What to Plant Under a Cherry Blossom Tree

If you are lucky enough to have a cherry blossom tree in your garden, you will want to make the most of it. These beautiful trees are a joy to behold throughout the year, with their stunning pink or white blooms in spring, and their colorful leaves in autumn. But what should you plant underneath your cherry blossom tree to make the most of its beauty? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Ground Cover

One of the easiest and most effective things to plant under a cherry blossom tree is ground cover. This can help to suppress weeds and keep the soil moist, as well as adding interest and color to the area. Some good options include:

Creeping thyme: This low-growing herb has tiny leaves and delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It is hardy and drought-resistant, making it ideal for a sunny spot under a cherry blossom tree.

Hostas: These shade-loving perennials come in a wide range of colors and sizes, from small and compact to large and dramatic. They can be grown in clumps or singly, and their broad leaves provide a great contrast to the delicate cherry blossoms above.

Creeping sedum: Another low-growing plant, sedum thrives in hot, dry conditions and has succulent leaves that retain moisture well. It comes in a range of colors, from pale green to pink and red, and is easy to propagate from cuttings.

Bulbs

For a burst of color in spring, why not plant some bulbs under your cherry blossom tree? These can be planted in autumn and will emerge just as the cherry blossoms begin to fade. Some good options include:

Crocuses: These dainty flowers come in shades of purple, yellow, and white, and look great planted in drifts under a cherry blossom tree. They are also a favorite food of bees and other pollinators.

Tulips: With their large, showy blooms in shades of red, pink, and yellow, tulips are a popular choice for spring planting. They are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from delicate species tulips to flamboyant parrot tulips.

Daffodils: Bright and cheerful, daffodils are one of the earliest flowers to bloom in spring. They come in a variety of colors, from classic yellow to white, pink, and orange, and are available in both single and double forms.

Shrubs

If you are looking for something with a bit more height and structure, consider planting a shrub or two under your cherry blossom tree. Shrubs can provide color and interest throughout the year, and can also help to anchor the planting scheme. Some options to consider include:

Azaleas: These evergreen shrubs have stunning blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white, which usually appear in late spring or early summer. They are relatively small, with a maximum height of around 5 feet, and can be pruned to maintain their shape.

Rhododendrons: A close relative of the azalea, rhododendrons are also evergreen and produce large, showy blooms in spring or early summer. They can grow up to 20 feet tall, so make sure you choose a dwarf variety if you have limited space.

Ferns: A great choice for a shady spot under a cherry blossom tree, ferns come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from delicate maidenhair ferns to imposing tree ferns. They are easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them ideal for busy gardeners.

With a little thought and planning, you can create a stunning garden under your cherry blossom tree, full of color and interest throughout the year. Whether you choose ground cover, bulbs, or shrubs, make sure you choose plants that thrive in your local climate and soil conditions, and that complement the beauty of your cherry blossom tree.