What to Plant with Limelight Hydrangea

Limelight hydrangea, also known as Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight', is a stunning shrub that features large, cone-shaped blooms that start off lime green and turn pink and purple as they mature. This popular landscaping plant is known for its versatility, but what exactly should you plant with Limelight hydrangea to complement its beauty? In this article, we'll explore some of the best plant pairings for your Limelight hydrangea.

Perennials

One of the best types of plants to pair with Limelight hydrangea is perennials. These plants come back year after year, adding a level of consistency to your garden's overall look. Some great options for pairing with hydrangeas include:

1. Hosta - These leafy perennials are available in a variety of colors and sizes, making them perfect for pairing with Limelight hydrangea. They add texture and contrast to your garden beds and work well as ground cover.

2. Coneflowers - Coneflowers, also known as Echinacea, are a bright and cheerful addition to any garden. They complement Limelight hydrangea well thanks to their similar bloom shape and color. These perennials attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects to your garden.

3. Daylilies - Daylilies are another popular perennial that pairs well with hydrangea. These vibrant blooms come in a wide array of colors and sizes, and they tend to bloom at the same time as Limelight hydrangea.

Annuals

Another great option for pairing with Limelight hydrangea is annuals. These types of plants need to be replanted each year, but they come in a wider variety of colors and textures than perennials. Some of the best annuals to pair with hydrangea include:

1. Petunias - These showy annuals come in a variety of colors and textures, and they work well as a border plant for your Limelight hydrangea. They bloom from spring until the first frost, adding color to your garden for several months.

2. Marigolds - Marigolds are a staple in many gardens thanks to their bright colors and long-lasting blooms. These companion plants work well with Limelight hydrangea since they like similar growing conditions.

3. Sweet Alyssum - These delicate flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white, and they add a fragrant touch to your garden. They work well in hanging baskets or as a border plant for your Limelight hydrangea.

Shrubs and Trees

Finally, you can also pair Limelight hydrangea with other shrubs and trees. These plants tend to have a longer lifespan than perennials and annuals, and they can provide your garden with structure and height. Some great options for pairing with hydrangea include:

1. Lilacs - Lilacs are a classic choice for pairing with Limelight hydrangea. These fragrant shrubs bloom around the same time as hydrangea, and they come in a variety of colors.

2. Japanese Maples - If you're looking for a tree to pair with hydrangea, Japanese maples are a great choice. These trees have stunning foliage that comes in shades of green, red, and orange. They also tend to stay small, making them perfect for small gardens.

3. Boxwood - Boxwood is a great choice for pairing with Limelight hydrangea if you're looking for a bushy shrub that can provide structure and contrast to your garden. These shrubs are easy to care for and look great year-round.

Conclusion

Limelight hydrangea is a stunning landscaping plant that pairs well with a variety of other plants. Whether you choose to plant perennials, annuals, or other shrubs and trees, there are plenty of options for complementing the beauty of your hydrangea. Consider the colors, textures, and growing conditions of the plants you're pairing with Limelight hydrangea to create a cohesive and stunning garden.