Complete Gardening
Have you ever paused to marvel at the effortless beauty of hydrangeas, their lush blooms so full and vibrant they seem almost surreal?
It’s not just their shape or size but their remarkable ability to shift colors, from soft pinks to deep blues, all thanks to the alchemy of the soil beneath them.
If you’re a true hydrangea lover, you know that these flowers have a way of capturing your imagination and leaving you wanting more. But what if I told you there’s an entire world of equally enchanting blooms waiting to be discovered?
Flowers that carry their own unique stories, colors, and personalities, ready to breathe new life into your garden.
In this guide, we’ll dive into 34 flowers that hydrangea enthusiasts are bound to fall in love with. Whether you’re looking to transform your garden or just spark some floral inspiration, these botanical wonders are about to become your new favorites.
1. Rhododendrons
If you’re drawn to the lushness of hydrangeas, rhododendrons are a natural next step. These evergreen shrubs burst into vibrant blooms that can rival even the showiest hydrangea.
With their large, bell-shaped flowers clustered in trusses, they add dramatic flair to any garden. Rhododendrons thrive in acidic soil, much like hydrangeas, and prefer partial shade, making them compatible companions.
Their foliage provides year-round interest, and some varieties offer striking colors in both flowers and leaves. Whether you choose a dwarf variety for a small space or a towering shrub for a statement piece, rhododendrons can adapt to your garden’s needs.
2. Azaleas
Closely related to rhododendrons, azaleas offer a more delicate bloom but no less captivating. Their funnel-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to vivid reds and oranges.
Azaleas bloom profusely in spring, providing a burst of color that complements the hydrangea’s summer show. They also prefer similar soil conditions, making garden planning a breeze.
Evergreen varieties ensure that your garden remains visually appealing even when not in bloom. With proper pruning, azaleas can maintain a compact shape, making them suitable for borders or as foundation plants.
3. Peonies
Peonies are the aristocrats of the flower world, boasting large, lush blooms that can make any gardener swoon. Their fragrant, multi-petaled flowers resemble the fullness of hydrangea clusters but come with the added bonus of an intoxicating scent.
Peonies are perennial and can live for decades, becoming more impressive each year, a worthwhile investment for any hydrangea enthusiast. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, require minimal maintenance.
Whether you opt for herbaceous peonies or tree peonies, their presence in the garden is nothing short of spectacular.
4. Camellias
If you love hydrangeas for their elegance, camellias won’t disappoint. These evergreen shrubs produce exquisite, rose-like flowers that bloom in the cooler months, offering color when the rest of the garden may be dormant.
With shades ranging from pure white to deep red, camellias can extend the beauty of your garden beyond the hydrangea season. They thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and prefer partial shade, similar to hydrangeas.
Their glossy, dark green foliage provides a stunning backdrop for the blooms and adds year-round structure to the garden.
5. Lilacs
Lilacs are renowned for their intoxicating fragrance and clusters of tiny flowers, which can resemble the panicle hydrangea’s blooms. They thrive in cooler climates and bloom in spring, providing an early-season show of color and scent.
For those who appreciate the sensory experience hydrangeas provide, lilacs are a must-have. They prefer full sun and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. With proper pruning, lilacs can maintain a manageable size and produce more abundant blooms.
Their heart-shaped leaves add to their charm, making them a beloved addition to any garden.
6. Viburnums
Viburnums are a diverse group of shrubs offering both ornamental flowers and colorful berries. The snowball viburnum, in particular, produces large, spherical clusters of white flowers that closely mimic the classic hydrangea bloom.
These shrubs are hardy and adaptable, making them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking hydrangea-like beauty with less fuss. Viburnums can tolerate a range of soil conditions and are resistant to many common pests and diseases.
Some varieties also offer vibrant fall foliage and berries that attract wildlife, adding ecological value to your garden.
7. Gardenias
Gardenias are famous for their creamy white flowers and intoxicating fragrance. While they may require a bit more care, their glossy evergreen leaves and stunning blooms make them worth the effort.
Gardenias prefer acidic soil and partial shade, aligning well with hydrangea care requirements. They’re sensitive to cold temperatures and may need protection in cooler climates.
Regular feeding and proper watering are essential to keep gardenias healthy. Their exquisite beauty and scent make them a rewarding challenge for dedicated gardeners.
8. Roses
For those who appreciate the romantic allure of hydrangeas, roses offer endless possibilities. With thousands of varieties available, you can find roses that match the color and form you’re drawn to.
Climbing roses, shrub roses, or even ground cover varieties can complement hydrangeas in the garden, adding layers of texture and color. Roses require full sun and well-drained soil, along with regular feeding and pruning.
