The Popular, Sweet-Smelling Plants That Will Not Do Well Planted Next To Hydrangeas

Growing and taking care of hydrangeas is a great accomplishment for any flower lover. These beautiful, colorful plants bloom mid-spring to early fall in USDA hardiness zone 3 through 9. Since there are many different species, this fragrant flower comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, blue, and purple. Hydrangeas have a warm, sweet floral scent that many plant lovers want in their gardens. Because of their beauty, a lot of people enjoy planting other vibrant flowers; however, not every plant will work as a companion. Lavender and lilacs are the popular, sweet-smelling plants that will not do well planted next to hydrangeas.

Lavender (Lavandula) and lilac (Syringa vulgaris) have soil types that hydrangeas don't necessarily prefer. Lavender and lilac both grow in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil types, and while some hydrangeas can survive in those conditions, specific colors of the plant need acidic soil to thrive. Since hydrangeas need very moist soil, it can lead to the lavender's roots to rot. Consequently, if you deplete the water, the dry soil that lavenders thrive in will cause chlorosis, the yellowing of leaves, and sometimes death to your hydrangeas. Lilacs are aggressive growers, creating competition for sunlight and nutrients which can lead to lack of growth for your hydrangeas. Just because lavender and lilacs aren't the best sweet-smelling plants around your hydrangeas doesn't mean you can't build the perfect flower garden. Instead, garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) and cranesbill (Geranium rozanne) are amazing fragrant alternatives.

Planting garden phlox and cranesbill are a great idea for a stunning flower garden. Phlox paniculata has a USDA hardiness zone of 4 through 8, which is very similar to hydrangeas. They produce matching flower colors like pink, white, and purple. While they come in alike hues, you can add height variety to your garden since garden phlox can be ground flowers as well as taller sized plants. With its sweet, earthy scent, these colorful flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, adding that extra dose of natural beauty to your hydrangea garden. By pairing these two beauties, you can also experience long-lasting blooming periods that go all the way into fall.

Hydrangeas blend well with cranesbill for their fragrant scents. Your beautiful hydrangea flowerbed won't be barren, because cranesbill naturally fills in patchy garden areas. They are the perfect ground cover for under your taller hydrangea plants and do wonders at deterring those pesky weeds from taking over. Geranium rozanne flowers have the same USDA hardiness zone of 3 through 9 and has a scent similar to roses or citrus, making it the perfect fragrant companion plant no matter where you grow it. These rich purple blooms also add an extra layer of protection around your hydrangeas since they are pest resistant. The best part is that cranesbill is low maintenance, making it the easy companion that continues to grow year after year.