Discover the Best Companion Plants for Your Paperbark Maple

The paperbark maple (Acer griseum) is a stunning tree known for its exfoliating orange to copper bark and showy orange fall color. While it can thrive on its own, pairing it with complementary companion plants can add even more interest and beauty to your landscape. In this article, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for paperbark maple.

Native Plants

As a native plant itself, paperbark maple pairs well with other native plants that share similar growing conditions. Consider planting native wildflowers like asters, goldenrod, or black-eyed susans around your paperbark maple. These flowers will attract pollinators and add pops of color to your landscape during the spring and summer months.

Ground Covers

Low-growing ground covers can help suppress weeds and create a beautiful contrast with the paperbark maple's striking bark. Consider planting creeping thyme, sedum, or vinca minor around the base of your tree.

Shrubs and Small Trees

Companion shrubs and small trees can add structure and texture to your landscape while also complementing the paperbark maple's unique features. Try pairing it with a shrub like burning bush (Euonymus alatus) for its vibrant fall color, or a small tree like redbud (Cercis canadensis) for its showy pink flowers.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses like pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) or fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) can add movement and texture to your landscape while also providing a beautiful contrast to the paperbark maple's bark. These grasses will also attract birds and other wildlife to your yard.

Perennials

Finally, perennials like hostas, daylilies, or coral bells can add a pop of color and interest around your paperbark maple. These plants will thrive in the shade created by the tree's canopy and provide a beautiful contrast to its striking bark.

In conclusion, pairing your paperbark maple with complementary companion plants can add even more beauty and interest to your landscape. By choosing native plants, ground covers, shrubs, small trees, ornamental grasses, and perennials that share similar growing conditions, you can create a stunning and sustainable outdoor space that will thrive for years to come.

Companion plants for paperbark maple