Companion Plants for your Japanese Maples

Acer palmatum, Acer palmatum dissectum, Acer shirasawanum, Plant Combinations, Spring Combinations, Summer Combinations, Fall Combinations

Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum) include a rich variety of deciduous shrubs or small trees with graceful habits, elegantly cut leaves, and extraordinarily colorful foliage, particularly in the fall when the leaves turn dazzling shades of golden-yellow, red-purple and bronze, before shedding to the ground.

A single Japanese Maple placed in a prominent place attracts attention from every part of the garden. While extraordinarily good-looking on their own, Japanese Maples, however, look more charming when planted with companion plants. Well-behaved, they make perfect partners with other plants and help create strikingly beautiful combinations in the garden.

Japanese Maples are exceptionally beautiful in mixed borders or underplanted with companion plants. They can adapt to a wide range of cultural situations, are shallow-rooted, and are not serious competitors with companion shrubs.

Japanese Maples are easily grown in moist, organically rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Great companion plants are those sharing the same cultural requirements. Among the acid-loving plants are Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmia latifola (Mountain Laurel), and dwarf conifers. Hellebores (Helleborus) are great Japanese Maple partners since they share the same growing conditions. The most popular Hellebore varieties are the Lenten Roses (Helleborus x hybridus or Helleborus orientalis) which are available in a rich array of colors including pink, purple, red, white, green, apricot, and yellow. Flowering a month or so earlier are the Christmas Roses (Helleborus niger) with their pristine white to pink-tinged white blossoms.
Low-growing spring bulbs such as Crocus, Cyclamen, Scilla (Squill), Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow), Erythronium (Dog Tooth Violet), Anemone blanda (Grecian Windflower), Iris reticulata (Dwarf Iris), Leucojum (Snowflake), Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite) and Narcissi (Daffodil) will create a flowering carpet and provide eye-catching color to your garden at a time when it is still dormant.
Add foliage plants such as Heuchera (Coral Bells), Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo Grass), Ferns with their graceful fronds, Hostas with their smooth leaves, Carex (Sedges), ornamental grasses with bright golden foliage such as Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass), to carry the display over the year.
Complement with groundcovers such as Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge) or Tradescantia (Wandering Jew).

Find below several plant combination ideas with Japanese Maples.

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 9
Heat Zones	2 - 8
Climate Zones	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Shrubs, Trees
Genus	Acer
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics	Showy
Tolerance	Rabbit
Landscaping Ideas	Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' + Allium 'Globemaster' (Ornamental Onion) + Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Nora Barlow' (Columbine) +Iris sibirica 'Butter and Sugar' (Siberian Iris)

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ (Japanese Maple)

Considered one of the finest purple-leaved Japanese Maples, Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is a stunning deciduous shrub or small rounded tree. Its beauty spans all seasons, with small purple flowers in spring, followed by red fruits. The foliage features pointed, lobed leaves that emerge wine-red, hold their color in summer, and transform into vibrant crimson-red in fall. The exposed blackish-red bark adds winter interest to the landscape.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Allium ‘Globemaster’ (Ornamental Onion)

Known for its colossal flower heads, the award-winning Allium ‘Globemaster’ is an exceptional ornamental onion. Its enormous inflorescences boast multiple small star-shaped violet flowers, creating a striking 10-inch wide (25 cm) globe-shaped cluster. Blooming from late spring to early summer, this remarkable perennial offers long-lasting and visually captivating blooms, with ornamental seed heads that persist for weeks.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata ‘Nora Barlow’ (Columbine)

Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata ‘Nora Barlow’ is a stunning variety bred for cut flower production. Its fully double, pink blooms with white tips resemble starry pompons, adding beauty to late spring and early summer. Rising above ferny gray-green foliage, each plant produces multiple stems. While short-lived, it self-seeds prolifically to form large colonies under favorable conditions.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Iris sibirica ‘Butter and Sugar’ (Siberian Iris)

Iris sibirica ‘Butter and Sugar’ is a standout among Siberian Irises, showcasing white standards and vibrant yellow falls that bring life to the garden from late spring to early summer. The flower stalks produce numerous delicate blossoms. Beyond the blooms, the grass-like foliage forms sturdy clumps of upright green, narrow, blade-shaped leaves, adding to its overall appeal.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Atropurpureum' + Tulipa 'Prinses Irene' (Triumph Tulip) + Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge) + Tulipa 'Ballerina' (Lily-Flowered Tulip)

Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ is a reliable and visually striking Japanese Maple. Its slow-growing, deciduous nature reveals an elegant, broad, arching habit and contorted branches. The ferny, lace-like leaves with long, thin lobes emerge in deep purple, transitioning to bronze-green in late summer and finally flaming orange-red in fall. This hardy variety adds a captivating color contrast as a focal point or against a lush green backdrop.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge)

Incredibly showy, Euphorbia polychroma is a mounding perennial considered one of the best for borders. Growing in an attractive dome, it bears dense, flattened golden-yellow flowers in spring, and is one of the few perennials to display a showy fall foliage. Although the flowers are not showy, they are subtended by long-lasting, bright sulfur-yellow bracts which are exceptionally eye-catching. The foliage of medium green leaves turns to a showy red, purple or orange in fall, providing a long season of interest.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early)
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Tulipa ‘Ballerina’ (Lily-Flowered Tulip)

Introduced in 1980, the exquisite lily-flowered tulip ‘Ballerina’ is a perfect choice for a stunning display. Its slim, elegant flowers with pointed petals come in a luminous tangerine orange color. With its long, willowy stems and delightful fragrance, it adds elegance and grace to the late spring garden. Reaching a height of up to 24 inches (60 cm), ‘Ballerina’ is a true standout.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late)
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	4" (10cm)

Tulipa ‘Prinses Irene’ (Triumph Tulip)

With a delightful fragrance, the award-winning Tulip ‘Prinses Irene’ displays large, bowl-shaped flowers in vibrant orange with a striking purple flame at the center. This robust Triumph Tulip adds a unique touch to the mid-late spring garden and complements deep blue companions beautifully. Its sturdy stem can withstand wind and rain. Reaching a height of 12-14 inches (30-35 cm), it is a standout choice.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	4" (10cm)

Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Atropurpureum' + Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf) + Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart's Tongue Fern) + Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily) + Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore) +Acer palmatum 'Sango-Kaku' (Coral Bark Maple) + Helleborus Winter Jewels 'Onyx Odyssey'

Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’ (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’ (Coral Bark Maple)

Admired for its stunning coral bark and autumnal foliage, award-winning Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’ (Coral-Bark Maple) is a sought-after deciduous shrub or small tree. Its delicate leaves open in pinkish-yellow, turn light green in summer, and change to soft yellow in fall. The exposed coral-red bark adds vibrant color to the winter landscape. Slow-growing with an upright form, it is a captivating choice for year-round appeal.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart’s Tongue Fern)

With its tropical appearance and distinctive undivided fronds, Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart’s Tongue Fern) is an evergreen fern prized for its elegant form. The bright green, strap-shaped fronds arch gracefully, creating a beautiful rosette. This fern maintains its lush and fresh appearance year-round and features striking brown stripes on the undersides of mature fronds. Native to Europe and the eastern United States.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily)

Adding a burst of color to your spring, Fritillaria meleagris (Checkered Lily) features 1 or 2 nodding flowers per stem, generally presenting an interesting checkerboard pattern of dark purples and whites – although all-white varieties are also available. Blooming in mid to late spring, this hardy bulbous plant grows up to 14-16 in. tall (35-40 cm). Great for borders, rock gardens, under trees and shrubs and perennial beds. Perfect for naturalizing in a moist woodland edge. Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm)

Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore)

Native to Corsica and Sardinia, robust Helleborus argutifolius (Corsican Hellebore) is an evergreen perennial with nodding, pale green flowers in large clusters. Blooming heavily from late winter to early summer, the flowers rise on sturdy stems adorned with blue-green, sharply toothed leaves. Sun tolerant and ideal for shade gardens, it adds long-lasting beauty.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Helleborus Winter Jewels ‘Onyx Odyssey’ (Hellebore)

Hellebore Winter Jewels ‘Onyx Odyssey’ (Helleborus) showcases large, fully double blossoms in shades of slate to rich purple to black. The intense coloration remains vibrant over time. Blooming heavily in late winter to early spring, the nodding flowers rise on sturdy stems above glossy, evergreen foliage. This perennial may self-seed under favorable conditions.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf)

Liriope muscari (Blue Lily Turf) is an evergreen perennial valued for its attractive foliage. It forms dense clumps of arching, dark green leaves. In late summer and fall, erect spikes of small violet-purple flowers appear, resembling grape hyacinths. The flowers are followed by round, shiny black berries. Hardy and compact, this plant is popular for large plantings and can even be used as a lawn grass substitute.

