come in a wide variety of greens, blues, and variegated colors, adding layers of interest.
Why they pair well: Hostas thrive in similar light conditions (partial shade) and prefer moist, well-drained soil. Their lower height makes them perfect for planting at the base of taller oakleaf hydrangeas.
Ferns
Ferns, particularly varieties like the Japanese Painted Fern or Lady Fern, offer delicate, feathery foliage that contrasts with the bold textures of oakleaf hydrangeas. These plants are shade-tolerant and thrive in the same conditions, making them ideal companions.
Why they pair well: Ferns add softness to the landscape and complement the architectural form of the hydrangea. Their graceful fronds bring elegance to shaded garden areas.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells are low-growing perennials with beautifully colored leaves that range from deep burgundy to lime green. Their small, bell-shaped flowers appear in summer, adding a vertical accent in contrast to the large hydrangea blooms.
Why they pair well: Coral Bells thrive in partial shade and prefer well-draining soil. Their foliage adds a pop of color that enhances the seasonal shifts in Oakleaf hydrangeas.
Astilbe
Astilbe is a shade-loving perennial that produces feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, white, red, and purple. These plants bring soft, fluffy blooms that stand out against the bold hydrangea flowers.
Why they pair well: Astilbe shares the same love for moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Their upright blooms offer a lovely contrast to the cascading panicles of the hydrangea.
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
Japanese Forest Grass is a beautiful, flowing grass that adds texture and movement to your garden. Its graceful, arching form and golden-green foliage pair well with the sturdy structure of oakleaf hydrangeas.
Why they pair well: This ornamental grass thrives in partial shade and complements the hydrangea’s dense, upright form with its low-growing, flowing habit.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding Heart is a classic woodland perennial that produces heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, or red. This plant blooms in early spring, providing color before the hydrangeas start to flower.
Why they pair well: Bleeding Hearts grow well in shaded environments and prefer moist, rich soil. Their early-season blooms help fill the gap before oakleaf hydrangeas hit their peak in summer.
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Virginia Bluebells are charming spring-blooming perennials with blue, bell-shaped flowers. They are perfect for planting in shady areas where hydrangeas also thrive.
Why they pair well: Bluebells bloom in early spring, just as oakleaf hydrangeas are leafing out, providing early color and interest. Their preference for shaded, moist environments makes them a natural companion.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Both Rhododendrons and Azaleas are evergreen shrubs that produce vibrant flowers in spring. Their large, showy blooms and broad leaves provide a rich, contrasting backdrop for oakleaf hydrangeas.
Why they pair well: These shrubs thrive in acidic soil and partial shade, just like Oakleaf hydrangeas. Their evergreen foliage ensures that your garden maintains structure and greenery throughout the year.
Ornamental Grasses
In addition to Japanese Forest Grass, other ornamental grasses such as Fountain Grass (Pennisetum) or Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) can provide contrast and texture. Their airy plumes offer a delightful juxtaposition to the dense, heavy blooms of hydrangeas.
Why they pair well: Ornamental grasses offer movement and texture, thrive in similar soil conditions, and can help soften the look of a garden bed filled with shrubs and perennials.
Boxwood (Buxus)
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub that adds formality and structure to garden beds. Its small, compact form makes it an excellent plant for edging or creating neat borders around your oakleaf hydrangeas.
Why they pair well: Boxwood’s year-round green foliage provides structure in winter when oakleaf hydrangeas lose their leaves. Their tidy shape contrasts nicely with the looser form of the hydrangeas.
How to Plant Companion Plants with Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Light and Soil Considerations
When choosing companion plants for oakleaf hydrangeas, make sure they share the same growing requirements:
- Light: Most companion plants listed here thrive in partial shade, which is ideal for oakleaf hydrangeas. Look for plants that can tolerate a balance of morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
- Soil: Ensure your soil is well-drained but retains moisture. Adding organic material such as compost can improve soil structure and fertility.
Spacing and Layering
Oakleaf hydrangeas can grow quite large, so it’s essential to leave enough space between plants. When designing your garden:
- Layering: Place shorter plants like Coral Bells and Bleeding Hearts toward the front, mid-height plants like ferns and Astilbe in the middle, and the taller Oakleaf hydrangeas toward the back.
- Spacing: Provide enough space for air circulation, as poor airflow can lead to disease. Oakleaf hydrangeas should be planted 5 to 6 feet apart, while smaller companion plants can be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart depending on their mature size.
Tips for Better Care of Oakleaf Hydrangeas and Their Companion Plants
Once your garden is planted, the next step is to care for it properly. Here are some care tips for both oakleaf hydrangeas and their companion plants:
Watering Practices
Both oakleaf hydrangeas and many companion plants need consistent moisture, especially during their first growing season. Aim to:
- Water deeply once or twice a week, keeping the soil uniformly moist.
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Well-drained soil is essential.
Mulching for Moisture Retention and Weed Control
Mulching is one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy garden:
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, around the base of plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from the stems of oakleaf hydrangeas and other plants to prevent rot.
Pruning Oakleaf Hydrangeas and Companion Plants
Pruning keeps your garden looking neat and promotes healthy growth:
- Hydrangeas: Prune oakleaf hydrangeas right after they finish blooming in late summer. Remove any dead or broken branches, and shape the shrub as needed.
- Companion Plants: Many companion plants, such as ferns and Coral Bells, require minimal pruning. Remove any dead or damaged foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
Most of the plants discussed here are not heavy feeders, but they can benefit from an annual application of fertilizer:
- In early spring, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and flowers.
- Avoid over-fertilization, which can result in excessive leaf development at the expense of flowers.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Oakleaf hydrangeas and many of their companion plants are relatively pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for common issues:
- Hydrangeas: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Prune for better air circulation, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests become a problem.
- Companion Plants: Slugs and snails may be attracted to Hostas and ferns. Use organic deterrents like crushed eggshells or copper barriers to protect plants.
Oakleaf hydrangeas are a stunning addition to any garden. When paired with the right companion plants, they can create a rich, layered landscape full of texture, color, and seasonal interest. By choosing plants like Hostas, ferns, and Astilbe, and ensuring proper care with consistent watering, mulching, and pruning, you can build a thriving garden that enhances the beauty of your oakleaf hydrangeas.
The combination of these plants not only adds to the visual appeal of your garden but also supports the health of your plants by creating a balanced ecosystem. By following the tips outlined in this article, your oakleaf hydrangeas and their partners will thrive, providing you with a stunning, low-maintenance garden for years to come.
