Arborvitae are among the most reliable evergreen shrubs and small trees for adding year round structure, privacy, and soft texture to the landscape. When you learn what to plant around arborvitae, you can turn a row of neat green pillars into a layered, livable garden that supports wildlife and looks full even during winter. The key is to choose companions that respect the tree’s mature size, root zone, and preference for consistent moisture without turning the base into a swamp.
Because arborvitae typically have shallow, fibrous roots near the top of the soil, it pays to plan for both above ground harmony and below ground compatibility. By pairing plants with similar water needs and mature heights, you avoid constant tug of war between the arborvitae and its neighbors for moisture and nutrients. Once you understand those basics, the question of what to plant around arborvitae becomes more about designing a balanced front to back and top to bottom planting palette than chasing trends.
Low Growing Shrubs And Perennials
Low growing shrubs and perennials are among the most forgiving options in front of and beside arborvitae because they create a living mulch that suppresses weeds and keeps the soil consistently cool. These smaller plants act as a visual bridge between the strong vertical lines of the arborvitae and the surrounding lawn or pathway. When you plan the understory with care, the combination feels cohesive rather than crowded.
Boxwood
Boxwood is a classic partner for arborvitae because its compact habit and fine textured foliage echo the evergreen form without competing aggressively for light. Use dwarf or medium sized boxwood varieties in front of taller arborvitae, especially near entryways or along formal borders. The steady, year round green backdrop lets the arborvitae stay the structural star while adding subtle variation in leaf shape.
Heuchera
Heuchera, or coral bells, brings a welcome contrast with its richly hued leaves in shades of plum, lime, and amber that stand out against the dark green backdrop of arborvitae. These shade tolerant plants thrive in the dappled light that often passes through the lower branches of taller arborvitae. Their delicate flower spikes in late spring also attract pollinators, turning the area around your arborvitae into a small, welcoming habitat.
Groundcovers And Flowering Plants
Groundcovers and flowering plants soften the base of arborvitae, which can sometimes look stark when they are young or when the lower branches die back. By selecting species that spread rather than sprawl, you create a tidy edge that prevents soil erosion and reduces the need for heavy mulching. This approach is especially useful on slopes or along curves where mowing close to the trunk would be difficult.
Ajuga
Ajuga, commonly known as bugleweed, forms a dense mat of glossy leaves that quickly fills empty spaces beneath arborvitae. Many varieties add spikes of blue flower in spring, which provide a striking contrast to the uniform green of the trees. Because ajuga tolerates both light shade and periodic drought once established, it is a practical choice for busy gardeners who still want a lush look.
Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox spreads horizontally rather than vertically, making it ideal for the shallow soil zone directly around arborvitae roots. In mid spring, it erupts in waves of pink, white, or lavender color that literally covers the ground and draws the eye toward the base of the hedge. When you edge these plants with a discreet barrier or mow around them, they stay neat without overwhelming their taller neighbors.
Structural And Focal Elements
Structural and focal elements give your arborvitae garden a sense of destination, whether you are designing a quiet meditation corner or a welcoming entry. These larger accent pieces should be positioned at the sides or slightly behind the arborvitae so the trees remain the tallest feature in the composition. This layered approach guides the eye from background to foreground without losing a sense of depth.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses introduce movement and sound that pair beautifully with the static formality of arborvitae. Their wispy seed heads and swaying blades catch light in a way that softens the hard lines of evergreen hedges. Look for compact varieties that will not ultimately compete with the arborvitae for sunlight, and plant them where their movement can be enjoyed from windows or seating areas.
Hosta
Hosta remains a favorite for shady spots because of its bold leaves and extremely low maintenance, and it performs well around arborvitae that provide overhead shade. The broad, architectural leaves create a dramatic contrast to the fine, feathery texture of arborvitae foliage. As an added benefit, slugs may gravitate toward the hosta rather than the arborvitae, giving you a simple, if imperfect, pest management strategy.
Planning And Long Term Care
Planning what to plant around arborvitae becomes much easier when you sketch a simple layout that accounts for mature widths and heights. Give each shrub enough space to develop its natural shape without constantly brushing against the arborvitae, which can cause rubbing injuries and disease entry points. A gentle curve in the planting bed usually looks more natural than a sharp angle against the base of the hedge.
Amending the soil with compost at planting time and applying a thin layer of mulch helps new companions establish before they compete heavily with the arborvitae roots. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself to prevent moisture buildup that could encourage rot. Consistent deep watering during the first couple of years, especially during dry spells, ensures that both the arborvitae and their companions develop a strong foundation.
Seasonal tasks like removing any fallen leaves from the bed and trimming back any overly enthusiastic groundcover help maintain airflow and a neat appearance. Watching how sunlight moves across the bed through the day will tell you whether your chosen companions are thriving or reaching awkwardly for light. Adjusting or relocating plants while they are still young is far easier than struggling to correct problems years later.
As your arborvitae grow and the surrounding plantings mature, you will discover which combinations deliver that effortless, balanced look you were after. The list of suitable partners is long and flexible, ranging from tiny rock garden alpines to bold architectural perennials that tolerate shade. By revisiting your landscape through the seasons and paying attention to how each plant interacts with the arborvitae, you keep the garden dynamic without losing its sense of harmony.
Choosing what to plant around arborvitae is really about balancing structure with softness, evergreen reliability with seasonal highlights, and practical maintenance with visual delight. When the edge of the bed feels intentional rather than accidental, the entire area seems to breathe easier and invite you to linger a little longer among the greenery. Take your time, observe how light and moisture move across the bed, and adjust your plantings so that both the arborvitae and their companions continue to support each other as the years unfold.