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Hydrangeas make some of the most beautiful container plants you can grow but a pot with only one hydrangea can look a little plain. In my own container garden (mostly a mix of terrace and patio pots), I’ve experimented with countless combinations to figure out what to plant with hydrangeas in pots that looks great, stays healthy, and doesn’t compete for water.
Hydrangeas are thirsty, heavy-feeding shrubs, so the key is choosing companion plants that can handle regular moisture and partial sun while complementing the hydrangea’s large, showy blooms. After years of trial and real-world results, here are the BEST plants to pair with hydrangeas in containers plus design tips that actually work in small spaces.
Why These Companion Plants Work
Hydrangeas in pots need:
- Consistent moisture
- Large, sturdy containers
- Rich, well-draining potting mix
- Partial sun or dappled shade (varies by type)
- Companions with similar watering needs
Good container companions should:
- Thrive in evenly moist soil
- Not outgrow or overshadow the hydrangea
- Offer contrasting texture, color, or form
- Handle root competition without sulking
In real container gardens, light and watering frequency matter more than fancy design rules.
What Materials You’ll Need
- Potting mix (not garden soil)
- Large pot (18–22 inches minimum)
- Mulch or decorative top dressing
- Hydrangea (Bigleaf, Panicle, or Dwarf varieties work best)
- Companion plants from lists below
- Slow-release fertilizer
- Watering can or drip attachment
Eco note: Avoid peat-heavy mixes coconut coir or compost-based mixes hold moisture better for hydrangeas.
Best Plants to Grow With Hydrangeas in Pots
Below are dependable “thrillers, fillers, and spillers” that pair beautifully with container-grown hydrangeas.
THRILLERS (Tall Plants for Height)
1. Dracaena Spike (Cordyline sp.)
Provides upright structure without stealing too much root space. Perfect for large patio containers.
2. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
Soft, moundy, glowing movement that contrasts hydrangea blooms. Loves regular moisture.
3. Dwarf Boxwood
Adds evergreen structure that looks good all year. Great for formal or modern containers.
FILLERS (Plants That Add Color + Texture Around the Hydrangea)
1. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Best real-world option I’ve found. Why:
- Loves moisture
- Wide leaf colors (burgundy, lime, caramel)
- Compact habit doesn’t crowd roots
2. Hostas
Reliable under hydrangeas when the pot gets afternoon shade. Large leaves contrast perfectly with hydrangea blooms.
3. Astilbe
Ideal for part shade containers. Adds feather-like summer blooms and handles moist soil very well.
4. Ferns (Autumn Fern, Japanese Painted Fern)
Cool, elegant foliage for shade-loving hydrangeas. Stay lush all season.
5. Begonias (Tuberous or Dragon Wing)
If your pot gets part shade, these provide vibrant color without competing.
SPILLERS (Plants That Trail Over the Pot)
1. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Bright chartreuse foliage that lights up the pot. Thrives in wet soil—perfect match for hydrangeas.
2. Sweet Potato Vine
Fast growing with big trailing impact. Choose compact varieties to avoid overwhelming the hydrangea.
3. English Ivy (Noninvasive cultivars)
Evergreen trailing plant that looks polished year-round.
4. Bacopa
Small white or blue flowers that bloom nonstop. Likes moisture, so it pairs beautifully.
5. Lamium (Deadnettle)
For shade pots only lovely foliage and gentle trailing habit.
Best Planting Combinations (Tested in Real Containers)
1. Romantic & Classic
- Hydrangea (pink or white)
- Heuchera (burgundy)
- Bacopa (white trailing)
- Fern for soft texture
2. Shade-Loving Woodland Pot
- Hydrangea macrophylla
- Hostas
- Japanese painted fern
- Creeping Jenny
3. Bold & Modern
- White or lime hydrangea
- Dwarf boxwood
- Black mondo grass
- Sweet potato vine (deep purple)
4. Summer Cottage Garden Pot
- Hydrangea
- Tuberous begonias
- Heuchera (lime)
- Trailing lamium
Professional Tips for Planting Hydrangeas in Pots
Choose a BIG pot
Hydrangeas hate small containers. A minimum of 18–22 inches diameter keeps soil moisture stable.
Mulch the surface
Hydrangeas dry out fast in pots mulch helps dramatically.
Water deeply and regularly
In summer, daily watering may be needed depending on heat.
Use shade-tolerant companions for macrophylla hydrangeas
Pink/blue hydrangeas struggle in full sun when grown in pots.
Use sun-loving companions for panicle hydrangeas
Limelight, Little Lime, Bobo, etc., can tolerate more sun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing drought-tolerant plants (lavender, rosemary, succulents)
- Using plants that grow too aggressively in pots
- Putting sun-loving companions with shade hydrangeas
- Using garden soil instead of potting mix
- Forgetting drainage holes (hydrangeas cannot sit in stagnant water)
FAQ
1. Can you mix annuals with hydrangeas in a pot? Absolutely annuals like begonias, bacopa, and coleus work beautifully.
2. Can you plant ivy with hydrangeas in containers? Yes, as long as you choose a noninvasive, slow-growing form.
3. Do hydrangeas like crowded pots? No leave space for good airflow and root circulation.
4. What colors pair well with blue hydrangeas? Silver foliage, white flowers, and burgundy leaves look stunning.
5. Can I overwinter hydrangeas in pots? Yes insulate the pot or move it to a sheltered area if you live in a cold zone.
Conclusion
Choosing the right plants to grow with hydrangeas in pots can transform a simple container into a lush, full, season-long display. Look for moisture-loving fillers like heucheras and hostas, shade-friendly ferns, bold thrillers like forest grass, and spillers such as Creeping Jenny or bacopa to finish the look.
With the right combinations, your hydrangea containers will stay beautiful not just in bloom season, but all summer and even into fall.
If you want, I can design a custom hydrangea container recipe based on your sun exposure, pot size, and hydrangea type.