Ah , theAcer palmatum . soft foliation , a graceful fork habit , stunning fall color … it ’s got the full package .
Most gardener can witness a slur for a Japanese maple in their garden without issue – it ’s that various .
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A Nipponese maple tree looks fantastic on its own , but just as no meal is complete without some savory side to pair with the entree , no garden specimen accomplish its full decorative potential drop without the help of some strategically - selected plantings .
cautiously chosen companion plantings can serve to highlight the beauty of specimens in the garden that assist as a focal point , without taking aside from their own aesthetic assets .
And when you look at the landscape as a whole , you have a masterpiece that could n’t have been achieved by dotting a few single plant life here and there on their lonesome .
If you need a refresher onhow to grow Japanese maples in your garden , our guide has you cut through .
In this roundup , we ’ve collected 13 of the best plants to complement the glorification of the Nipponese maple in your garden , while adding their own splendor to the scenery .
Here ’s the lineup :
13 Amazing Companion Plants for Japanese Maples
In addition to the plants discuss below , non - surviving landscape elements such as Isidor Feinstein Stone , statue , andwater featureslook fantastic when set in the neighbourhood of a Nipponese maple , even more so if it ’s a Japanese - theme landscape painting that you ’re shooting for .
Let ’s jump in :
1. Arborvitae
aboriginal to North America and character of East Asia , arborvitae grow well when cultivated in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8 .
TheThujagenus is composed of five different species of coniferous evergreen trees characterise by flattened , fan - shaped branchlets of exfoliation - like green folio .
Often have an upright and pyramidical growth habit , arborvitae serve as awful hedges and privacy screens .
Arborvitae are perfect for ply a botanic backdrop that accentuates the contour and vividness of a Japanese maple . If the maple in question has green foliage , you may select aThujavariety with chickenhearted foliage , for a clash - detached pairing .
An excellent species to embark on with isThuja occidentalis , or the American arborvitae , aboriginal to North America .
It ’s a go - to duck evergreen that grows 25 to 40 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide at matureness .
With a unsubtle , pyramidal drug abuse and dense , brilliant dark-green foliage , the American arborvitae makes for a perfect background to yourA. palmatum .
American Arborvitae
you’re able to find American arborvitae available in sprinter pots fromNature Hills Nursery .
Another beautiful option isThuja plicata‘4Ever ’ aka ‘ forever and a day Goldy . ’
With a ripe altitude of 10 to 12 feet , a width of three to four understructure , and a striking favorable - green hue to its leaf , this plant would look antic when planted behind or to the side of a Nipponese maple .
‘ Forever Goldy ’
you’re able to find this cultivar available in one - congius containers atFastGrowingTrees.com .
2. Chinese Juniper
aboriginal to Eastern China , Mongolia , Japan , and India , Juniperus chinensisthrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 .
The variety within this species is immense , as there are many unlike cultivars of various size , color , and growing drug abuse to pick out from . The common denominator among these is flattened , evergreen plant foliation that ’s instantly placeable .
Whether you prefer an vertical yellow tree to set in the background or a sprawling blue bush to set up beneath the canopy , there ’s a Taiwanese retem for every social function .
‘ Blue Point ’ sport grim - green foliage and an upright pyramidal form with a broad groundwork , topping out at four to 12 foundation improbable with a two- to eight - pes bed cover .
This Formosan juniper would provide a contrast column of order next to the asymmetrical sprawl of a Nipponese maple .
‘ Blue Point ’ Formosan Juniper
you’re able to get ‘ Blue Point ’ available in one - congius sess atFastGrowingTrees.com .
memorize more about raise Formosan junipers in our templet .
3. Coral Bells
Native to North America , coral bells ( Heucheraspp . ) are fearless in Zones 4 to 9 and comfortably known for their jazzy foliage .
The leaves can be sorry , brown , unripened , pink , empurpled , ashen , and/or motley , and look as unevenly lob discs , with each lobe ’s veins intersecting in the “ ribbon ” of each foliage .
The insignificant , petite flowers are stomach on long , tall , ultra - near stalk , which some beholders might consider beautiful … but I personally snip them off to disport the plant ’s Energy Department to producing more vibrant leaves .
The bunch masses of foliage grow very gloomy to the ground – with a ripe sizing of one to one - and - a - half feet tall and one to two feet all-inclusive – which lets you stick them in some fairly tight spots around and under anA. palmatum .