Hardiness	5 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Acer palmatum 'Garnet' + Geranium 'Rozanne' (Cranesbill) + Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Switch Grass) + Carex comans Bronze-Leaved (New Zealand Hair Sedge) + Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Moor Grass),

Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’ (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)

With its vibrant color and robust growth, Acer palmatum ‘Garnet’ is an acclaimed medium-sized deciduous shrub. Its deeply divided leaves emerge in a stunning red-orange shade in spring, transitioning to a rich red in autumn. This upright maple tree creates an eye-catching cascade of foliage, making it a standout addition to any landscape.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)

Carex comans Bronze-Leaved (New Zealand Hair Sedge)

Carex comans ‘Bronze-Leaved’ is a delightful New Zealand Hairy Sedge with narrow, reddish-brown leaves that form a low, cascading mound. It features inconspicuous brown flower spikes in late summer. This evergreen grass adds year-round appeal and is highly regarded for its beauty, providing a striking contrast to other plants, mulch, or gravel in the garden.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Geranium Rozanne (Cranesbill)

Geranium Rozanne is an exceptional and unmatched perennial with an extended flowering period. Its stunning blue flowers, adorned with purple veins and white centers, bring unparalleled beauty to gardens, patios, or balconies. With its robustness and continuous blooming, it provides months of vibrant color from late spring to the first frost.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Moor Grass)

Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea) is an exquisite ornamental grass. Its arching thread-like leaves and delicate flower spikes create a graceful display. With foliage transitioning from green to purplish-brown to golden shades, it provides long-lasting interest from summer to fall. Tolerant of wet soil, low maintenance, and deer resistant.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 8' (120cm - 240cm)
Spread	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ (Switch Grass)

Renowned for its architectural presence, Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ is a superb deciduous grass. Its upright form and narrow clump of olive-green to blue-green foliage provide a stunning backdrop. In late summer, it showcases abundant golden flower spikelets that linger into fall, creating an ethereal cloud-like effect. The attractive beige hues of both flowers and foliage endure through winter, adding interest to the garden.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Acer palmatum 'Katsura' (Japanese Maple) + Athyrium niponicum var. pictum (Painted Lady Fern) + Rhododendron 'English Roseum'

Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ (Japanese Maple)

Renowned for its striking foliage, award-winning Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’ is a compact deciduous shrub. Its delicate, lobed leaves emerge with a golden-orange hue and pink edges in spring, transitioning to bright green in summer. In fall, the foliage transforms into a stunning display of orange and yellow. Perfect for small gardens or containers.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	5' - 9' (150cm - 270cm)
Spread	5' - 9' (150cm - 270cm)

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum (Painted Lady Fern)

Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, or Japanese Painted Fern, is a captivating deciduous fern known for its gracefully arching fronds, showcasing a unique blend of soft blue-green and silver hues, highlighted by dark burgundy midribs. This slow-spreading, low-maintenance fern is both pest and disease-free, offering effortless elegance to gardens. Originating from Northeastern Asia, it’s a delightful and visually striking choice for any garden setting.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Rhododendron ‘English Roseum’

Rhododendron ‘English Roseum’ is a prized evergreen shrub, tolerant of sun, cold, and humidity. It dazzles in late spring to early summer with abundant dome-shaped clusters of 8 to 10 trumpet-shaped lilac rose flowers, accented by delicate orange freckles. Against the backdrop of large, glossy, medium green leaves, it adds elegance and vibrant color, making it ideal for background plantings and beneath deciduous trees.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' + Hosta 'Halcyon' (Plantain Lily) + Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Hakone Grass) + Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla'

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ (Japanese Maple)

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass) is a stunning ornamental grass that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its gracefully arching, variegated leaves create attractive mounds that sway delicately in the breeze. With golden stripes that turn chartreuse in shade and brighter in sunlight, this grass offers a beautiful display throughout the seasons. In the fall, it transitions to exquisite copper-orange shades before going dormant in winter.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Hosta (Tardiana Group) ‘Halcyon’ (Plantain Lily)

Renowned for its intense blue foliage, ‘Halcyon’ (Plantain Lily) is a top choice for shady areas. Its dense mound of smooth, spear-shaped leaves creates an attractive ground cover. In late summer, bell-shaped, pale lilac blooms appear on tall scapes. This slow-growing hosta retains its striking blue color well into late summer with proper lighting.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’

Rhododendron ‘Nova Zembla’ is a highly prized evergreen shrub, known for its stunning flowers and extreme cold hardiness. Its large rounded trusses bear brilliant red blooms with delicate maroon blotches. Flowering abundantly in mid to late spring, this Catawba hybrid creates a remarkable floral display. With glossy dark green foliage, it is also tolerant of heat and sun.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm)

Garden Examples

A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Boxwood

A Four-Season Border with Evergreen Conifers and Japanese Maples

A Lovely Spring Border Idea with Japanese Maples and Flowering Cherry Trees

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.