Companion Plants for Flowering Cherry Trees: Enhancing Your Garden

Are you looking to enhance the beauty of your garden and make it more vibrant? If so, then planting a flowering cherry tree is a great place to . These trees are known for their stunning blossoms that come in a range of colors, including pink, white, and red. But did you know that adding companion plants around your flowering cherry tree can also increase its aesthetic appeal? Not only that, but companion planting can also provide ecological benefits by attracting beneficial insects and deterring pests. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for flowering cherry trees so that you can create a garden that blooms with life.

Why Companion Plants Are Important?

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves growing different plants together in close proximity to one another. The goal of companion planting is to create a mutually beneficial relationship between plants, where each plant provides some benefit to the other. For example, some plants have natural pest-repelling properties that can protect neighboring plants from harmful insects. Other plants may attract beneficial insects, such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, which can help pollinate flowers and control pests. Companion planting can also help improve soil quality by increasing nutrient availability and reducing erosion.

Best Companion Plants for Flowering Cherry Trees

Now that we've covered why companion planting is important, let's take a look at some of the best companion plants for flowering cherry trees:

1. Daffodils

Daffodils are a popular choice for companion planting with flowering cherry trees because they bloom early in the spring, around the same time as cherry blossoms. Their bright yellow color contrasts nicely with the pink and white hues of the cherry blossoms, creating a visually stunning display. Daffodils are also known to attract bees, which can help pollinate the cherry blossoms.

2. Hostas

Hostas are another great option for companion planting with flowering cherry trees. These shade-loving plants have large, striking leaves that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They can help fill in empty spaces under the tree canopy and provide a lush green backdrop for the cherry blossoms. Hostas are also known to repel slugs and snails, which can be a common garden pest.

3. Daylilies

Daylilies are a low-maintenance and versatile plant that can complement flowering cherry trees well. They come in a range of colors and bloom throughout the summer, providing a long-lasting burst of color in your garden. Daylilies are also known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, which can add to the overall beauty of your garden.

4. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular shrub that can be planted alongside flowering cherry trees. They have large, showy blooms that come in a range of colors, including pink, blue, and white. Hydrangeas prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an ideal companion for cherry trees, which also thrive in these conditions.

5. Ferns

Ferns are a great choice for companion planting with flowering cherry trees because they thrive in shady areas and help retain moisture in the soil. They have delicate, lacy leaves that provide a nice contrast to the bold, colorful blossoms of the cherry tree. Ferns also come in many different varieties, so you can choose one that complements the overall look of your garden.

6. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are a unique and visually striking plant that can be planted alongside flowering cherry trees. They have heart-shaped flowers that dangle from thin stems, resembling drops of blood. The pink or white flowers complement the colors of the cherry blossoms well and add a touch of romance to your garden.

7. Tulips

Tulips are a classic spring flower that can be planted near flowering cherry trees. They come in a range of colors and bloom around the same time as the cherry blossoms, creating a cohesive color scheme. Tulips also attract bees and other pollinators, which can help ensure a bountiful harvest for fruit-bearing trees in your garden.

8. Lilacs

Lilacs are a fragrant and beautiful shrub that can be planted near flowering cherry trees. They bloom in late spring, after the cherry blossoms have faded, adding another burst of color to your garden. Lilacs prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making them a good companion for cherry trees.

9. Heucheras

Heucheras, commonly known as coral bells, are a low-growing perennial that can be planted underneath flowering cherry trees. Their colorful foliage adds interest to your garden, even when they're not in bloom. Heucheras also prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an ideal companion for cherry trees.

10. Peonies

Peonies are a stunning flower that can be planted alongside flowering cherry trees. They have large, showy blooms that come in a range of colors, including pink, red, and white. Peonies prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making them a good companion for cherry trees.

11. Pulmonarias

Pulmonarias, also known as lungworts, are a low-growing perennial that can be planted near flowering cherry trees. They have attractive foliage that ranges from green to silver and is often spotted or variegated. Pulmonarias prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them an ideal companion for cherry trees.

12. Astilbes

Astilbes are a feathery-looking perennial that can be planted underneath flowering cherry trees. They have colorful plumes of flowers that add interest to your garden in the summer months. Astilbes prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them a good companion for cherry trees.

13. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass is a visually stunning ornamental grass that can be planted near flowering cherry trees. It has delicate, arching foliage that comes in shades of green, yellow, and bronze. Japanese forest grass prefers partial shade and moist soil, making it an ideal companion for cherry trees.

14. Bee Balm

Bee balm, also known as monarda, is a colorful and fragrant herb that can be planted near flowering cherry trees. It has clusters of bright pink, red, or purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, making it a good companion for cherry trees.

15. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a low-growing groundcover that can be planted underneath flowering cherry trees. It has small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in the spring and attractive foliage that remains green all year long. Sweet woodruff prefers partial shade and moist soil, making it an ideal companion for cherry trees.


Companion planting is a great way to enhance the beauty and health of your garden. By planting companion plants around your flowering cherry tree, you can create a diverse and visually appealing landscape that provides ecological benefits as well. From daffodils to sweet woodruff, there are many different companion plants that can complement your cherry tree and help it thrive.

FAQs

Q1: Can I plant vegetables near my flowering cherry tree?

A1: Yes, you can plant certain vegetables near your flowering cherry tree, such as lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens. These plants prefer partial shade and can benefit from the moisture retention provided by the tree canopy.

Q2: Are there any plants that should not be planted near a flowering cherry tree?

A2: Avoid planting plants that have shallow root systems or that require full sun, as they may compete with the cherry tree for resources. Examples include grasses, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and annuals like marigolds and petunias.

Q3: Can I plant fruit trees near my flowering cherry tree?

A3: Yes, you can plant fruit trees near your flowering cherry tree, but make sure to choose varieties that have similar growing conditions and soil preferences. Also, ensure that the root systems do not overlap too much to avoid competition.

Q4: How far apart should I plant companion plants from my flowering cherry tree?

A4: It depends on the size of the companion plant and the size of the cherry tree. As a general rule, small companion plants should be planted at least 2-3 feet away from the trunk of the cherry tree, while larger companion plants can be planted up to 6-8 feet away.

Q5: Do I need to fertilize my companion plants?

A5: It depends on the specific plant and soil conditions. Some companion plants may benefit from occasional fertilization, while others may not require any additional nutrients. Consult with a gardening expert or local nursery for specific recommendations.