‘ Guacamole ’ Coral Bells
Nature Hills Nurserysells ‘ Guacamole , ’ a intercrossed cultivar with foliage in shades of green that resemble avocado flesh . Man , this roundup is all of a sudden make me crave a burrito bowl …
take more about growing genus Heuchera in our template .
4. Ferns
I bang I ’m roll a rather prominent web by including a section on “ fern , ” but I had a heavy sentence choosing a individual group or mintage to pair with Japanese maple .
There ’s something about their uniquely - shaped fronds that just looks marvelous when they ’re adjacent to this maple ’s unambiguously - shaped foliage .
“ leave of a strangeness , together lack lameness … ” Okay , I ’m still work on that one .
If you ’ve been in the gardening game for any length of time , you ’re in all likelihood aware of plant in the Polypodiopsida family – they unfurl in response to light , they reproduce via spore , and they love partial shade .
fern range in height and spread from a couple of column inch to six foot – and that ’s not even include Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree fern , which can grow up to 80 feet tall !
Read more about growing ferns in our guide .
The distinctive viridity of a fern ’s foliation pairs quite nicely with the blood-red - imperial varieties ofA. palmatum , especially as an underplanting that ’s nestle beneath a Nipponese maple ’s canopy .
Dryopteris erythrosora‘Brilliance ’ is aJapanese carapace fern , also known as fall fern , that develop two feet magniloquent and wide .
It emerges in fountain with beautiful orange - red raw fronds that mature to a shining jet in summer , and is very disease- and pest - tolerant .
It would look fantastic planted in thud near a Japanese maple or under its canopy .
‘ glare ’
you may find oneself ‘ Brilliance’available from FastGrowingTrees.comin one- and three - congius container .
5. Flowering Dogwood
accomplish a height and spread of 15 to 30 metrical unit , Cornus floridais native to the eastern US and Canada , and northern Mexico , and brave in Zones 5 to 9 .
With an vertical , spreading form , this tree has ellipse - form green leaves that modulation to shades of purple and carmine in fall .
The flowers are iconic and easy to key out – each inflorescence has a thump of insignificant green flowers at its nitty-gritty , smother by petal - like bract which have little darkened nick on the edge .
flower in other bound , the flowers browse in colour from white to pink to Bolshevik , or even a gilded yellowness .
If you ask me , unless you ’re in the market for something evergreen , eye - grab bloom are a must if you wish to plant another eccentric of tree in the vicinity of your Japanese maple – and the flowering dogwood decidedly delivers .
And even when the blossom and leaves are absent , the tree ’s naked form is a visual sense to lay eyes on , especially when hoar or snow has collected upon the branches .
These tree diagram provide asymmetrical symmetricalness with their contrasting form , foliage , and flowers , yet similar sizes . Keep “ opposite , yet interconnected ” in mind when placing your specimen .
Flowering Dogwood
To purchase a gorgeous blanched - floweringCornus floridathat ’s sell at various bulge heights between one and seven feet , check outFastGrowingTrees.com .
The stark blanched flowers pair quite nicely with thedark red foliageof sure Japanese maple variety in springtime .
ascertain more about flowering cornel care here .
6. Hostas
As Asiatic natives that are hardy in Zones 3 to 9,Hostaspecies are suitable companions for the Nipponese maple .
Their large deciduous leave of absence are ideal for conquer sunlight in the part - shaded condition necessary for them to thrive . you could found hostas under Nipponese maple canopies to contribute color , grain , and interest to the ground .
Depending on the species and cultivar , the showy leaf come in shades of profane , green , and white-livered - Green River , and can even have happen upon diversification . Discover some of our favorite varieties in this roundup .
They ’re similar to coral campana in that you’re able to crop off the bloom straw and not miss out on anything ornamentally important , thoughsome varieties of hosta do give rise more sensational flowers than others .
With a mound drug abuse , hostas seldom grow taller and wider than two and three feet , respectively .
See our guidebook to learn more about growing hostas .
7. Japanese Black Pine
Native to Japan and South Korea , Pinus thunbergiiis suitable for arise in Zones 5 to 8 , and reaches a fledged height of 20 to 50 foot , with a spread of about half that .
