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The Best Companion Plants for Eastern Red Cedar


eastern red cedar companion plants
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Eastern red cedar is a popular and versatile plant that is commonly grown in North America. This evergreen tree is a great choice for landscaping, as it provides year-round interest with its attractive foliage and unique bark. However, planting eastern red cedar alone may not be the best idea. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants that pair well with eastern red cedar and enhance its beauty and health.

Eastern Red Cedar Companion Plants

When it comes to choosing the best companion plants for eastern red cedar, there are several factors to consider, including soil type, moisture level, and sun exposure. Here are some of the best options:

1. American Holly

One of the most popular companion plants for eastern red cedar is American holly. This plant has similar soil and sunlight requirements as eastern red cedar and provides beautiful contrast with its dark green leaves and bright red berries.

Why it works:

American holly is an excellent choice because it provides year-round interest and creates a striking visual contrast with the blue-green foliage of the eastern red cedar. Additionally, both plants prefer well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.

How to plant:

Plant American holly in the same soil and light conditions as eastern red cedar, making sure to space the plants at least 6-8 feet apart. Water regularly until established.

2. Winterberry

Another great option is winterberry, a deciduous shrub that produces vibrant red berries in the fall and winter. Winterberry prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it a perfect match for eastern red cedar.

Why it works:

Winterberry provides a beautiful pop of color with its bright red berries and complements the blue-green foliage of eastern red cedar. Additionally, both plants prefer similar soil moisture levels and light conditions.

How to plant:

Plant winterberry in a shady area near eastern red cedar, making sure to keep the soil moist. Water regularly until established.

3. Juniper

Juniper is another evergreen shrub that pairs well with eastern red cedar. This plant has similar soil and sunlight requirements and provides a nice contrast with its gray-green foliage.

Why it works:

Juniper and eastern red cedar have similar growth habits and soil preferences. Juniper also offers a striking visual contrast with its bluish-gray foliage, making it an excellent companion plant.

How to plant:

Plant juniper in the same soil and light conditions as eastern red cedar, making sure to space the plants at least 8-10 feet apart. Water regularly until established.

4. Chokeberry

Chokeberry is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of white flowers in the spring and colorful fruit in the fall. This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it a great choice for pairing with eastern red cedar.

Why it works:

Chokeberry provides interest throughout the year with its flowers and fruit, and its deep green foliage complements the blue-green of eastern red cedar. Both plants prefer similar growing conditions, making them ideal companions.

How to plant:

Plant chokeberry in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location near eastern red cedar. Water regularly until established.

Other Companion Plants to Consider

In addition to the plants listed above, there are several other companion plants that pair well with eastern red cedar. Here are a few more options:

5. Black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan is a perennial plant that produces bright yellow flowers in the summer and fall. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for pairing with eastern red cedar.

Why it works:

Black-eyed Susan provides a pop of color with its bright yellow flowers and complements the blue-green foliage of eastern red cedar. Additionally, both plants prefer similar growing conditions.

How to plant:

Plant black-eyed Susan in full sun in well-drained soil near eastern red cedar. Water regularly until established.

6. Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed is another perennial plant that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great companion for eastern red cedar.

Why it works:

Butterfly weed adds a splash of color with its orange flowers and supports pollinators, which can help to improve the health of the surrounding ecosystem. It also prefers similar growing conditions as eastern red cedar.

How to plant:

Plant butterfly weed in full sun in well-drained soil near eastern red cedar. Water regularly until established.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is eastern red cedar?

Eastern red cedar is an evergreen tree that is commonly grown in North America. It has blue-green foliage and unique bark, and it is often used for landscaping.

Q2. Why should I plant companion plants with eastern red cedar?

Companion plants can enhance the beauty and health of eastern red cedar by providing visual interest, attracting pollinators, and improving soil health.

Q3. What are some other benefits of companion planting?

Companion planting can help to improve the overall health of your garden or landscape by promoting biodiversity, reducing pest infestations, and increasing yields.

Q4. How do I choose the best companion plants for my eastern red cedar?

When choosing companion plants, consider factors such as soil type, moisture level, and sun exposure. Look for plants that have similar growing conditions and complement the color and texture of eastern red cedar.

Q5. Can I plant anything with eastern red cedar?

While there are many plants that pair well with eastern red cedar, it's important to choose plants that have similar growing conditions and will not compete with the tree for resources.


Eastern red cedar is a beautiful and versatile tree that can benefit from the addition of companion plants. By choosing plants that have similar growing conditions and complement the color and texture of eastern red cedar, you can enhance the beauty and health of your landscape. Consider planting some of the options listed above, or explore other companion plant choices to create a vibrant and thriving outdoor space.


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