Companion Plants for Arborvitae: The Perfect Pairings

Oleh Anonymous February 17, 2023 Post a Comment

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Companion Plants for Arborvitae

If you're planning to grow arborvitae in your garden, it's always a good idea to pair them with companion plants that complement their growth and appearance. Companion plants not only add beauty to your garden but also help to increase the biodiversity of your landscape and provide ecological benefits like pest control and soil improvement. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for arborvitae, along with their key benefits.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Arborvitae

Arborvitae is a popular evergreen shrub that adds color and texture to any garden. It's a low-maintenance plant that's adaptable to various growing conditions and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. However, planting arborvitae alone may not provide all the benefits that a diverse garden can offer. Here are some benefits of companion planting with arborvitae:

Biodiversity and Ecological Benefits

Companion planting with arborvitae can promote biodiversity in your garden by introducing different types of plants that attract beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. This helps to create a natural ecosystem that maintains balance and reduces the risk of pests and diseases. Moreover, companion plants can improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, increasing organic matter, and preventing erosion.

Aesthetic Appeal and Design

Companion plants can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden by adding color, texture, and contrast to the arborvitae foliage. You can choose plants with different heights, shapes, and colors that complement the arborvitae's form and create a visually appealing landscape. Moreover, companion plants can help to define spaces, create focal points, or provide privacy and screening.

Best Companion Plants for Arborvitae

Now that you know the benefits of companion planting with arborvitae let's explore some of the best companion plants that you can grow alongside them:

1. Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for companion planting with arborvitae due to their showy blooms and contrasting foliage. They prefer partial shade and well-draining soil and can thrive in zones 4-9. Hydrangeas attract pollinators and provide a beautiful backdrop for arborvitae shrubs.

The Benefits of Planting Hydrangea with Arborvitae

Hydrangeas provide a splash of color and texture to your garden while complementing the arborvitae's evergreen foliage. They attract bees and butterflies that help to pollinate other plants and improve soil health by increasing organic matter.

How to Plant Hydrangea with Arborvitae

Plant hydrangeas near arborvitae shrubs in moist, well-drained soil. Provide regular watering during the growing season and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Prune hydrangeas in late winter or early spring to control their size and shape.

2. Hosta

Hostas are shade-loving plants that are perfect for companion planting with arborvitae in partial shade. They have lush foliage in various shades of green, blue, and yellow and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Hostas are low-maintenance plants that can thrive in zones 3-9.

The Benefits of Planting Hosta with Arborvitae

Hostas provide a beautiful contrast to the arborvitae's foliage and create a lush, layered look in your garden. They attract hummingbirds and other pollinators that help to maintain biodiversity and improve soil health.

How to Plant Hosta with Arborvitae

Plant hostas near arborvitae shrubs in rich, well-drained soil that's amended with organic matter. Provide regular watering during the growing season and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Divide hostas every 3-5 years to maintain their vigor and prevent overcrowding.

3. Boxwood

Boxwoods are evergreen shrubs that are perfect for companion planting with arborvitae due to their similar growth habit and texture. They have dense foliage in shades of green and yellow and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Boxwoods are low-maintenance plants that can grow in zones 5-9.

The Benefits of Planting Boxwood with Arborvitae

Boxwoods provide a beautiful backdrop for arborvitae shrubs while adding structure and definition to your garden. They can be trimmed into various shapes and sizes to suit your design preferences and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

How to Plant Boxwood with Arborvitae

Plant boxwoods near arborvitae shrubs in well-drained soil that's amended with compost. Provide regular watering during the growing season and prune them in late winter or early spring to maintain their shape and size.

4. Daylilies

Daylilies are sun-loving plants that are perfect for companion planting with arborvitae in full sun. They have showy blooms in shades of orange, red, and yellow and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Daylilies are low-maintenance plants that can thrive in zones 3-9.

The Benefits of Planting Daylilies with Arborvitae

Daylilies provide a beautiful contrast to the arborvitae's foliage while adding color and texture to your garden. They attract hummingbirds and other pollinators that help to maintain biodiversity and improve soil health.

How to Plant Daylilies with Arborvitae

Plant daylilies near arborvitae shrubs in well-drained soil that's amended with compost. Provide regular watering during the growing season and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Divide daylilies every 3-5 years to prevent overcrowding and maintain their vigor.

5. Switchgrass

Switchgrass is a native grass that's perfect for companion planting with arborvitae due to its upright growth habit and architectural appeal. It has blue-green foliage and showy seed heads in late summer and fall and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Switchgrass is a low-maintenance plant that can grow in zones 5-9.

The Benefits of Planting Switchgrass with Arborvitae

Switchgrass provides a beautiful contrast to the arborvitae's foliage while adding texture and movement to your garden. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies and improves soil health by preventing erosion and increasing organic matter.

How to Plant Switchgrass with Arborvitae

Plant switchgrass near arborvitae shrubs in well-drained soil that's not too fertile. Provide regular watering during the first year and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Cut back switchgrass in late winter or early spring to promote new growth and prevent flopping.

Companion planting with arborvitae is a great way to enhance the beauty and ecological benefits of your garden. By choosing the right companion plants, you can create a natural ecosystem that attracts beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife while adding color, texture, and contrast to your landscape. Whether you prefer showy blooms, lush foliage, or architectural appeal, there's a perfect companion plant for your arborvitae shrubs.

FAQs

1. What are some good ground cover plants to plant with arborvitae?

Some good ground cover plants to plant with arborvitae include creeping phlox, ajuga, sedum, and vinca minor. These plants have low-growing foliage that spreads quickly and provides a beautiful contrast to the arborvitae's vertical form.

2. Can I plant vegetables with arborvitae?

Yes, you can plant vegetables with arborvitae as long as they don't require too much shade. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, beans, and cucumbers need full sun to thrive, so it's best to plant them in a separate area of your garden.

3. What are some good flowering shrubs to plant with arborvitae?

Some good flowering shrubs to plant with arborvitae include lilac, weigela, viburnum, and spirea. These shrubs have showy blooms in various colors and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

4. How do I protect my arborvitae from pests and diseases?

To protect your arborvitae from pests and diseases, make sure to plant them in well-drained soil that's not too wet. Provide regular watering during the growing season and avoid over-fertilizing or pruning. Monitor your arborvitae regularly for signs of pest infestation or disease and treat them promptly with organic or chemical controls.

5. How do I prune my arborvitae?

To prune your arborvitae, use sharp pruning shears or loppers to remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's total foliage in a single season, as this may stress the plant and reduce its vigor. Prune your arborvitae in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.