Plants that Complement the Beauty of Japanese Maple

Japanese maple is a beautiful ornamental tree that is popular for its stunning foliage and delicate form. It is a perfect choice for creating an eye-catching focal point in your garden, but finding the right plants to pair it with can be challenging. In this article, we will explore some of the best plant companions for Japanese maple that will enhance its beauty and create a cohesive landscape design.

Plants That Go Well With Japanese Maple:

When choosing companion plants for Japanese maple, it is essential to consider their size, texture, and color. Here are some of the best plants that complement the beauty of Japanese maple:

1. Hostas

Hostas are versatile plants that come in a wide variety of colors and textures. They are an excellent choice for planting under Japanese maple as they provide contrast in both texture and color. Some of the most popular hostas include 'Blue Angel,' 'Sum and Substance,' and 'Patriot.' Hostas thrive in partial shade and require moist, well-drained soil.

How to Plant Hostas:

To plant hostas, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Place the hosta in the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

2. Azaleas

Azaleas are another great option for planting with Japanese maple. They add a pop of color to your garden with their beautiful blooms and come in a range of shades from pink to white. The foliage of azaleas also provides a nice contrast with the delicate leaves of Japanese maple. Azaleas prefer partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Plant Azaleas:

To plant azaleas, dig a hole 1.5 times as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Place the azalea in the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

3. Ferns

Ferns are an excellent choice for planting under Japanese maple as they thrive in shady areas and provide a soft, feathery texture that complements the tree's delicate foliage. Some popular fern varieties include 'Japanese painted fern,' 'Ostrich fern,' and 'Maidenhair fern.' Ferns prefer moist, well-drained soil.

How to Plant Ferns:

To plant ferns, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Place the fern in the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

4. Heucheras

Heucheras, also known as coral bells, are a stunning option for planting with Japanese maple. They come in a wide range of colors, including green, purple, and silver, and their textured foliage provides a nice contrast with the delicate leaves of the tree. Heucheras do best in partial shade and well-drained soil.

How to Plant Heucheras:

To plant heucheras, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Place the heuchera in the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

5. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a great option for planting with Japanese maple as they provide a pop of color with their large, showy blooms. They come in a range of colors, including pink, blue, and white, and their foliage provides a nice contrast with the delicate leaves of the tree. Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

How to Plant Hydrangeas:

To plant hydrangeas, dig a hole 1.5 times as wide as the root ball and slightly deeper. Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. Place the hydrangea in the hole and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Other Plants That Go Well With Japanese Maple:

6. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are a delicate and graceful plant that complements the beauty of Japanese maple. Their heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white add a romantic touch to any garden.

7. Astilbes

Astilbes are a beautiful perennial that produces feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They thrive in shady areas and provide a nice contrast in texture and color with Japanese maple.

8. Columbines

Columbines are a charming plant that adds a touch of whimsy to any garden. Their bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, blue, and purple are a perfect complement to the delicate leaves of Japanese maple.

9. Camellias

Camellias are a stunning plant that produces large, showy blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. They provide a nice contrast in texture and color with Japanese maple and thrive in partial shade.

10. Daffodils

Daffodils are an excellent choice for planting under Japanese maple as they bloom early in the spring and provide a splash of color to your garden. They come in a range of colors, including yellow, white, and orange.

How to Choose Plants That Go Well With Japanese Maple:

When choosing plants to pair with Japanese maple, there are several factors to consider:

1. Size:

Make sure that the plants you choose are proportional to the size of your Japanese maple. Larger trees can handle larger companion plants, while smaller trees should be paired with smaller plants.

2. Texture:

Consider the texture of both the leaves and the blooms of the plants you choose. Pairing plants with different textures creates visual interest and adds depth to your garden design.

3. Color:

The color of your companion plants should complement or contrast with the foliage of your Japanese maple. Consider using a color wheel to help you choose complementary colors.

FAQs:

1. Can I plant annuals with Japanese maple?

Yes, annuals are a great option for adding seasonal color to your garden. Some popular annuals that go well with Japanese maple include petunias, marigolds, and impatiens.

2. How much sun does Japanese maple need?

Japanese maple prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun as long as it is not too hot. Too much sun can cause scorching of the leaves.

3. Can I plant vegetables with Japanese maple?

Yes, you can plant vegetables with Japanese maple, but make sure they are compatible in terms of sunlight and soil requirements. Some vegetables that do well in partial shade include lettuce, spinach, and kale.

4. What is the best time to plant companion plants with Japanese maple?

The best time to plant companion plants with Japanese maple is in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler and there is less stress on the plants.

5. Do I need to fertilize my companion plants?

Yes, it is important to fertilize your companion plants regularly to ensure they receive the nutrients they need to thrive. Use a balanced fertilizer according to the instructions on the package.

Japanese maple is a beautiful tree that adds elegance and sophistication to any garden. Choosing the right companion plants can enhance its beauty and create a cohesive landscape design. When selecting plants to pair with Japanese maple, consider their size, texture, and color. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a stunning garden that will be the envy of your neighbors.