eastern red cedar companion plants

The Best Companion Plants for Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is an evergreen conifer valued for its attractive shape, versatility, and durability. With its conical form and soft, scale-like foliage, this handsome native tree makes a striking focal point in any landscape. However, the space beneath eastern red cedars is often bare. The right companion plants can complement the cedar’s features while filling its empty understory.

Choosing compatible partners is key when landscaping around eastern red cedars. Through research and experience, I’ve identified 15 excellent plant pairings for these trees. With the proper care, these companions will thrive alongside eastern red cedar to create a beautiful multi-layered landscape

Groundcovers for Eastern Red Cedar
Groundcovers are ideal for covering bare ground while preventing soil erosion. Their low growth habit keeps them out of competition with the cedar’s surface roots. Excellent choices include:

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – This popular perennial forms a carpet of pretty blooms in spring. It thrives in dry shade beneath trees.

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) – The glossy, heart-shaped foliage spreads to create lush green mats. Subtle spring flowers add interest.

Creeping Sedum (Sedum spurium) – A hardy succulent that forms dense evergreen mats. Tolerates poor soils and drought.

Periwinkle (Vinca minor) – Trailing stems of shiny leaves. Masses of blue flowers in spring. Makes a nice, non-aggressive groundcover.

Ferns for Shade and Texture Contrast
Delicate yet sturdy, ferns bring soft texture contrast to the stiff needles of eastern red cedar. Their lacy fronds remain attractive all season in the dappled shade. Consider:

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) – Glossy, evergreen fronds keep their rich color even in winter. A native plant.

Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) – New bronze fronds unfurl in spring, maturing to deep green. Thrives in dry shade.

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) – Red stems contrast beautifully with silver and green fronds. A colorful accent.

Ornamental Grasses Add Movement
Grasses lend fluid movement and unique texture when paired with eastern red cedar. Excellent choices include:

Hakone Grass (Hakonechloa macra) – Cascading green blades turn gold in fall. Graceful mounds.

Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) – Fine-textured grassy groundcover with yellow-green color. Slow spreader.

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) – Upright native with bluish-green foliage turning red in fall.

Spring Ephemerals Flower Before Leaves Emerge
These plants take advantage of early spring light before cedars leaf out. They go dormant in summer. Consider:

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum) – Magenta blooms above deeply cut foliage with nice fall color.

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) – Delicate white blooms on slender stalks. Makes a lush groundcover.

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) – Dainty lavender-blue bells on graceful stems. Lovely native.

Summer Perennials for Lasting Color
Once spring ephemerals fade, many perennials keep the understory vibrant through summer:

Astilbe – Feathery plumes in white, pink, red. Thrives in shade with ample moisture.

Coral Bells (Heuchera) – Elegant foliage, airy blooms. Easy care and adaptable.

Hostas – Reliable performers with diverse leaf shapes, sizes, and colors. Fragrant blooms.

Hellebores – Early bloomers with gorgeous nodding flowers in many colors. Deer resistant.

Shrubs Create Intermediate Height
Plant medium to large shrubs beneath cedars to transition between trees and smaller plants:

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) – Bold leaves turn fiery colors in fall. Lacecap blooms.

Fothergilla (Fothergilla) – Fragrant spring blooms, fall color, and lovely winter bark. Dry shade tolerant.

Spirea (Spiraea) – Dense flowers in whites, pinks, reds. Many varieties. Most are deer resistant.

Viburnum – Has it all – flowers, fall color, berries for birds. Many native options available.

Understory Trees Complement the Canopy
Small flowering trees like redbud, dogwood, and serviceberry thrive under cedars:

Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – Profuse pink blooms in early spring. Heart-shaped leaves.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) – Showy blooms, red fruit for birds, excellent fall color.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – White blooms, edible summer berries, pretty fall color.

With smart plant choices, you can create a stunning multi-layered landscape that highlights the best features of eastern red cedar trees. Proper planning and care will help these companions thrive alongside the handsome native conifer. Let this versatile tree be the backbone of your perfect landscape.