What Are the Best Bobo Hydrangea Companion Plants?
Learn how to select plants that complement the Bobo hydrangea's form and blooms, creating a cohesive and visually appealing garden design.
The Bobo hydrangea is a popular dwarf shrub known for its compact size and prolific blooms. Its large, conical flower clusters start white in mid-summer and gradually turn soft pink as the season progresses. Pairing it with the right companion plants can create a cohesive and visually appealing garden design.
What Makes a Good Companion Plant
Selecting the right companions for your Bobo hydrangea involves considering both shared needs and aesthetic harmony. Plants must thrive in similar growing conditions, which for a Bobo hydrangea means full to partial sun and well-drained, moist soil. Consistent moisture is beneficial, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade is welcome.
Aesthetically, the goal is to create contrast. Look for plants that offer different textures, forms, and colors to play against the Bobo’s large leaves and rounded flower heads. Fine-textured grasses or plants with spiky flower forms can provide a counterpoint to the hydrangea’s softer, mounded shape, while foliage in shades of deep green, silver, or burgundy can make the blooms stand out.
Best Perennial Companions
Perennials are good partners for Bobo hydrangeas, as they return each year to fill out the garden bed. Some popular choices include:
- Hostas, with their broad, textured leaves, are a classic choice for partly shaded locations, providing a backdrop for the hydrangea’s blooms.
- For sunny spots, Coneflowers (Echinacea) and Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) have daisy-like flowers and upright stems that introduce a contrasting shape.
- Salvia offers vertical, spiky flowers in shades of purple and blue that create a visual contrast to the rounded form of the Bobo.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera) are valued for their colorful foliage, which can range from lime green to deep purple and add interest even when not in bloom.
Companions for Structure and Seasonal Color
To create a garden with year-round appeal, consider incorporating plants that provide structure and seasonal color. Small evergreen shrubs like dwarf Boxwoods are ideal for this role. Their fine-textured, dark green foliage offers a constant presence that defines the garden bed, even in winter, providing a solid framework for the hydrangea.
For a burst of color during the growing season, annuals are a good choice. Plants like petunias can be tucked in around the base of the hydrangea to provide continuous blooms. Using annuals as fillers allows for flexibility, as you can change the color scheme each year.
Planting and Spacing Guidelines
Proper planting and spacing are important for a healthy garden bed. When planting companions around your Bobo hydrangea, consider the mature size of each plant to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources like water and nutrients and can restrict air circulation, which may encourage disease.
Space plants according to their expected width at maturity, ensuring there is enough room for each to grow. For Bobo hydrangeas, which can spread 3 to 4 feet, a spacing of about 3 feet apart is recommended. After planting, applying a layer of mulch around the entire bed helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.