Azaleas are stunning shrubs that bloom in spring with gorgeous clusters of flowers in shades of pink red, purple white and orange. Their bright blossoms can really light up your garden.

You could have azaleas all year, but when they’re not in bloom, your yard might look empty. When planted next to azaleas, the right plants can add interest before, during, and after the blooming season.

When choosing plants for in front of azaleas opt for low-growing plants that won’t block the view of azalea blooms. Evergreens like boxwoods or junipers make nice foundation plants. Bulbs and perennials can provide early spring and summer color. You can also use containers planted with annuals that you change out each year.

Here are the top 6 options for plants to put in front of azaleas:

1. Boxwood Shrubs

Boxwoods are classic foundation shrubs with neat, rounded shapes that complement the mounded form of azaleas. Their evergreen foliage looks tidy all year long. Boxwoods thrive in the same conditions azaleas require – well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade.

Shorter boxwood varieties like Green Velvet and Green Gem work well in front of azaleas. They typically grow 2-3 feet tall and wide. Larger boxwood varieties can be kept pruned to a lower height.

2. Junipers

Junipers offer soft evergreen texture, There are low growing juniper varieties that make excellent companion plants for azaleas

Blue Rug Juniper is a popular choice, growing just 4-6 inches tall. Green Creeping Juniper is another good option at 1-2 feet tall. Both spread 3-5 feet wide.

Junipers are adaptable to various soil types and lighting. They provide year-round greenery and a contrasting look next to azaleas.

3. Bulbs

When planted in drifts in front of azaleas in early spring, bulbs that bloom quickly can add a splash of color before the azaleas bloom. Plant them in the fall so they have time to grow roots before they bloom.

Some top options include:

• Crocuses – Grow 3-4 inches tall. Come in purple, yellow, white.
• Hyacinths – Grow 6-8 inches tall. Available in pink, purple, white, blue.
• Daffodils – Grow 1-2 feet tall. Blooms are generally yellow.
• Tulips – Grow 1-2 feet tall. Many color options.

Mix different bulb varieties together for a colorful spring display. You can also scatter bulbs throughout azalea beds and borders.

4. Astilbe

There are perennial plants called aster that bloom with feathery plumes of flowers in the summer, after the azalea blooms have faded. They get between 1 and 3 feet tall and have a rounded shape that looks good with azaleas.

Astilbe thrive in the same conditions azaleas require – moist soil and partial shade. They come in shades of white, pink, red and purple. Excellent varieties include Bridal Veil, Color Flash and Deutscheland.

5. Ferns

Ferns are perfect companion plants to grow in front of azaleas, offering lush green fronds all season long. Their arching leaves contrast beautifully with rounded azalea bushes.

Many fern varieties do well in partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Choices like Japanese painted fern, lady fern and autumn fern grow 1-3 feet tall. For smaller spaces, try tassel ferns which reach just 6-12 inches.

6. Annuals

For an easy way to change up your azalea bed each year, plant a rotating selection of annuals in front. Focus on low-growing annuals under 1 foot tall.

Great options include:

• Begonias – Grow 6-12 inches tall. Available in white, pink, red, orange blooms.
• Coleus – Grown for colorful foliage. Generally under 1 foot tall.
• Impatiens – Grow 8-24 inches tall. Blooms in a range of bright colors.
• Sweet Alyssum – Grows just 4-6 inches tall. Clusters of tiny white or purple flowers.

Use containers like pots, window boxes or hanging baskets planted with annuals to flank azaleas planted in the ground. Switch out annuals each year for fresh colors.

Key Tips for Planting in Front of Azaleas

When selecting companion plants for in front of azaleas, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose plants under 3 feet tall so they don’t hide azalea blooms
• Look for plants with different bloom times than azaleas
• Favor compact, low maintenance plants
• Consider evergreens for year-round structure
• Opt for plants suited to partial shade if azaleas are in shade
• Pick plants that prefer moist, acidic soil
• Add mulch to help soil retain moisture

Provide the Right Conditions

Azaleas need specific growing requirements to thrive. When planting companions in front, make sure to provide:

• Well-drained soil – Wet feet will cause azalea roots to rot. Incorporate organic material like compost.

• Acidic soil – Azaleas require a soil pH between 4.5-6.0. Use an acidic fertilizer.

• Even moisture – Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulch to conserve moisture.

• Partial shade – Dappled sunlight or morning sun is ideal. Hot afternoon sun can burn leaves.

Designing With Azaleas

Azaleas make excellent foundation shrubs, border plantings and mass plantings. Here are some tips for beautifully incorporating azaleas into your landscape design:

• Use azaleas as foundation plants flanking entries, walkways and the house. Plant lower companion plants in front.

• Plant in borders along fences or edges. Allow at least 2-3 feet between azaleas for future growth.

• Plant en masse for bold color impact. Use at least 3-5 together.

• Mix azalea varieties with different bloom times to extend color. Encore azaleas bloom in spring, summer and fall.

• Use deciduous azaleas like native azaleas for naturalistic designs or informal hedges.

The right companion plants in front of azaleas can highlight their spectacular spring blooms while providing year-round curb appeal and landscape structure. Try boxwoods, junipers, bulbs, perennials or annuals for an elegant and coordinated design that looks great in all seasons.