Hardly any other tree brings such a Far Eastern flair to the garden. The Japanese maple obviously knows that it attracts attention with its lofty shape and magnificent autumn colors. But it doesn't like to be isolated from other plants
Which plants go well with the Japanese maple?
To optimally combine the Japanese maple, choose companion plants such as hostas, azaleas, cherry laurel or cranesbill that prefer similar site conditions and offer harmonious color contrasts without overpowering the main attraction.
What factors should you consider when combining Japanese maple?
To highlight the attractiveness of the Japanese maple, consider the following factors when looking for suitable companion plants:
- Leaf shape: pinnately cut
- Foliage color: green (summer) and bright red (autumn)
- Flower color: red
- Flowering time: End of April to May
- Site requirements: sunny, loose and well-drained soil
- Growth height: up to 110 cm
Primarily, it is the foliage that makes the Japanese maple so special. Therefore, combine suitable plants so that the image of the Japanese maple can stand out well.
Consider flower color and fall foliage. When combined correctly, you can experience impressive contrasts.
The location requirements of the Japanese maple are no less noteworthy. Plants that also like to grow in the sun and prefer sandy, loamy soil are the ideal combination partners.
Combine Japanese maple in beds and open spaces
The Japanese maple likes to be in the spotlight. For this reason, you should combine it with plants that don't steal the show. Examples that underline it, contrast it or provide it with support from the background are ideal. Leafy perennials are the perfect choice for your Japanese maple as well as smaller trees, ferns and bamboo. Of course, plants that also come from Asia and clearly demonstrate this are ideal for the neighborhood with the Japanese maple.
Recommended companion plants for the Japanese maple include:
- Cherry Laurel
- fairy flowers
- Azaleas
- hydrangeas
- Bergenia
- Funkia
- Red Veil Fern
- Bamboo
Combine Japanese maple with hostas
Funkas are wonderful foliage perennials that highlight the exotic charisma of the Japanese maple. For example, combine white variegated or blue-green hostas with the Japanese maple. The hostas can be used directly for planting underneath. They cope well with shady conditions.
Combine Japanese maple with azalea
The azalea, also known as the Japanese rose, goes well with the Japanese maple, and not just because of their common origin. It still shows off its evergreen foliage even in winter and forms a remarkable contrast to the bright red autumn leaves of the Japanese maple in autumn. Plant a red to pink flowering azalea near your Japanese maple and enjoy the Far Eastern view from spring to autumn.
Combine Japanese maple in the pot
The Japanese maple also looks great in a pot. It can be planted with low ground cover plants, but also with small perennials and ferns. For example, the following suits him best:
- Storksbill
- Japanese Creeping Juniper
- fairy flowers
- Ground cover thyme
- Red Veil Fern
Combine Japanese maple with cranesbill
The cranesbill fits snuggly onto the Japanese maple in the pot. It shines there with its cup-shaped flowers, with all flower colors harmonizing with the Japanese maple in summer. In addition, the cranesbill tolerates the shade at the foot of the Japanese maple and likes similar soil conditions.
