Arborvitae are a cornerstone of many residential landscapes, providing year round privacy, wind protection, and a structured evergreen backdrop. Choosing what to plant between arborvitae can dramatically impact the long term health of your hedge and the visual appeal of your foundation planting. The space directly in front of these dense shrubs is often challenging due to shade and root competition, yet it offers a perfect opportunity to layer texture and color. By selecting the right companion plants, you can create a seamless transition from tall screening to ground covering beauty.
Homeowners frequently make the mistake of planting groundcovers too close to the trunk or choosing species that demand full sun in a shaded alley. Understanding the specific conditions created by mature arborvitae is the first step toward a successful understory design. The goal is to find plants that thrive with minimal direct light while tolerating the shallow root zones of the conifers. This article will guide you through the best options for planting in the shadow of your privacy screen, ensuring a polished and low maintenance result.
Foundations Of Shade Planting
Planting beneath arborvitae requires a specific set of horticultural considerations that differ from open garden beds. The dense canopy creates a dry shade environment where rainfall is filtered through thick branches before reaching the soil. This means the plants you choose must be naturally drought tolerant once established, even if they appear in damp woodland settings elsewhere. The competition for moisture is fierce, so selecting deep rooted or aggressive spreaders ensures your ground cover survives the long term.
Soil conditions near the drip line are often acidic and nutrient poor due to the constant fall of evergreen needles. You should prioritize plants that are adaptable to a range of pH levels and are not heavy feeders. Mulching is essential to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep the material a few inches away from the arborvitae stems to prevent rot. Keeping these foundational principles in mind will help you narrow down the best options for plant between arborvitae.
Hosta Varieties
Hostas are arguably the most popular choice for planting between arborvitae because they deliver bold foliage with almost no maintenance. Their broad leaves create a lush carpet that suppresses weeds and cools the soil surface significantly. Many varieties are specifically bred for shade tolerance and will thrive even under the dense limbs of a mature hedge. You can mix different sizes and leaf shapes to add visual interest without demanding special care.
When placing hostas, consider the mature spread of each cultivar to avoid constant dividing later on. They pair beautifully with ferns and heuchera, creating a tapestry of greens and subtle textures. Slug resistance is a common concern, so look for thicker leaf varieties or be prepared with organic deterrents. Overall, hostas offer reliable color and form that bridges the gap between the structured hedge and the surrounding garden.
Ferns
Ferns bring a delicate, airy quality that contrasts beautifully with the rigid, columnar lines of arborvitae. Their fine textured fronds soften the hard edges of the hedge and introduce a natural woodland feel to the landscape. Many native ferns, such as Christmas fern or wood fern, are exceptionally tough and spread reliably in shaded conditions. They require little more than an annual cleanup of dead foliage to look their best.
Planting ferns between arborvitae works especially well in informal garden settings where a naturalistic look is desired. The gentle arching fronds fill the ground plane without becoming invasive or overwhelming. Because they establish quickly, they help prevent soil erosion around the shallow roots of the conifers. Choosing the right fern species ensures year round interest, even in the colder months when many other perennials die back.
Adding Seasonal Color And Texture
While foliage is the backbone of shade gardening beneath arborvitae, you can still introduce seasonal color without complicating maintenance. Small flowering shade perennials can punch through the greenery in spring and early summer, offering subtle pops of brightness. These accents draw the eye and create depth, making the hedge feel like part of a larger, cohesive garden design.
The key is to select plants that do not compete aggressively for space or moisture. Aim for compact varieties that grow slowly and stay within the root zone perimeter. When planned carefully, these flowering companions enhance the overall aesthetic while respecting the arborvitae's dominance. Layering height and bloom time ensures the area looks dynamic throughout the growing season.
Heuchera
Heuchera, commonly known as coral bells, brings a vibrant mix of foliage colors ranging from deep purple to lime green and everything in between. Their small, bell shaped flowers on wiry stems add vertical interest without overshadowing the arborvitae. The leaves remain attractive throughout the year, providing consistent color even when not in bloom. This makes them an excellent choice for adding contrast in shady border areas.
Heuchera varieties are generally low maintenance and resistant to pests, which is ideal for planting near the trunks of arborvitae. They tolerate dry shade better than many other flowering plants, reducing the need for supplemental watering. Grouping multiple plants together creates a sweeping tapestry of color that softens the base of the hedge. Their adaptability allows them to perform well in a variety of soil conditions.
Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart introduces a romantic, old fashioned charm with its heart shaped pink and white flowers that seem to dangle from arching stems. This classic shade lover emerges early in the season and provides a striking focal point within the arborvitae hedge. Once the blooming period ends, the foliage remains attractive until it dies back in summer. Choosing heat tolerant varieties can extend the season of interest in warmer climates.
Because bleeding heart goes dormant during the height of summer, it works best when interplanted with evergreens like arborvitae that fill the gap with structure. The contrast between the bold conifer foliage and the delicate, fern like leaves of bleeding heart is visually compelling. Planting in clusters rather than single specimens creates a more impactful display. This combination delivers layers of texture and seasonal rhythm.
Practical Maintenance Tips
Caring for plant material between arborvitae starts with proper installation and site preparation. Dig wide but shallow holes to loosen the compacted soil and give new roots a chance to spread horizontally. Water the new plantings deeply after installation to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Consistent moisture during the first season is critical for establishment in such a competitive environment.
As the plants mature, adjust your watering schedule to reflect their established root systems. Most shade plants prefer consistent moisture but will suffer in soggy soil, so ensure good drainage around the foundation. A annual application of slow release fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants can support healthy growth. Regular weeding by hand prevents unwanted competition without damaging the shallow roots of your chosen companions.
Applying a two to three inch layer of shredded bark or pine straw mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the arborvitae trunks to prevent disease issues. Pruning is usually minimal, focusing only on removing any dead or damaged foliage. With these simple practices, your plantings will thrive and reduce the need for constant intervention.
When deciding what to plant between arborvitae, think of the space as an extension of your woodland border rather than a blank canvas. The right combination of foliage and flowers can transform a stark hedge base into a layered, thriving ecosystem. Take the time to observe light patterns and moisture levels throughout the day to match plants to the specific conditions. A thoughtful approach now will reward you with a beautiful, low maintenance landscape for years to come.