Azaleas and rhododendrons are some of the best plants to grow next to hydrangeas as they like the same things – a bit of shade and a good organic mulch. These plants match blue hydrangea’s preference for slightly acidic soil too.
Are hydrangeas and rhododendrons the same?
Rhododendrons and hydrangeas are completely unrelated plants with very different appearances, but they do share some traits in the growing conditions they prefer. For instance, they both prefer acidic soil and a good mix of sun and shade.
What is a good companion plant for hydrangeas?
Shade tolerant perennials make excellent partners next to hydrangeas. Some of the best are hostas, ferns, foxglove & coral bells. Many upright hydrangeas create a shady area under their foliage. This is a great location for planting shade-loving hostas.
What shrubs look good with rhododendrons?
Among the most popular companion plants for Rhododendrons and Azaleas are Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel) and Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda). Both species are medium-size evergreen shrubs with great flower interest and they provide a textural contrast to Azaleas and Rhododendrons.
Can you plant rhododendrons with hydrangeas? – Related Questions
What is the problem with rhododendrons?
These include fungal leaf spots, leaf and flower gall, root rot, oedema, leaf flooding, winter injury, and chlorosis.
Why is rhododendron a problem?
Rhododendron will out-compete many native trees and shrubs and can harbour plant diseases. This leads to reduced biodiversity and can have additional negative implications for some rural livelihoods, for example if rhododendron, poisonous to mammals, invades grazing land.
How do you landscape a rhododendron?
How to Landscape With Rhododendrons
- Choose the Location. Select a planting space for the rhododendrons.
- Test the Soil.
- Purchase Suitable Rhododendron Plants.
- Planting Rhododendrons in Fall or Spring.
- Mulch the Rhododendron.
- Provide Adequate Moisture.
- Pruning Your Rhododendrons.
What shrubs look good with azaleas?
Partner azaleas in the garden with woodland perennials such as ferns, wild ginger (Asarum), Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum), hosta (Hosta), toad lily (Tricyrtis), and many others. Combine azaleas with other flowering shrubs.
What side of the house should you plant rhododendron?
Unlike many blooming plants, rhododendron does not like full morning sun in winter and does best when planted in dappled shade on the north side of a building. Growing rhododendrons are happiest in a location protected from the wind and not under eves of a building.
Where should I plant a rhododendron in my yard?
Avoid full sun or deep shade. Shrubs need six hours of sun daily. If you live in the warmer end of their growing zones, be sure you choose a site that gets afternoon shade. Soil should be well-drained, moist, and acidic (pH 4.5 to 6).
How far away from a house should you plant a rhododendron?
Medium shrubs like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Spirea, Holly and Boxwood go 2.5-3′ from the side of the house.
What month can you plant rhododendrons?
Containerised rhododendrons can be planted at any time of the year but if you’re able to choose, either October or between March and April is best.
Can rhododendrons be planted close to house?
In the country or other open areas, Rhododendrons and Azaleas will usually thrive on either the north or east side of a house. If planting on the north side, place the plant three to four feet away from the foundation of your house. In this way, the plants will receive adequate light when the sun is high during summer.
Do rhododendrons poison the soil?
So not only does Rhododendron block out life-giving light, but it poisons the soil as well.” Ulster Wildlife Trust. “As well as shading large areas to cut out light for other plants to grow, the bush poisons nearby soil with chemicals that kill other species.” Jenny Fyall, news.scotsman.com.
Can rhododendrons take afternoon sun?
Most rhododendrons prefer light shade or full morning exposure with protection from intense afternoon sun. Dense shade will cause the flowers to be sparse. Rhododendrons need acidic, but well-drained soils. They also like for their soils to be consistently moist.
Do rhododendrons stop other plants growing?
If left uncontrolled, rhododendron will eventually dominate the habitat to the virtual exclusion of all other plant life. Its extensive root system and leaf litter is toxic to many other plants.
Why remove rhododendron?
Rhododendron grows into huge bushes with thick vegetation that blocks out sunlight and smothers most other wild plants and trees, stopping them from growing or regenerating. Its leaves are toxic to animals and repels wildlife from earthworms to birds.
What happens if I don’t deadhead my rhododendron?
If you don’t do this task, your rhody will pump out about the same amount of flowers next spring as it did this year. If your goal is to produce more flowers, deadheading will encourage increased branching, and that usually results in more blooms (note the word “usually”).