Japanese maples are easy to care for decorative plants that beautify any garden alone or when paired with companions. When selecting a companion to a Japanese maple, be sure the plant has the same growing requirements. Some varieties that complement the Japanese maple are gardenias, rhododendrons and gardenias. Or you can select trees that have contrasting color patterns such as the dogwood. Should you prefer not to distract from the elegance of the Japanese maple, choose groundcover plants that will add some color in the winter. Mosses, asters and ferns are excellent choices because they all thrive in the shade.
Key Takeaways:
- Plants that love acid soils can be good Japanese maple companions.
- If you don’t want to distract from the beauty of the Japanese maple, you can select simple groundcover plants as Japanese maple companions.
- Japanese maples thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. They prefer acidic soil.
“One idea for companions for Japanese maples is other trees. You might mix different kinds of the Japanese maple that have different shapes and offer different foliage hues.”
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/japanese-maple/japanese-maple-companions.htm