Enhance Your Garden With Arborvitae Companion Plants

Are you looking to spice up your garden with some beautiful and functional plants? Do you have arborvitaes in your garden but are unsure what plants to pair them with? If so, then this blog post is for you! In this post, we will explore the world of arborvitae companion plants, which are perfect for adding color, texture, and interest to your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just ing out, this guide will help you create a beautiful and harmonious garden.

Why Plant Companion Plants?

Companion planting has been used by gardeners for centuries to create a thriving and balanced ecosystem in their gardens. When you plant certain types of plants together, they can help each other grow and thrive. For example, some plants attract beneficial insects that can help pollinate other plants, while others repel harmful pests. By selecting the right arborvitae companion plants, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that is easy to maintain.

Choosing the Right Arborvitae Companion Plants

When choosing arborvitae companion plants, it's important to consider several factors, such as the sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels in your garden. Some plants prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade. Similarly, some plants prefer well-draining soil, while others do well in moist soil. By selecting plants that are compatible with your garden's conditions, you can ensure that they will grow well and complement your arborvitae trees.

Best Arborvitae Companion Plants

Here are some of the best arborvitae companion plants that you can consider planting in your garden:

1. Hostas

Hostas are a popular choice for arborvitae companion plants because they thrive in partial shade and moist soil. They have large, lush leaves that come in a variety of colors, such as green, blue, and yellow. Hostas also produce beautiful flowers in the summer, which can add some additional color to your garden.

2. Boxwoods

Boxwoods are another great option for arborvitae companion plants. They are evergreen shrubs that can be pruned into a variety of shapes, including balls, cones, and hedges. They prefer partial shade and well-draining soil, making them a good match for arborvitaes.

3. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for adding some color to your garden. They produce large, showy flowers in shades of pink, blue, white, and purple. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them a good match for arborvitae trees.

4. Ferns

Ferns are a great option for adding some texture to your garden. They have delicate, lacy leaves that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them a good match for arborvitae trees.

5. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are a beautiful and unique option for arborvitae companion plants. They produce heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them a good match for arborvitae trees.

6. Daylilies

Daylilies are a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that produces large, showy flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil, making them a good match for arborvitae trees.

Worst Arborvitae Companion Plants

While there are many plants that can complement arborvitaes, there are also some plants that should be avoided. Here are some of the worst arborvitae companion plants:

1. Junipers

Junipers are a bad choice for arborvitae companion plants because they are both members of the cypress family and tend to compete with each other for resources such as nutrients, sunlight, and water.

2. Azaleas

Azaleas are also not recommended as arborvitae companion plants. They prefer acidic soil, which is not ideal for arborvitaes, which thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

3. Holly Trees

Holly trees are not recommended as arborvitae companion plants because they require similar growing conditions and can compete with each other for resources.

Creating a Beautiful Garden Design

When designing your garden, it's important to consider the overall look and feel that you want to achieve. You can create a beautiful garden by using a variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Here are some tips for creating a beautiful garden design:

Tip #1: Use Different Colors

Using different colors in your garden can add some visual interest and create a harmonious look. You can use complementary colors, such as blue and orange, or contrasting colors, such as purple and yellow.

Tip #2: Vary the Texture

Varying the texture in your garden can add some dimension and depth. For example, you can combine plants with large, lush leaves with plants that have delicate, lacy leaves.

Tip #3: Mix Different Shapes

Mixing different shapes can add some visual interest to your garden. For example, you can combine round shrubs with tall, spiky plants.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arborvitae Companion Plants

1. Can I plant arborvitaes with other evergreens?

Yes, you can plant arborvitaes with other evergreens, such as spruces and firs. Just make sure they are not too close together, as they may compete for resources.

2. What are some good ground cover plants for arborvitaes?

Some good ground cover plants for arborvitaes include ajuga, vinca, and creeping phlox.

3. Can I plant arborvitaes in containers with companion plants?

Yes, you can plant arborvitaes in containers with companion plants. Just make sure the container is large enough to accommodate both plants, and that they have similar growing requirements.

4. How much space should I leave between my arborvitaes and companion plants?

The amount of space you should leave between your arborvitaes and companion plants depends on the size of each plant. As a general rule, you should leave at least 2-3 feet of space between each plant.

5. Can I plant arborvitaes with vegetables or herbs?

While it's possible to plant arborvitaes with vegetables or herbs, it's not recommended. Arborvitaes require different growing conditions than most vegetables and herbs, and they may compete for resources.



In arborvitaes are a great addition to any garden, and pairing them with the right companion plants can create a beautiful and functional ecosystem. By considering the growing conditions in your garden and selecting plants that complement your arborvitae trees, you can create a harmonious and thriving garden.