While they may demand more attention, the payoff is a garden filled with classic beauty and fragrance.
9. Wisteria
Wisteria vines produce cascading clusters of fragrant flowers, often in shades of purple, blue, or white. Their dramatic draping blooms can transform a pergola or trellis into a floral spectacle.
Like hydrangeas, wisteria offers a sense of lush abundance, making it a captivating addition for those who love showy flowers. Wisteria requires strong support structures and regular pruning to control its vigorous growth.
It’s a plant that rewards patience, as it may take several years to bloom, but once it does, it’s truly a sight to behold.
10. Clematis
Clematis is known as the “queen of climbers,” and for good reason. With large, star-shaped flowers, clematis vines can add vertical interest to your garden.
They bloom at various times depending on the variety, allowing you to extend your garden’s flowering season. Pairing clematis with hydrangeas can create a dynamic duo of color and form.
Clematis prefers its roots in the shade and its foliage in the sun, so mulching and careful placement are important. With proper care, clematis can provide years of spectacular blooms.
11. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Beautyberry shrubs are named for their striking clusters of metallic purple berries that adorn the branches in fall. Small pink flowers bloom in summer, but the berries are the main attraction.
Beautyberry prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The vivid berries provide a pop of color in the autumn landscape and are a food source for birds.
12. Dogwood
Dogwoods offer both spring blossoms and attractive foliage, providing multi-season interest. Their four-petaled flowers are simple yet elegant, and some varieties produce striking red or purple leaves in the fall.
For those who appreciate the seasonal versatility of hydrangeas, dogwoods offer a complementary charm. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade.
Some species also produce ornamental berries that attract birds, adding wildlife appeal to your garden.
13. Magnolia
Magnolias are known for their large, fragrant flowers that can range from pure white to deep pink. These trees or large shrubs make a bold statement in any garden.
Their early spring blooms can precede hydrangeas, ensuring your garden is filled with showy flowers throughout the growing season. Magnolias prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Their broad, glossy leaves and distinctive form add architectural interest even when not in bloom.
14. Foxglove
For a touch of cottage garden charm, foxgloves offer tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers. Their vertical form contrasts nicely with the rounded shapes of hydrangea blooms.
Foxgloves are biennial or short-lived perennials but readily self-seed, providing an ongoing presence in your garden.
They thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Caution is advised, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so they may not be suitable for gardens frequented by pets or children.
15. Delphinium
Delphiniums provide towering spires of densely packed flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Their majestic height and vibrant colors can create a striking backdrop for hydrangeas.
Delphiniums prefer cool climates and rich, well-drained soil, similar to hydrangeas. They require staking due to their height and are susceptible to pests like slugs and snails. With attentive care, delphiniums can be a show-stopping addition to your garden.
16. Astilbe
Astilbes offer feathery plumes of flowers that can brighten up shady spots in your garden. Their soft, airy blooms contrast beautifully with the bold clusters of hydrangeas.
Available in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, astilbes are shade-loving perennials that thrive in moist, well-drained soil. They are low-maintenance and can tolerate wetter conditions than many other perennials, making them versatile for various garden areas.
17. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
As the name suggests, butterfly bushes attract pollinators with their fragrant, elongated clusters of tiny flowers. Blooming from summer to fall, they provide continuous color when hydrangeas are in their prime.
Butterfly bushes are hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance addition. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Regular deadheading can promote more blooms and prevent unwanted seeding.
18. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
Crape myrtles are small trees or shrubs that offer vibrant summer blooms and striking bark in the winter. Their clusters of flowers come in shades of pink, red, purple, and white.
For those who love the long-lasting blooms of hydrangeas, crape myrtles extend the floral display into the hotter months.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and are relatively drought-tolerant. Their peeling bark adds winter interest, making them a multi-season asset.
19. Dahlias
Dahlias are known for their incredible variety in form and color. From small pom-poms to large dinner-plate varieties, their blooms can rival hydrangeas in size and impact.
Dahlias are tuberous perennials in warmer climates but are often treated as annuals in cooler areas, where the tubers can be lifted and stored over winter. They prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
Regular feeding and deadheading can prolong their blooming period, which lasts from mid-summer until the first frost.
20. Alliums
Alliums, or ornamental onions, produce spherical clusters of tiny flowers atop tall stems. Their unique shape adds architectural interest to the garden.
Blooming in late spring to early summer, they can fill the gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials like hydrangeas. Alliums are easy to grow, requiring well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
They are also deer and rodent resistant, making them a practical choice for gardens prone to wildlife visitors.
21. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding hearts are beloved for their unique, heart-shaped flowers that dangle elegantly from arching stems. Blooming in shades of pink and white during spring, they add a touch of whimsy to shaded garden areas.
