Millais Nurseries
Companion Plants
Companion plants are selected based on their ability to thrive in the same conditions as the primary plants with which they are paired. In the context of rhododendrons and azaleas, we have chosen a large range of companion plants to blend nicely in woodland settings or even in much smaller gardens, providing an extra burst of colour to the borders.
Our selection of companion plants includes a diverse range of options, from evergreen and deciduous shrubs to grasses and herbaceous perennials. Each type offers unique benefits and characteristics, making them ideal partners for rhododendrons and azaleas.
Hollyhock (Single Mixed)
PIcture for example only
These single mixed hollyhocks are the epitome of cottage-garden charm. Grown against a wall for extra protection, their tall flower spikes are covered in bright single blooms—perfect for creating a classic cottage-garden look.Hollyhocks grow in most garden soils but do best in fertile, well-drained soil and full sun, where they produce the tallest flower spikes. Plant...
Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter-Flowering Honeysuckle)
(H6) Pairs of fragrant creamy-white, two-lipped flowers 1cm long appear, sometimes followed by dull red berries, in winter and early spring. A bushy, deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub, with simple ovate dark green leaves up to 6cm long. Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or part shade. 150-250cm in approx. 10 years.
Phlomis russeliana AGM (Turkish sage)
(H6) A hairy perennial carrying large ovate leaves with a rough texture and grey to mid-green colouring, featuring a woolly white underside. Its stout stems carry whorls of hooded, soft yellow flowers approximately 3 cm long, which appear from late spring through to autumn. Prefers full sun and a moist but well-drained soil. 150cm high x 100cm wide in approx. 5 years.
Prunus incisa Kojo no Mai AGM
Representation of 10 litre top worked plant shown in 3rd photo.
(H5) Pink buds open to delicate single flowers with white petals, and deeper pink centres, in early spring. A lovely plant for spring interest, with rich orange autumn colours. Height 75-100cm in 10 years. Best in sun, and moist well drained soil.
'Kojo-no-mai' is a deciduous shrub to 2.5m tall, with zig-zag branches bearing mid-green,...
Salix gracilistyla 'Mount Aso'
The stems of this wonderful new form are clothed with fuzzy pink catkins in late winter and early spring. These look their best as they start to swell in mid- to late winter and make a wonderfully eye-catching feature for the winter garden. Even when the flowering has finished, the lush foliage, which has a silvery reverse, makes a great backdrop throughout the spring and summer for other plants that...