What to Plant Around Cedar Trees

Cedar trees are magnificent specimens that add beauty and life to any landscape. But, when it comes to planting around them, it can be tricky to know what species will thrive in their shade, tolerate their acidic soil, and be resistant to cedar-apple rust. In this article, we delve into the ideal plants that can coexist with cedar trees, enhancing and complementing their natural beauty.

1. Shade-loving Ferns

Ferns are a naturally compatible plant for cedar trees. They thrive in the shade created by their dense canopies, prefer acidic soil, and create a stunning contrast with their delicate fronds that complement the tree's rough and sturdy structure. Some of the best ferns that can grow around cedar trees include lady ferns, maidenhair ferns, and ostrich ferns. They provide a lush and verdant backdrop that is easy to maintain and adds texture and character to the landscape.

2. Groundcover Plants

Groundcover plants are perfect for planting around cedar trees as they can help smother out weeds, reduce soil erosion, and create a beautiful carpet of foliage. Some of the best groundcover plants that can thrive around cedar trees include creeping phlox, English ivy, creeping thyme, and creeping juniper. These plants help create a natural and harmonious blend of colors and textures, adding a layer of interest and diversity to the landscape.

3. Perennials

Perennials are an excellent choice for planting around cedar trees as they come back year after year, are less prone to pest and disease problems, and can fill in gaps and spaces in any landscape. Some of the best perennials that can coexist with cedar trees include coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, asters, and daylilies. They come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures and can create a stunning display of blooms that complement the tree's deep green foliage.

4. Shrubs

Shrubs are a great choice for planting around cedar trees as they can add height, structure, and interest to any garden. Some of the best shrubs that can thrive around cedar trees include viburnums, azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. These shrubs thrive in acidic soil, prefer partial shade, and can create a striking contrast with the tree's roughened bark and green foliage. The best part about planting shrubs around cedar trees is that they can help hide any exposed roots and create a more polished and cohesive look.

Conclusion

Cedar trees are awe-inspiring, and planting around them can help soften their rugged appearance, control soil erosion, and create a more diverse and engaging landscape. The plants detailed above are merely a selection of the best options for coexisting with cedar trees. They offer different colors, textures, and sizes that can complement the tree's natural beauty and create a stunning display of blooms and foliage. Planting around cedar trees can be a rewarding experience, and with the right plants, can transform your landscape into a thriving and dynamic ecosystem.