The Thuja, also known as the tree of life, is popular as a hedge but also as a formative solitaire in beds or elsewhere. But it has shallow roots and doesn't tolerate any competition near it. Below you can find out which companion plants can still be considered.
Which plants go well with thuja?
A thuja can be combined with plants that have similar location requirements, harmonize well visually and do not compete with roots. Suitable companion plants include ivy, hosta, golden privet, rhododendron, peony, lady's mantle, cranesbill and fairy mirror.
What factors should you consider when combining thuja?
The nature of the Thuja is simple, but still sets the tone. Therefore, you should consider some aspects of the plant when combining:
- Foliage: dark green, blue-green or yellow-green
- Location requirements: sunny to partially shaded, loose, slightly acidic and humus-rich soil
- Growth height: up to 20 m
The evergreen conifers of the Thuja provide the perfect framework for most plants to stand out even more visually. Therefore, from a visual perspective alone, it is not a problem to find suitable companion plants.
The location requirements of the Thuja are also worth considering. It requires a forest-like soil with an acidic pH value at best.
The majority of thuja varieties grow to a height of 5 m. But there are also exceptions that can grow up to 20 m high. Pay attention to the height of your thuja when combining it with other plants.
Combine thuja in the bed or hedge
A thuja can provide structure in the bed, but can also have an effect in the background. It is also popular as a hedge element. While it can be wonderfully showcased in the hedge with trees with different colored leaves, it likes to stand behind flowering perennials in the bed. It is important to note that the thuja cannot cope if its plant neighbors put pressure on its roots. You should behave in a friendly manner when interacting with one another.
Proven planting combinations with Thuja are available with:
- Ivy
- Funkie
- Golden Privet
- Rhododendron
- Peony
- woman's coat
- Storksbill
- Elf Mirror
Combine thuja with hosta
As a foliage perennial, the hosta is highlighted by the support of the thuja. Light-leaved or strikingly variegated or striped hostas in particular benefit from the presence of a thuja. Their foliage color stands out clearly from that of the Thuja. The two agree on the location conditions, which also speaks for a neighborhood.
Combine thuja with rhododendron
The rhododendron shines with its flowers in the foreground of the thuja. He also likes humus-rich and slightly acidic soil. It also likes a location in partial shade. However, make sure that the distance between the two is sufficient.
Combine thuja with golden privet
In a hedge planting, the golden privet looks phenomenal next to the thuja. He seems to actually glow in his presence. The thuja contrasts the golden yellow foliage of the golden privet and the hedge no longer looks dreary, but rather exciting.
Combine thuja in the bucket
The thuja looks great in a pot, for example when it is cut into a spherical or columnar shape. It can be beautifully combined with plants that bloom conspicuously and are still looking for a suitable background planting. What is important, however, is that the thuja is allowed to stand alone in the bucket. The planting partners should be in a separate container.
- Roses
- Dwarf Lilac
- Snowball hydrangea
- Magnolia
- Cherry Laurel
