What to Plant With Oakleaf Hydrangea to Maximize Aesthetic Appeal
What to Plant With Oakleaf Hydrangea?
When planting with Oakleaf Hydrangea, you have a variety of options.
Some companion plants that can complement the Oakleaf Hydrangea include coneflower, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, feather reed grass, blue fescue, tufted hairgrass, Japanese maple, dogwood tree, redbud tree, American beech tree, white ash tree, tulip poplar tree, barberry bush, dwarf burning bush, and boxwood shrub.
These plants can provide a mix of colors, textures, and heights that create a visually appealing and well-rounded garden.
Key Points:
- Oakleaf Hydrangea can be paired with a variety of companion plants.
- Recommended companion plants include coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and coreopsis.
- Other suitable options are feather reed grass, blue fescue, and tufted hairgrass.
- Trees such as Japanese maple, dogwood, and redbud can also complement Oakleaf Hydrangea.
- The garden can be further enhanced with American beech, white ash, and tulip poplar trees.
- Additional options include barberry bushes, dwarf burning bushes, and boxwood shrubs.
Did You Know?
1. Oakleaf hydrangea, a native species of hydrangea, was first discovered by the famous botanist, André Michaux, in the early 19th century while he was exploring the southeastern United States.
2. When planting with oakleaf hydrangea, consider adding azaleas to your garden. Azaleas share the same acidic soil preferences as oakleaf hydrangeas and create a stunning color combination when blooming together.
3. Oakleaf hydrangeas are known for their striking foliage, which turns a deep burgundy or bronze color in the fall. To enhance this autumn display, consider planting ornamental grasses such as switchgrass or maiden grass nearby, as their golden or silvery plumes complement the hydrangea’s fall colors.
4. While oakleaf hydrangeas prefer partial shade, they can tolerate full sun if provided with sufficient moisture. Pairing them with Virginia sweetspires (Itea virginica) can be a great option, as these shrubs are also shade-tolerant and produce beautiful white flowers in late spring to early summer.
5. To add some visual interest to your oakleaf hydrangea planting, consider companion plants with contrasting foliage colors. For example, planting hostas with their lush, green leaves or heuchera (coral bells) with their vibrant red or purple foliage can create a stunning contrast against the oakleaf hydrangea’s large, oak-shaped leaves.
Coneflower
Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are a perfect companion plant for Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) due to their vibrant colors and stunning flower heads. These perennials are native to North America and bring a touch of wild beauty to any garden. With their contrasting colors against the oakleaf hydrangea’s white flowers, coneflowers create a captivating and eye-catching display.
In addition to their visual appeal, coneflowers also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in your garden. They are drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy gardeners.
- Plant coneflowers along the borders of your oakleaf hydrangea bed
- Intersperse them for a more natural and wild look.
“Coneflowers are a perfect companion plant for Oakleaf Hydrangea due to their vibrant colors and stunning flower heads. They attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity. Coneflowers are drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance.”
Black-Eyed Susan
Another fantastic plant to pair with oakleaf hydrangea is the Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Known for their bright yellow petals and dark centers, these perennials create a stunning contrast against the oakleaf hydrangea’s white blooms.
- Black-Eyed Susans are easy to grow and require little care, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- They are known for their ability to attract butterflies, bees, and birds, adding life and movement to your garden.
- With their long bloom time, they provide continuous color throughout the summer and into fall, extending the beauty of your oakleaf hydrangea bed.
- Plant them in clusters or as a border around your hydrangea for a spectacular and dynamic display.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) is a beautiful native perennial that complements the oakleaf hydrangea with its vibrant and sunny flowers. With its delicate foliage and daisy-like flowers in shades of red, yellow, and pink, coreopsis adds a touch of elegance and charm to any garden. It pairs well with oakleaf hydrangeas, creating a harmonious blend of colors and textures.
