What to Plant in Front of Arborvitae: 10 Best Options for Your Landscape

What to Plant in Front of Arborvitae

Arborvitae are evergreen trees that are popular for their lush foliage and ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions. They are often used as privacy screens or hedges, but they can also be a beautiful addition to any landscape. If you’re planting arborvitae in your yard, you may be wondering what to plant in front of them.

There are a few things to consider when choosing plants to plant in front of arborvitae. First, you want to make sure that the plants will not interfere with the growth of the arborvitae. Second, you want to choose plants that will complement the look of the arborvitae. Third, you want to choose plants that will thrive in the same conditions as the arborvitae.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best plants to plant in front of arborvitae. We will also provide tips on how to plant and care for these plants.

Plant Name	Description	Benefits
Hosta	A shade-loving perennial that comes in a variety of colors and leaf shapes.	Hostas help to suppress weeds, improve soil drainage, and provide a splash of color in shady areas.
Astilbe	A herbaceous perennial that blooms in late summer and fall.	Astilbe adds height and interest to the front of an arborvitae hedge, and its flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Coral bells	A perennial that blooms in early summer.	Coral bells provide bright color and contrast to the dark green leaves of arborvitae.
Siberian iris	A rhizomatous perennial that blooms in early summer.	Siberian iris adds height and interest to the front of an arborvitae hedge, and its flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Lamium	A groundcover that blooms in early summer.	Lamium helps to suppress weeds and improve soil drainage, and its flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Arborvitae are evergreen trees that are popular for their lush foliage and ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions. They are often used as privacy screens or hedges, but they can also be used as focal points in the landscape. If you are planting arborvitae in your yard, you may be wondering what to plant in front of them. The plants you choose should complement the arborvitae and create a beautiful and inviting landscape.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants for Front of Arborvitae

When choosing plants for the front of your arborvitae, there are a few factors to consider. These include:

• Spacing: The spacing between your arborvitae and the plants in front of them will depend on the size of the plants you choose. For example, if you are planting small perennials in front of your arborvitae, you will need to space them closer together than if you were planting large shrubs.
• Height: The height of the plants in front of your arborvitae should be similar to the height of the arborvitae. This will create a balanced look. If you want to create a layered effect, you can plant taller plants in front of shorter plants.
• Sunlight: The amount of sunlight that your arborvitae receives will affect the type of plants you can grow in front of them. Arborvitae that are planted in full sun will need plants that can tolerate full sun. Arborvitae that are planted in partial shade will need plants that can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil type: The soil type in your yard will also affect the type of plants you can grow in front of your arborvitae. Arborvitae that are planted in well-drained soil will need plants that can tolerate well-drained soil. Arborvitae that are planted in clay soil will need plants that can tolerate clay soil.
• Water needs: The water needs of your arborvitae will also affect the type of plants you can grow in front of them. Arborvitae that are drought-tolerant will need plants that are also drought-tolerant. Arborvitae that need regular watering will need plants that need regular watering.
• Maintenance requirements: The maintenance requirements of your arborvitae will also affect the type of plants you can grow in front of them. Arborvitae that are low-maintenance will need plants that are also low-maintenance. Arborvitae that require regular pruning will need plants that can tolerate pruning.
• Compatibility with arborvitae: The plants you choose for the front of your arborvitae should be compatible with the arborvitae. This means that they should not compete with the arborvitae for water, nutrients, or sunlight.

Popular Plants for Front of Arborvitae

There are many different plants that you can plant in front of your arborvitae. Some popular options include:

• Perennials: Perennials are plants that come back year after year. They are a great option for the front of your arborvitae because they provide continuous interest throughout the seasons. Some popular perennials for front of arborvitae include:
• Astilbe
• Columbine
• Daylily
• Hosta
• Iris
• Peony
• Rose
• Sedum
• Shasta daisy
• Yarrow
• Shrubs: Shrubs are woody plants that are shorter than trees. They are a great option for the front of your arborvitae because they provide structure and interest. Some popular shrubs for front of arborvitae include:
• Boxwood
• Butterfly bush
• Hydrangea
• Lilac
• Rhododendron
• Viburnum
• Groundcovers: Groundcovers are plants that spread out and cover the ground. They are a great option for the front of your arborvitae because they help to fill in any gaps and create a lush look. Some popular groundcovers for front of arborvitae include:
• Creeping Jenny
• English ivy
• Juniper
• Pachysandra
• Vinca
• Annuals: Annuals are plants that only live for one year. They are a great option for the front of your arborvitae because they provide bright colors and interest throughout the summer months. Some popular annuals for front of arborvitae include:
• Begonia
• Marigold
• Petunia
• Zinnia