P. thunbergiiproduces two three- to six - column inch - long , dark green needles per sheath , with prominent vertical bunches of silvern - white buds at the apex of the sun’s way of each branch .
This pine tree lacks the prominent cardinal leader that many of its relation possess , and offshoot grow more on an irregular basis with age , creating an asymmetric contour .
Given the Japanese maple ’s own twisting - and - turning forking riding habit , this make water the Nipponese black pine all the more suitable for complementingA. palmatum , whether as a taller specimen with an overarching canopy or as a ground planting .
Japanese Black Pine
you’re able to findP. thunbergiiavailable to purchaseat Nature Hills Nursery .
find out more about caring for Nipponese blackened pines here .
8. Japanese Snowbell
Styraxjaponicus , aka Nipponese snowbell Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , is aboriginal to China , Japan , and northerly parts of the Philippines .
Hardy in Zones 5 to 9 , this deciduous efflorescence tree diagram reaches a mature altitude and spread of 20 to 30 pes , and has a drooping and rounded growing substance abuse which commands the attention of onlookers .
The elliptically - shaped and glossy leafage is green in summertime , and turns prosperous to reddish in fall . S. japonicusflowers are waxy and white - petaled with scandalmongering stamens , and hang downwards from pinkish stems that are about one to two inches in length .
In exceptional , the cascading flowers are a perfect fit when paired with the foliar habit ofJapanese weeping maple , especially when yourA. palmatumvar.dissectumis placed in the foreground or under the canopy of a Nipponese styrax !
Japanese Snowbell
If you ’re looking for a white - blossom Japanese Styrax obassia , Nature Hills Nurserysells them in # 2 containers .
9. Hakone Grass
For a good - bet ornamental pot that does well in the shade , giveHakonechloa macraa try .
aboriginal to Japan and ideally civilise in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 , Hakone grass has paper - sparse foliage that ’s typically unaccented fleeceable , but motley cultivar are also available with clean , amber , or green stripes .
Also experience as Nipponese woods grass , each individual plant typically spring up one to three feet magniloquent and spreads one to two feet wide of the mark , so do n’t endeavor to host any rec league biz on a field of Hakone grass or anything like that .
It ’s the ideal sizing for growing under or next to a Japanese maple ’s canopy .
‘ Aureola ’ is a variegated cultivar with clear green and gold leaf that would look outstanding beneath a Japanese maple with dark foliage .
‘ Aureola ’ Hakone Grass
you’re able to find oneself ‘ Aureola ’ available in # 1 containersat Nature Hills Nursery .
10. Sacred Lotus
This one comes with a bit of an asterisk : you ’ll need a body of H2O – such as a small backyard pool – in purchase order to grow lotus flowers , sinceNelumbo nuciferais an aquatic works .
But the path that a Nipponese maple ’s ocular grade reflects off the water system ca n’t be beat !
aboriginal to parts of Asia and Australia , the consecrated lotus is hardy in Zones 4 to 11 , and survives by secure itself to the submerged soil with a rhizomatous root system .
Hollow stem transport nutrient and water back and forward between the solution , leafage , and blossom . Every part of the sanctified lotus is edible , from its flower petals to the rhizomes .
Some stems colligate to the middle of leave , which are orbitual and shield - shaped with a medium - green hue .
Other stems connect to pink - petaled , fragrant flowers with golden yellow stamens , which either float on the water or may be held up to six metrical unit above the water ’s surface , depending on the motley .
All in all , the piddle - dwelling and flowery “ sui ” of this plant contrasts beautifully withA. palmatum ’s land - domicile and foliar - heavy “ chi . ”
11. Sedum
Here ’s a question : how do you sow stonecrop plant ? Answer : you sedum !
All jokes away , sedum plant are brave in zone 3 to 9 , and depend on the assortment , they grow the best in full Lord’s Day exposure , and they are aboriginal to many different temperate climates worldwide .
hold over 300 species , theSedumgenus has quite a lot of variation , butthe main type of sedumto be cognisant of for comrade planting with Nipponese maple are the vertical and the creeping potpourri .
Those with the former type of habit reach heights of one to two feet , and their masses of tiny slight prime can be utilized for their floral stake in the landscape , while the latter grows modest to the ground – ordinarily less than six inch tall – as a primer cover .
Sedum leave are thick and fleshy . They can range from white to immature to reddish in colour .
