The striking leaves and unique shape of Japanese maples make them a popular addition to gardens. However, their beauty can be enhanced by planting them alongside compatible plants.
These companions not only complement the aesthetic of the Japanese maple but also create a diverse ecosystem that benefits all plants involved.
In the following, we will explore 25 complementary companion plants that can be paired with Japanese maples, each with its unique characteristics and growing requirements.
Companion planting can be beneficial and rewarding, but there is much more to learn! Discover the key care aspects, different varieties, problems to watch for, and much more in my Japanese Maple Guide.
1. Hostas
Hostas are a popular choice for companion planting with Japanese maples. Their lush, broad leaves create a beautiful contrast with the delicate, lacy foliage of the Japanese maple.
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Season of Interest: Spring to fall
2. Ferns
Ferns add a touch of elegance and an interesting texture to the garden. Their feathery fronds pair well with the intricate leaves of the Japanese maple.
- Growing Zones: Varies by species, most commonly 3-9
- Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-6 feet tall
- Season of Interest: Spring to fall
3. Azaleas
Azaleas are renowned for their vibrant spring blooms. The color of their flowers can create a striking contrast with the foliage of the Japanese maple.
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Light Requirements: Partial sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 2-8 feet tall and wide, depending on the species
- Season of Interest: Spring
4. Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons, like azaleas, offer spectacular spring blooms. Their large, glossy leaves also provide a nice contrast to the delicate foliage of the Japanese maple.
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Light Requirements: Partial sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 2-10 feet tall and wide, depending on the species
- Season of Interest: Spring
5. Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese forest grass, with its cascading, bamboo-like foliage, adds a soft texture and movement to the garden, complementing the Japanese maple’s structure.
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Season of Interest: Spring to fall
6. Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding hearts are cherished for their unique, heart-shaped flowers. They add a touch of romance to the garden and pair well with Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall and wide
- Season of Interest: Spring
7. Astilbes
Astilbes are known for their feathery, plume-like flowers and fern-like foliage. They thrive in the same conditions as Japanese maples and make great companion plants.
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
- Mature Size: 1.5-5 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide
- Season of Interest: Summer
8. Japanese Anemones
Japanese anemones produce delicate, poppy-like flowers in late summer and fall, extending the season of interest in the garden when paired with Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
- Season of Interest: Late summer to fall
9. Evergreen Ground Covers
Evergreen ground covers, such as vinca or pachysandra, provide year-round interest and a lush carpet that contrasts beautifully with the upright form of Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: Varies by species, typically 4-9
- Light Requirements: Full sun to full shade, depending on the species
- Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall and spreading
- Season of Interest: Year round
10. Hellebores
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, bloom in late winter to early spring, providing early-season color that complements the budding leaves of Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Season of Interest: Late winter to early spring
11. Japanese Iris
Japanese iris, with their elegant, sword-like foliage and stunning blooms, adds a touch of sophistication to any garden and pairs well with Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
- Season of Interest: Late spring to early summer
12. Camellias
Camellias are known for their glossy, evergreen leaves and large, showy flowers. They offer a stunning contrast to the delicate, colorful foliage of Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 6-10
- Light Requirements: Partial sun to partial shade
- Mature Size: 6-12 feet tall and wide, depending on the species
- Season of Interest: Fall to spring, depending on the species
13. Coral Bells
Coral bells, or heucheras, offer a wide range of foliage colors from vibrant reds to deep purples, making them a great match for the Japanese maple.
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
- Season of Interest: Spring to fall
14. Dwarf Gardenia
Dwarf gardenia, with its fragrant white flowers and glossy-green leaves, adds a touch of elegance and a sweet aroma to any garden.
- Growing Zones: 7-10
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall and wide
- Season of Interest: Late spring to early summer
15. Forsythia
Forsythia is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. The vibrant blooms contrast beautifully with the emerging leaves of Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 5-8
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 2-10 feet tall and wide, depending on the species
- Season of Interest: Spring
16. Barberry
Barberry shrubs, with their thorny stems and colorful foliage, offer a unique texture and a pop of color that complement Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 4-8
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 1-5 feet tall and wide, depending on the species
- Season of Interest: Spring to fall
17. Nandina
Nandina, also known as heavenly bamboo, offers multi-season interest with its evergreen foliage, spring flowers, and fall berries.
- Growing Zones: 6-9
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 2-8 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide
- Season of Interest: Year round
18. Dwarf Conifers
Dwarf conifers, such as dwarf spruce or juniper, provide year-round structure and color, making them an excellent companion for Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: Varies by species, typically 3-8
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 1-6 feet tall
- Season of Interest: Year round
19. Mountain Laurel
Mountain laurel is known for its stunning, cup-shaped flowers and glossy, evergreen leaves. It offers a beautiful contrast to the delicate, colorful foliage of Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 5-15 feet tall and wide
- Season of Interest: Late spring to early summer
20. Viburnum Shrubs
Viburnum shrubs offer multi-season interest with their fragrant flowers, colorful berries, and vibrant fall color. They pair well with Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 2-9
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 2-15 feet tall and wide, depending on the species
- Season of Interest: Spring to fall
21. Daylilies
Daylilies are cherished for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. They add a splash of color to the garden and complement the Japanese maple’s foliage.
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Season of Interest: Summer
22. Spring Bulbs
Spring bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, bloom in early spring, providing a burst of color that complements the budding leaves of Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: Varies by species, typically 3-8
- Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
- Mature Size: Varies by species, typically 6 inches to 2 feet tall
- Season of Interest: Spring
23. Creeping Sedum
Creeping sedum, with its succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers, tolerates drought well and offers a unique texture, making it a great companion for Japanese maples.
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Light Requirements: Full sun
- Mature Size: 3-6 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide
- Season of Interest: Summer to fall
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right companion plants for your Japanese maple can enhance its beauty and create a more diverse and healthy ecosystem in your garden.
From the lush foliage of hostas to the vibrant blooms of azaleas, each of these companion plants listed above brings something unique to the table.
By considering their growing requirements and seasons of interest, you can create a garden that offers beauty and interest throughout the year.
If you enjoyed this article, you should also check out:
- 16 Pretty Shrubs That Complement Japanese Maples Perfectly
- Hostas Under Japanese Maple: What To Know Before Planting