These perennials thrive in partial to full shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Their delicate, fern-like foliage complements the bold leaves of hydrangeas, making them excellent companions in a woodland garden setting.
22. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
Ninebark is a hardy shrub known for its exfoliating bark, which peels back in layers to reveal multiple colors, hence the name.
It produces clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers in late spring to early summer, similar in appearance to some hydrangea varieties. The foliage ranges from deep burgundy to golden hues, depending on the cultivar.
Ninebark is adaptable to various soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden.
23. Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
Mock orange shrubs are cherished for their abundant, citrus-scented white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The blossoms resemble those of hydrangeas in their clustered formation.
Mock orange thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its sweet fragrance and attractive blooms make it a delightful addition near patios or walkways where the scent can be enjoyed up close.
24. Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Sweetspire is a versatile shrub offering fragrant, drooping racemes of white flowers in late spring to early summer. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
In the fall, its foliage turns brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, providing multi-season interest. Sweetspire’s adaptability makes it suitable for a variety of garden settings, from borders to mass plantings.
25. Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’)
While still a hydrangea, the ‘Annabelle’ variety deserves special mention. It produces enormous, rounded clusters of white flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter.
Blooming from early summer to fall, ‘Annabelle’ offers a prolonged display of stunning blossoms. It thrives in partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. The sturdy stems support the large blooms well, reducing the need for staking.
26. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)
Japanese anemones bring late-season color to the garden with their delicate, poppy-like flowers in shades of pink and white. Blooming from late summer into fall, they bridge the gap between summer and autumn blooms.
These perennials prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Their graceful flower stalks can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet, adding vertical interest alongside hydrangeas.
27. Spirea (Spiraea spp.)
Spirea shrubs are known for their clusters of tiny flowers that create a frothy appearance when in full bloom. Flower colors range from white to pink and red, depending on the species and cultivar.
Spirea is hardy and adaptable, thriving in full sun to partial shade and tolerating a variety of soil types. Its compact size makes it suitable for borders, hedges, or as a foundation planting.
28. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral bells offer attractive, ruffled foliage in a spectrum of colors, from deep purple to lime green, and delicate flower spikes that rise above the leaves.
Blooming in late spring to early summer, they prefer partial shade and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Their vibrant foliage provides excellent contrast to the larger leaves of hydrangeas, adding depth and texture to your garden.
29. Weigela (Weigela florida)
Weigela shrubs produce trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white during late spring and often rebloom in the summer. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Newer cultivars offer colorful foliage, including variegated and deep burgundy leaves. Weigela’s arching branches and prolific blooms make it a showy addition that complements the fullness of hydrangeas.
30. Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Hardy hibiscus plants are prized for their enormous, tropical-looking flowers that can measure up to 12 inches across. Blooming in mid to late summer, their flowers come in shades of red, pink, and white.
They prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Despite their exotic appearance, hardy hibiscus is winter-hardy and can return year after year, adding a dramatic flair to your garden.
31. Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)
Japanese pieris is an evergreen shrub featuring drooping clusters of bell-shaped white or pink flowers in early spring. New foliage often emerges with a red or bronze tint before maturing to deep green, providing seasonal interest.
It thrives in partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil, much like hydrangeas. The shrub’s elegant form and year-round foliage make it a valuable addition to shaded garden areas.
32. Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)
Summersweet is a deciduous shrub that produces fragrant, bottlebrush-like white or pink flowers in mid to late summer. It prefers moist, acidic soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
Summersweet is also salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal gardens. Its sweetly scented flowers attract butterflies and bees, enhancing the ecological value of your garden.
33. Deutzia (Deutzia gracilis)
Deutzia is a compact shrub known for its profusion of small, star-shaped white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Deutzia’s graceful, arching branches and abundant blooms make it an excellent choice for borders and mass plantings, complementing the form and texture of hydrangeas.
34. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus)
While not as showy in flower as some other plants, snowberry offers unique ornamental berries that persist into winter. The small pink flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, giving way to clusters of white berries in the fall.
Snowberry thrives in partial shade to full sun and tolerates a range of soil conditions. Its berries provide food for birds, adding wildlife interest to your garden.
If you plant these additional flowers into your garden, you can enrich its diversity and aesthetic appeal. Each plant offers unique features, be it fragrant blooms, striking foliage, or ornamental berries, that can complement the hydrangeas you love.
Expanding your plant selection not only enhances the visual tapestry of your garden but also supports a wider range of pollinators and wildlife.
Remember, the key to a thriving garden is choosing plants that suit your specific conditions, including soil type, light exposure, and climate zone.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance that reflects your personal style and brings you joy throughout the seasons.