What to Plant Around Maple Tree
Maple trees are renowned for their beautiful autumn foliage, which brings a riot of golds, oranges, and reds to gardens and landscapes. However, what many gardeners do not realize is that maple trees also offer the perfect opportunity to showcase a wide range of plants that can thrive in the partial shade and well-drained soil that they prefer. Here are some ideas for what to plant around maple trees for maximum impact.
Shrubs
Shrubs are a great choice for planting around maple trees, as they can help to add structure to your garden and complement the natural shape of your maple. Some shrubs that would work well include:
Boxwood: This evergreen shrub is known for its tightly packed leaves and neat boxy shape, making it a perfect choice for adding structure to your garden.
Hydrangea: These deciduous shrubs produce beautiful flowers in shades of pink, blue, and white, adding a burst of color to the space around your maple tree.
Viburnum: With their beautiful clusters of white flowers and purple berries, these shrubs are an ideal choice for attracting birds and pollinators to your garden.
Perennials
Perennials are a great option for planting around maple trees, as they tend to require less maintenance than annuals and can come back year after year. Consider planting the following:
Bleeding heart: This beautiful plant produces heart-shaped pendant flowers in shades of pink and white, making it a lovely addition to any garden.
Hosta: With their attractive foliage in shades of green, blue, and variegated patterns, hostas are a popular choice for planting around maple trees.
Astilbe: These plants produce fluffy blooms in shades of pink, red, and white, adding a touch of drama to your garden.
Groundcovers
Groundcovers can help to add a cohesive look to your garden, especially when planted in large groupings. Here are some options that will thrive around your maple tree:
Coral bells: With their attractive foliage and delicate blooms in shades of pink and white, coral bells make a lovely addition to any garden.
Ajuga: This fast-spreading groundcover produces spikes of blue flowers and attracts a variety of beneficial insects to your garden.
Creeping phlox: This low-growing plant produces a profusion of brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
By planting a variety of shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers around your maple tree, you can create a beautiful and cohesive garden that showcases the beauty of this standout tree while enhancing its natural qualities. With a little creativity and a keen eye for design, you can create a garden that is a joy to behold year after year.