At first glance, cherry laurel and hydrangeas might seem like an odd couple. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see that these two actually make a fantastic team in the garden. They balance each other out perfectly, and in this post, I’ll walk you through exactly why this duo works so well.
Can I plant cherry laurel and hydrangeas together?
Absolutely! Pairing cherry laurel with hydrangeas is a great way to create a stunning mixed hedge. The vibrant, showy blooms of the deciduous hydrangea pop beautifully against the glossy, dark green leaves of the evergreen laurel. Together, they create a lush, layered look that stays interesting all year round.
Another big plus? Cherry laurel grows tall and dense, providing the perfect dappled shade that hydrangeas crave. They’re also total “garden besties” when it comes to maintenance because they share similar needs. Even though hydrangeas love slightly acidic soil, the hardy cherry laurel is flexible enough to thrive right alongside them.
What other plants look good with a laurel and hydrangea hedge?
If you want to take your hedge to the next level, there are plenty of shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses that play well with this duo, both visually and ecologically.
Shrubs that complement a laurel-hydrangea mix:
- Viburnum
- Rhododendron
- Dogwood
- Oval-leaf Privet
- Yew
- Arborvitae (Thuja)
Perennials to tuck in nearby:
- Heartleaf Foamflower (‘Moorgrün’)
- Hellebores (Christmas Rose)
Grasses for extra texture:
- Japanese Sedge (‘Variegata’)
- Maiden Grass (‘Kleine Fontaine’)
- Columnar Bamboo (‘Maasai’)
Pro Tip: Mixed hedges are having a moment
Mixed hedges—whether it’s laurel and hydrangea or another winning combo—are trending right now, and for good reason! They allow you to create a unique focal point in your yard rather than just a plain green wall. Plus, there’s an eco-friendly bonus: pairing a dense evergreen like cherry laurel with pollinator-friendly shrubs like hydrangeas makes your garden much more inviting for local birds and bees.