What to Plant Under Arborvitae for a Beautiful and Low-Maintenance Landscape

What to Plant Under Arborvitae

Arborvitae are a popular choice for landscaping, as they are evergreen, low-maintenance trees that provide a lush, green backdrop for other plants. However, arborvitae can also be quite dense, which can make it difficult to grow other plants underneath them. If you’re looking to add some variety to your landscape, there are a few things you can keep in mind when choosing plants to plant under arborvitae.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best plants to grow under arborvitae, as well as some tips for planting and caring for them. We’ll also provide some examples of beautiful gardens that feature arborvitae and other plants.

So if you’re ready to add some color and interest to your landscape, keep reading for all the information you need to know about planting under arborvitae!

Plant	Benefits	Care Instructions
Ajuga	Attracts pollinators, helps to suppress weeds	Partial shade, well-drained soil, water regularly
Coral bells	Colorful foliage, blooms in late summer	Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, water regularly
Hostas	Decorative foliage, blooms in early summer	Partial shade, well-drained soil, water regularly
Lamium	Attracts pollinators, helps to suppress weeds	Partial shade, well-drained soil, water regularly
Marjoram	Aromatic herb, blooms in late summer	Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, water regularly
Periwinkle	Groundcover, blooms in early spring	Partial shade, well-drained soil, water regularly
Sedums	Drought-tolerant, blooms in late summer	Full sun, well-drained soil, water occasionally

Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants

When choosing plants to grow under arborvitae, there are a few factors to consider.

Sunlight

Arborvitae are typically shade-tolerant trees, so they can provide a good amount of shade for other plants. However, some plants will still need some sunlight to thrive. If you’re not sure how much sunlight your arborvitae provides, you can take a look at the leaves. If the leaves are dark green, the tree is getting plenty of sunlight. If the leaves are light green or yellow, the tree is in a shady spot.

Soil conditions

Arborvitae trees do best in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, you may need to add some sand or compost to improve drainage. Arborvitae trees also prefer acidic soil, so you may need to add some peat moss or pine needles to the soil if it is alkaline.

Water needs

Arborvitae trees are drought-tolerant, but they will need more water during periods of drought. If you live in an area with hot, dry summers, you may need to water your plants more frequently.

Growth rate

The growth rate of the plants you choose will also be important. If you want to create a dense understory, you will need to choose plants that grow quickly. If you’re not sure how quickly a plant will grow, you can check the plant tag or do a quick online search.

Maintenance requirements

Finally, you’ll need to consider the maintenance requirements of the plants you choose. Some plants, such as perennials, require little maintenance. Others, such as shrubs, may need to be pruned regularly.

Common Plants That Work Well Under Arborvitae

There are many different plants that can be grown under arborvitae trees. Here are a few common options:

Perennials

Perennials are plants that come back year after year. They are a great option for underplanting arborvitae because they provide a variety of colors, textures, and shapes. Some good choices for underplanting arborvitae include:

• Ajuga
• Brunnera
• Coral bells
• Hosta
• Lily of the valley
• Primrose
• Sweet woodruff

Shrubs

Shrubs are woody plants that grow to a height of 3-6 feet. They are a good option for underplanting arborvitae because they provide structure and interest to the landscape. Some good choices for underplanting arborvitae include:

• Azaleas
• Camellias
• Daphne
• Rhododendrons
• Viburnums

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread to cover the ground. They are a good option for underplanting arborvitae because they help to prevent weeds and erosion. Some good choices for underplanting arborvitae include:

• Creeping Jenny
• English ivy
• Pachysandra
• Vinca minor
• Woolly thyme

Vines

Vines are plants that climb up other plants or structures. They are a good option for underplanting arborvitae because they can provide a vertical element to the landscape. Some good choices for underplanting arborvitae include:

• Clematis
• Honeysuckle
• Ivy
• Wisteria

Arborvitae trees can provide a beautiful backdrop for a variety of plants. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose plants that will thrive under your arborvitae trees and create a beautiful landscape.

Additional tips for planting under arborvitae

• When planting under arborvitae, it is important to dig the hole wide enough to accommodate the roots of the plant. The hole should also be deep enough so that the crown of the plant is level with the surrounding soil.
• When planting, it is important to backfill the hole with soil that is similar to the soil in which the plant was growing. This will help to ensure that the plant has the best chance of survival.
• After planting, it is important to water the plant thoroughly. This will help to settle the soil around the roots and encourage the plant to establish itself.
• It is also important to mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the heat of the sun.

By following these tips, you can help your plants thrive under your arborvitae trees.

What To Plant Under Arborvitae?

Arborvitae are evergreen trees that are popular for their dense foliage and ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions. They can be used as a privacy screen, windbreak, or specimen tree. However, arborvitae can also be used to create a beautiful landscape by planting other plants under them.

When choosing plants to plant under arborvitae, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Sunlight: Arborvitae need full sun to thrive, so any plants that you choose to plant under them should also be able to tolerate full sun.
• Water: Arborvitae are drought-tolerant trees, but they will need more water if they are planted under other plants. Make sure to water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Soil: Arborvitae grow best in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, you may need to amend it with sand or compost to improve drainage.
• Size: When choosing plants to plant under arborvitae, it is important to consider the mature size of the plants. You don’t want the plants to outgrow the arborvitae or crowd them out.

