When it comes to selecting plants to accompany Annabelle hydrangeas, it’s important to consider their shade-tolerant nature. These lovely perennials often create a shady area under their foliage, providing the perfect environment for shade-loving plants to thrive. Here are some excellent options to consider planting next to Annabelle hydrangeas:
1. Hostas: Hostas are known for their ability to thrive in shade and provide a beautiful contrast to the hydrangeas’ large, bold blooms. There are numerous varieties available, with different leaf colors and sizes, allowing you to create a visually appealing and diverse planting bed. Personal experience: I have found that planting hostas with Annabelle hydrangeas creates a stunning combination of textures and colors.
2. Ferns: Ferns are another fantastic choice for planting alongside Annabelle hydrangeas. They add a touch of elegance with their delicate, feathery fronds and can tolerate the shade created by the hydrangea’s foliage. Consider varieties such as Japanese painted ferns or lady ferns for their unique foliage patterns and textures.
3. Foxglove: If you’re looking to add some height and vertical interest to your hydrangea bed, foxglove is an excellent option. These biennial or short-lived perennial plants produce tall spikes of tubular flowers in various colors, including shades of white, pink, and purple. They prefer partial shade and can thrive in the dappled shade provided by the hydrangeas.
4. Coral bells: Coral bells, also known as Heuchera, are versatile perennials that come in a wide range of foliage colors, including shades of green, purple, silver, and bronze. They thrive in shade and provide a lovely contrast to the hydrangeas’ blooms. The delicate bell-shaped flowers they produce are an added bonus.
To summarize, when selecting plants to accompany Annabelle hydrangeas, it’s crucial to choose shade-tolerant options. Hostas, ferns, foxglove, and coral bells are all excellent choices that can thrive in the shade created by the hydrangeas. These plants not only complement the hydrangeas’ foliage but also add texture, height, and color to the overall planting bed.
