🎨 AI-generated botanical illustration
🌱 Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
ornamentals
deciduous shrub
Hydrangeaceae
☀️ Sun
partial shade
💧 Water
high
🗺️ Zones
5-9
🧪 Soil pH
5.0-6.5
🪴 Soil Type
rich loam
🚿 Drainage
moist, well-drained
📏 Spacing
36-60 in
📐 Height
3-8 ft
⏱️ Maturity
1-2 years
🤝 Companions (6)
🤝 Astilbe
Feathery blooms contrast with hydrangea mopheads. Same moisture and shade requirements.
🤝 Azalea
Both acid-loving shrubs with complementary bloom times extending the show.
🤝 Camellia
Evergreen backdrop for hydrangea blooms. Both prefer acidic soil.
🤝 Coral Bells
Low-growing color contrast beneath hydrangeas. Shallow roots don't compete.
🤝 Fern
Creates a woodland garden feel. Both thrive in partial shade and moist soil.
🤝 Hosta
Classic shade companions — hosta covers the ground while hydrangea provides structure.
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
⚠️ Cacti/succulents
Completely incompatible water requirements.
⚠️ Lavender
Opposite needs — lavender wants dry, alkaline soil; hydrangea needs moist, acidic soil.
⚠️ Rosemary
Mediterranean herbs need dry, well-drained conditions. Hydrangeas will wilt them.
📝 Growing Notes
Water deeply in summer. Mulch to retain moisture. Prune after flowering. Not for full sun in hot climates.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
Plot Buddies is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our plant recommendations — we only link to retailers we trust.