Some good plants to plant under arborvitae include:

• Perennials:
• Daylilies
• Hostas
• Iris
• Shasta daisies
• Yarrow
• Annuals:
• Petunias
• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Cosmos
• Impatiens
• Groundcovers:
• Creeping Jenny
• Pachysandra
• Vinca minor
• Lamium maculatum
• Ajuga

By planting the right plants under your arborvitae, you can create a beautiful and inviting landscape that will add value to your home.

How to Plant Under Arborvitae

Planting under arborvitae is a relatively simple process. Just follow these steps:

1. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the plant’s root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
3. Water the plant thoroughly.
4. Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Here are some additional tips for planting under arborvitae:

• Choose plants that are the same height or slightly shorter than the arborvitae.
• Plant the plants at least 2 feet away from the arborvitae trunk.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilize the plants according to the package directions.

By following these tips, you can easily plant under arborvitae and create a beautiful and inviting landscape.

Care for Plants Under Arborvitae

Once you have planted your plants under arborvitae, it is important to care for them properly to ensure that they thrive. Here are some tips for caring for plants under arborvitae:

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize the plants according to the package directions.
• Prune the plants as needed to maintain their shape.
• Protect the plants from pests and diseases.

Here are some specific tips for caring for specific types of plants under arborvitae:

• Perennials:
• Water perennials deeply once or twice a week during dry weather.
• Fertilize perennials in the spring and fall.
• Divide perennials every 2 to 3 years to keep them healthy and vigorous.
• Protect perennials from pests and diseases by spraying them with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Annuals:
• Water annuals daily during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize annuals every 2 to 3 weeks.
• Deadhead annuals regularly to encourage new blooms.
• Protect annuals from pests and diseases by spraying them with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
• Groundcovers:
• Water groundcovers regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Fertilize groundcovers in the spring and fall.
• Divide groundcovers every 2 to 3 years to keep them healthy and vigorous.
• Protect groundcovers from pests and diseases by spraying them with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

By following these tips, you can easily care for plants under arborvitae and create a beautiful and inviting landscape.

Planting under arborvitae is a great way to add color, interest, and depth to your

What To Plant Under Arborvitae?

• Q: What are the best plants to grow under arborvitae?

A: The best plants to grow under arborvitae vary depending on your climate and the specific conditions of your garden. Some good options include:

• *Shrubs:* Azaleas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel, pieris, and viburnum
• *Perennials:* Hostas, ferns, daylilies, lily of the valley, and bleeding heart
• *Groundcovers:* Creeping phlox, pachysandra, vinca, and liriope
• *Annuals:* Begonias, impatiens, petunias, and marigolds

• Q: How far apart should I plant plants under arborvitae?

A: The best spacing for plants under arborvitae depends on the size of the plants and the desired effect. For a more natural look, space plants about 2-3 feet apart. For a more formal look, space plants closer together, about 1-2 feet apart.

• Q: How much sun do plants need under arborvitae?

A: Most plants that grow well under arborvitae need partial shade, meaning they should receive direct sunlight for part of the day and shade for the rest of the day. Some plants that can tolerate more shade include ferns, hostas, and azaleas.

• Q: How much water do plants need under arborvitae?

A: Plants under arborvitae will need less water than plants in full sun. Water them deeply once or twice a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.

• Q: What are some common problems with plants under arborvitae?

A: Some common problems with plants under arborvitae include:

• *Lack of sunlight:* Plants that need full sun will not do well under arborvitae. They may become leggy and weak, and their leaves may yellow.
• *Too much shade:* Plants that need full sun will not do well under arborvitae. They may become leggy and weak, and their leaves may yellow.
• *Too much water:* Plants under arborvitae are more likely to develop root rot if they are overwatered.
• *Too little water:* Plants under arborvitae are more likely to dry out if they are underwatered.

• Q: How can I prevent problems with plants under arborvitae?

A: To prevent problems with plants under arborvitae, you can:

• Choose plants that are well-suited for the amount of sunlight and water available.
• Water plants deeply and regularly, but avoid overwatering.
• Mulch around plants to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the heat.
• Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases, and treat them as needed.

By following these tips, you can help your plants thrive under your arborvitae.

In this article, we discussed the different plants that can be planted under arborvitae trees. We covered a variety of factors to consider when choosing the right plants, including the size of the arborvitae, the amount of sunlight available, and the soil conditions. We also provided specific recommendations for plants that are well-suited for growing under arborvitae trees.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting landscape that features a variety of plants, all of which will thrive under the shade of your arborvitae trees.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• When choosing plants to grow under arborvitae trees, it is important to consider the size of the arborvitae, the amount of sunlight available, and the soil conditions.
• Some good plants for growing under arborvitae trees include ferns, hostas, astilbe, and coral bells.
• Arborvitae trees can provide a beautiful and inviting backdrop for a variety of different plants, creating a lush and peaceful landscape.