7 Perfect Acer Companion Plants & 4 to Avoid

I’ve always been fascinated by the serene beauty of Acer trees. Their captivating foliage, ranging from deep greens in summer to fiery reds and oranges in fall, makes them a standout in any garden. Pairing them with the right companions can create a harmonious landscape that highlights their beauty and supports their growth. Here’s a guide to 7 ideal Acer companion plants and 4 to steer clear of.

Good Acer Companion Plants

Hostas

Hostas provide a lush underplanting for Acers, with their wide variety of foliage colors and textures complementing the Acer’s delicate leaves. Their shade tolerance makes them perfect for the dappled light under Acer canopies.

• How to Plant Together:
  1. Select a shaded area under or around your Acer tree.
  2. Space Hosta plants at least 15 inches apart to allow for mature spread.
  3. Incorporate organic matter into the soil to improve moisture retention.
  4. Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and moist.

Discover more about pairing Hostas with other plants here.

Ferns

Ferns add a graceful texture to the garden, with their feathery fronds creating a beautiful contrast against the structured form of Acer leaves. They thrive in similar shady conditions, making them ideal companions.

• Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a spot with dappled shade beneath or near your Acer.
  2. Plant ferns ensuring their crowns are at soil level to avoid burying them too deep.
  3. Water well after planting and during dry spells.
  4. Apply a light layer of organic mulch to maintain soil moisture.

Astilbes

Astilbes bring a splash of color to the understory of Acers with their plume-like flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, aligning with the needs of many Acer varieties.

• Steps to Plant Together:
  1. Plant Astilbes in a partially shaded area near your Acer to complement its foliage.
  2. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter for best growth.
  3. Space plants approximately 18 inches apart to allow for full growth.
  4. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in hot, dry weather.

Astilbe companions can be further explored here.

Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts offer exquisite heart-shaped flowers that dangle delicately, providing a stunning visual beneath the canopy of Acers. Their preference for shaded to partially shaded conditions makes them a fitting choice.

• How to Co-Plant:
  1. Choose a location that receives morning light and afternoon shade.
  2. Plant Bleeding Hearts about 12 inches apart for ample growth space.
  3. Water regularly to maintain even soil moisture.
  4. Apply a mulch layer to keep the roots cool and moist.

Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons, with their spectacular blooms and evergreen foliage, create a striking contrast when planted alongside Acers. They share similar acidic soil requirements, making them compatible garden mates.

• Planting Next to Acers:
  1. Ensure the planting site is well-drained with acidic soil.
  2. Space Rhododendrons at least 3 feet from Acers to give both plants enough room to expand.
  3. Water deeply and regularly, avoiding overhead watering to prevent leaf burn.
  4. Mulch with pine needles or compost to maintain soil acidity.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas, with their large, showy flowers, complement the fine foliage of Acers beautifully. They thrive in partially shaded areas where Acers provide light cover, preferring moist, well-drained soil.

• Combining Hydrangeas and Acers:
  1. Plant Hydrangeas in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade.
  2. Space them about 4 feet away from the base of the Acer to avoid competition.
  3. Keep the soil moist, especially during bloom time.
  4. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool.

Columbines

Columbines offer delicate foliage and bell-shaped flowers that dance in the breeze, mirroring the elegance of Acers. They enjoy similar light conditions and provide a lower growing point of interest.

• Steps for Planting:
  1. Select a site with partial shade to mirror the Acer’s light requirements.
  2. Space Columbines about 12 inches apart for ample growth.
  3. Water regularly to maintain moist soil, especially in peak summer.
  4. Apply a thin layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Acers

Walnut Trees

Walnut trees produce juglone, a substance harmful to many plants, including Acers. Planting Acers near Walnut trees can lead to stunted growth or even death. Walnut trees, aside from their juglone secretion, also possess dense canopies that can block sunlight, further impeding the growth of Acers by limiting their photosynthesis potential.

Bamboo

Bamboo can be aggressively invasive, competing with Acers for water and nutrients. Its rapid growth can also overshadow younger Acer trees, inhibiting their development. Bamboo’s rhizome system can spread rapidly underground, encroaching upon the root space of Acers and causing soil compaction, which restricts the Acer’s ability to access vital nutrients and water.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees have allelopathic properties that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, including Acers. Their high water demand can also deplete the moisture available to Acers. Eucalyptus trees emit volatile compounds that not only inhibit nearby plant growth but can also alter soil chemistry, creating an unfavorable environment for Acers to thrive. This, coupled with their fast-growing nature, can outcompete Acers for essential resources.

Large Shrubs or Trees

Planting large shrubs or trees too close to Acers can lead to competition for light, water, and nutrients, potentially stifling the Acer’s growth. Planting large shrubs or trees near Acers may also create physical barriers, such as root crowding or shading, hindering the Acer’s root development and impeding its overall growth potential.

Companion Planting Chart for Acers

Good Companions	Why They’re Good
Hostas	Shade tolerance; lush underplanting.
Ferns	Textural contrast; thrive in shade.
Astilbes	Colorful blooms; moisture-loving.
Bleeding Hearts	Delicate flowers; shaded conditions.
Rhododendrons	Similar soil needs; striking blooms.
Hydrangeas	Showy flowers; partial shade lovers.
Columbines	Elegant flowers; complement Acer’s elegance.

Plants to Avoid	Why to Avoid
Walnut Trees	Juglone toxicity; harmful to Acers.
Bamboo	Invasive growth; competes for resources.
Eucalyptus	Allelopathic effects; water competition.
Large Shrubs/Trees	Competition for light and nutrients.