Choosing the right plants for the front of your arborvitae can be a fun and rewarding experience. By considering the factors listed above, you can create a beautiful and inviting landscape that will enhance your arborvitae.

3. Tips for Planting and Caring for Plants in Front of Arborvitae

When planting plants in front of arborvitae, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Proper spacing. Arborvitae are large trees that can grow to be 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. When planting plants in front of arborvitae, it is important to allow enough space for the plants to grow. The recommended spacing between arborvitae and other plants is 3 feet.
• Watering. Arborvitae are drought-tolerant trees, but they will need to be watered more frequently when they are young. The amount of water that arborvitae need will vary depending on the climate, but a good rule of thumb is to water them deeply once a week.
• Fertilizing. Arborvitae do not need to be fertilized often, but they may benefit from a light application of fertilizer once a year in the spring. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is a good choice for arborvitae.
• Pruning. Arborvitae can be pruned to maintain their shape and size. The best time to prune arborvitae is in the spring, before the new growth begins. Pruning arborvitae is not necessary, but it can help to keep them looking their best.
• Mulching. Mulching around arborvitae can help to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and protect the roots of the trees. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch is a good amount to use around arborvitae.

4. Troubleshooting Common Problems with Plants in Front of Arborvitae

When planting plants in front of arborvitae, there are a few common problems that you may encounter. These problems include:

• Wilting. Wilting can occur when plants do not have enough water. If you notice that your plants are wilting, check the soil to see if it is dry. If the soil is dry, water the plants deeply until the water comes out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
• Pests. Pests can be a problem for plants in front of arborvitae. Some common pests include aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. If you notice that your plants are infested with pests, you can treat them with a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap.
• Diseases. Diseases can also be a problem for plants in front of arborvitae. Some common diseases include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. If you notice that your plants are diseased, you can treat them with a fungicide.
• Transplant shock. Transplant shock can occur when plants are moved from one location to another. Symptoms of transplant shock include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. If you notice that your plants are experiencing transplant shock, you can help them to recover by providing them with plenty of water and sunlight.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your plants in front of arborvitae thrive.

What to Plant in Front of Arborvitae?

A: There are many different plants that can be planted in front of arborvitae, depending on your desired look and the amount of sunlight the area receives. Some popular options include:

• Perennials: Perennials are plants that come back year after year, and they offer a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to choose from. Some good options for planting in front of arborvitae include:
• Hostas
• Daylilies
• Coneflowers
• Black-eyed Susans
• Shasta daisies
• Annuals: Annuals are plants that only last for one season, but they offer a burst of color and interest. Some good options for planting in front of arborvitae include:
• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Petunias
• Geraniums
• Cosmos
• Shrubs: Shrubs are woody plants that can grow to be several feet tall, and they offer a more structured look than perennials or annuals. Some good options for planting in front of arborvitae include:
• Boxwood
• Rhododendrons
• Azaleas
• Viburnums
• Hydrangeas

When planting in front of arborvitae, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Sunlight: Arborvitae are shade-tolerant plants, so they can be planted in full sun or partial shade. However, some of the plants that you choose to plant in front of them may require more sunlight.
• Water: Arborvitae are drought-tolerant plants, but they will need more water if they are planted in front of a sunny area.
• Space: Arborvitae can grow to be quite large, so it is important to make sure that you have enough space for them to grow.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect plants to plant in front of your arborvitae and create a beautiful, inviting landscape.

there are many factors to consider when choosing plants to plant in front of arborvitae. The most important factors are the size, shape, and growth rate of the plants. You also need to consider the amount of sunlight and water the plants will receive. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting landscape that features arborvitae as the focal point.