The flowers are small , star - shaped , and are available in a ambit of colouring material let in white , pink , red , orangish , and yellow .
The size of it of these plants makes them perfect for adding in small nearby space unoccupied by your Japanese maple , while their clumps of blossom and succulent leafage provide architectural pastime lower to the ground , contrast with the taller body and flatter leaves ofA. palmatum .
‘ Autumn Joy ’ Sedum
S. spectabile‘Autumn Joy’is a upright cultivar – noted for its blood-red - pinkish flowers and naturally mounding riding habit – that ’s available for leverage fromFastGrowingTrees.com .
Kamtschaticum Sedum
S. kamtschaticumis a yellow - flowering and dark green - leafed creeping species that you may happen atNature Hills Nursery .
Learn more about growing sedum in our guide .
12. Tree Peony
Hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 7,Paeoniaxsuffruticosais a Chinese native that typically grows four to five foot tall and three to four feet wide .
This shrub is easy - growing , which is a downside if you desire beautiful peony flower right this instant .
They take around three years to flower after establishment , but this sluggish ontogenesis has a silver facing – paeony can know for a hundred years or more in idealistic preferences with proper caution !
The large , showy blossom may be get up , pinkish , white , or yellow , calculate on the cultivar , and they can have single or two-fold flower . The large , pale common , compound leaf are also very attractive .
When placed in the immediate vicinity of a Nipponese maple , these peonies await right at home , providing flowered stake and a seraphic scent as well .
For a tree peony variety that would look fantastic when planted in the foreground of a Nipponese maple , tryPaeoniaxsuffruticosa‘Shimadaijin ’ aka ‘ Island Minister . ’
‘ Shimadaijin ’ Tree Peony
It has light green leaf and reddish - purple petals that border on redness as sunlight run through them , resulting in blossom that seem to deepen in hue with the motility of the sun .
you could find bare root plantsavailable at Burpee .
Find tips for spring up tree peonies in our templet .
13. Yoshino Cherry
Prunusxyedoensisis a deciduous tree diagram that reaches a mature pinnacle of 30 to 40 invertebrate foot , and a matured breadth in the canopy of 20 to 50 feet .
aboriginal to Japan and ideally grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8 , Yoshino cherry tree are beloved plantings of the Washington D.C. area , and for upright reason .
They have an unfastened and propagate growth habit , textured bark for winter interest , and bright green leaves that turn a yellowed - ish gold in fall . But the best part of this Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is its flowers .
The Japanese call the tradition of viewing Yoshino cerise blossom “ sakura hanami , ” with “ sakura ” meaning “ cherry blossom , ” and “ hanami ” mean “ heyday blooming . ”
The flower petal begin off snowy - white for a few week , before change into an attractive subtlety of pink . As the dropped flower petal are carry off by the farting , the scene all looks like the setting of a samurai movie , which is a major plus in my Bible .
A credit line ofPrunusxyedoensistrees would make for a perfect backdrop to a Nipponese maple , especially lovely when in full bloom in the fountain .
Yoshino Cherry Tree
Yoshino cerise trees are available in four- to seven - foot - marvelous sizes fromFastGrowingTrees.com .
A Plethora of Flora
earthnut butter is my infrangible favorite nutrient . Its gustatory perception , versatility , and nutritional value make it my go - to snack for any time of day .
Past roommates have get up at ghastly hours to investigate unusual noises come from the kitchen , only to find yours truly breathe in spoonful after spoonful of creamy Jif in an effort to subdue midnight munchies .
Despite my love and zeal for this … ambrosiaof the divinity , I ’d be a chump if I did n’t combine it with other foods .
Oats , bananas , and jelly come to take care as ideal pairings , although I ’ve made some ghastly combinations while forgetful on food market and patience . It ’s a fact of sprightliness : when you join together awe-inspiring things , the awesomeness of each ingredient is amplified .
In the case of the Nipponese maple , this telephone particularly true . If growing conditions are sufficient , Acer palmatumwould front gorgeous standing alone in a field – that ’s just how aesthetically pleasing it is .
But pair it with a heedful selection of complemental plantings , and you ’ve drive yourself a rightfully heavenly landscape .
If this article got youthinking non - stop about Japanese maple Tree , match out these otherAcer palmatumguides next :
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About
Joe Butler
