5 plants you should 'avoid planting next to hydrangeas' - and the reasons why

Hydrangeas are beautiful shrubs that offer unique colours to gardens including pink, blue and purple. However, not all plants are friends with hydrangeas.

Hydrangeas are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can be particular about their neighbors. Here are five plants that you should avoid planting next to hydrangeas, according to Lindsey Chastain, the founder of The Waddle and Cluck.

1. Azaleas

Both azaleas and hydrangeas produce attractive foliage that comes in many colors, but they do not make good companions. Azaleas prefer acidic soil, while hydrangeas thrive in soil with a pH that ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. If you try to adjust the soil pH to suit one, you might end up harming the other.

2. Black walnut trees

Another plant to avoid is black walnut trees. These trees produce a substance known as juglone, which is toxic to many plants, including hydrangeas. The juglone is released into the soil and can stunt the growth of hydrangeas or even kill them. Moreover, walnut trees produce heavy shade which will inhibit the ability of hydrangeas to use photosynthesis.

3. Invasive species

Plants like English ivy or bamboo can quickly take over garden space, crowding out hydrangeas and other plants. Their aggressive growth can limit the space hydrangeas have to grow and can compete for nutrients in the soil.

4. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are known to be allelopathic, which means they release chemicals into the soil that can inhibit the growth of other plants. Additionally, their large size and need for sunlight can overshadow hydrangeas, depriving them of necessary light.

5. Water-hungry plants

Plants like willows or birch trees that require a lot of water can compete with hydrangeas for moisture, leading to water stress. Hydrangeas need a lot of water, especially during the summer months, and competition for water can hinder their growth and blooms.