The beginning of summer is just around the corner, and a great way to celebrate is spending time out in the sun. Keen gardeners will know that there's a lot of work that goes into making gardens look great, and each plant needs unique care in order to thrive. 

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular garden plants around, and for good reason. They come in a huge variety of colours and many burst into bloom year after year, giving us all the more changes to enjoy them. But companion planting - placing them next to other plants - can have an immense impact too. 

Companion planting is the process of growing certain plants together to create a natural balance. The idea is that these plants will help each other grow and thrive.

It improves the quality of the soil and can be used to help other plants grow stronger, have better resistance to pests or diseases, and even attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Here are three plants that can help your hydrangeas to thrive year after year. 

Azaleas

Azaleas are a great choice for hydrangeas because they have the same growing conditions. They both prefer some shade, slightly acidic well-draining soil.

They bloom in the spring, meaning you'll have months of flowers before they die off for the winter. If you've got blue hydrangeas, white or yellow azaleas are great, as they have exactly the same soil preferences. 

Ferns

If you want a more natural, rainforest vibe on your garden, then ferns are the way to go. There are many different types of ferns, and they are one of the easiest plants to maintain.

Ferns are a great companion for hydrangeas because they have similar needs, but also add a different texture and pattern to the garden. Ferns are one of the best plants for low-light areas as they like shaded areas.

Perennial geraniums

Similarly, these pretty flowers have the same preferences to hydrangeas, so it makes sense to plant them both together. They both need soil that is moist and well-drained, but not too wet.

And instead of full sun, partial shade is key. Not only this, but they're loved by butterflies and bees, so they're great for attracting more wildlife into your garden.