Aside from their ornamental value, coreopsis is a highly beneficial plant for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies. They are also low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking for easy-to-grow plants. Add coreopsis to your oakleaf hydrangea bed for a burst of color and a thriving ecosystem.
Feather Reed Grass
Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is a versatile ornamental grass that beautifully complements the delicate beauty of the oakleaf hydrangea. With its feathery plumes and slender foliage, this grass adds texture and movement to the garden, creating a dynamic contrast with the hydrangea’s large, lush leaves.
This grass thrives in almost any soil and is resistant to diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance choice for your garden. Its upright form and graceful movement in the wind make it an excellent option for creating borders or hedges around your oakleaf hydrangea bed. It becomes a focal point that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your garden.
Moreover, the soft and muted tones of Feather Reed Grass act as a beautiful backdrop, allowing the hydrangea’s showy flowers to take center stage, further enhancing the visual impact. Consider incorporating this graceful grass into your garden to add a touch of elegance and visual interest.
Blue Fescue
Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) is a small ornamental grass that adds a cool and soothing element to your oakleaf hydrangea bed. With its dense tufts of blue-gray foliage, it creates a striking contrast against the hydrangea’s white blooms. This low-growing perennial is ideal for edging, rock gardens, or as a ground cover, forming beautiful mounds of blue-green color.
Blue Fescue is incredibly low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it suitable for various garden conditions. Its compact size and neat appearance make it a perfect companion for oakleaf hydrangeas. Plant Blue Fescue along the borders of your hydrangea bed or intersperse it throughout for a cohesive and visually pleasing display.
To maximize the aesthetic appeal of your oakleaf hydrangea, consider planting companion plants such as coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, coreopsis, feather reed grass, and blue fescue. These plants not only enhance the beauty of your hydrangea but also attract pollinators and create a harmonious and diverse garden. Experiment with different combinations and placements to create a unique and breathtaking landscape that will be the envy of all who see it.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does oakleaf hydrangea grow best?
Oakleaf hydrangea thrives in a variety of environments, but it is particularly well-suited to organically rich soils that provide ample drainage and moderate moisture. It exhibits remarkable adaptability, flourishing in both full sun and partial shade. To maintain optimal soil moisture, the plant benefits from the addition of mulch during the summer months. Its blooming season typically spans from mid spring to early summer, requiring an adequate amount of sunlight to showcase its beautiful flowers.
What is the best plant food for oakleaf hydrangeas?
To ensure optimal growth and vibrant blooms, oakleaf hydrangeas thrive when fed a balanced fertilizer with flower-enhancing properties. One excellent option for nourishing these plants is Pennington UltraGreen Color Blooms & Bulbs Plant Food 15-10-10. Applying this fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer will provide the necessary nutrients to support the oakleaf hydrangea’s growth and enhance its natural beauty.
What is the best evergreen to plant with hydrangeas?
One excellent evergreen to plant alongside hydrangeas is the Yewtopia® Plum Yew. This stunning plant not only adds a strong vertical accent to the garden but also maintains its evergreen foliage throughout the year. Another fantastic option to consider is the ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia, a compact shrub that offers delicate, textured foliage. Its feathery leaves create a beautiful contrast to the wide leaves of hydrangeas, adding an elegant touch to the overall aesthetic. For those seeking a more formal look, Baby Gem™ boxwoods could be an ideal choice, as their compact nature and dense foliage create a polished and refined appearance among hydrangeas.
What pollinates oakleaf hydrangea?
Oakleaf Hydrangea, a native North American plant, relies on a variety of pollinators to ensure successful reproduction. Its beautiful flowers serve as a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which carry pollen from one flower to another, facilitating the fertilization process. As these insects flit from one flower to the next, they inadvertently transfer the plant’s genetic material, allowing for the production of new seeds, which in turn provide vital nourishment for songbirds. This symbiotic relationship between Oakleaf Hydrangea and its diverse array of pollinators ensures the species’ survival and contributes to a thriving ecosystem.