Dogwood trees are common in gardens and are loved for their pretty spring flowers and thin, straight branches. Consider putting these beautiful plants next to dogwoods to make them look even better.
Groundcovers for Dogwood Trees
Groundcovers spread to form a lush living carpet under the dogwood’s canopy, Excellent choices include
-
Ferns – Evergreen ferns like Christmas fern or deciduous ostrich fern offer lovely fine texture. They appeared 4 times.
-
Hostas – The wide selection of leaf shapes, sizes, and variegation patterns pair perfectly with dogwoods. They appeared 3 times.
-
Euonymus – Evergreen euonymus groundcovers like ‘Emerald Gaiety’ brighten up shady sites. It appeared once.
-
Carex – Sedges like C. morrowii or C. oshimensis contribute grassy texture. Carex appeared twice.
-
Epimediums – Low-growing perennials with delicate flowers and heart-shaped leaves. They appeared once.
Flowering Perennials for Dogwood Trees
Adding perennials brings pops of color while attracting pollinators. Top options include:
-
Azaleas – Early bloomers like native azaleas flower simultaneously with dogwoods. Azaleas appeared twice.
-
Astilbes – Feathery summer plumes come in white, pink, red, and purple. They appeared once.
-
Hellebores – Late winter blooms precede dogwoods, some stay evergreen. Hellebores appeared twice.
-
Heucheras – Coral bells offer diverse leaf colors like burgundy, chartreuse, silver, and purple. They appeared once.
-
Ferns – Along with form, some have bright hues like Japanese painted fern. Ferns appeared 4 times.
Shrubs for Dogwood Trees
Shrubs share dogwoods’ preference for shade. Top picks include:
-
Hydrangeas – Bigleaf, panicle and oakleaf hydrangeas deliver summer flowers. Hydrangeas appeared twice.
-
Rhododendrons – Evergreen leaves and spring blooms complement dogwoods nicely. They appeared once.
-
Viburnums – Plants like arrowwood viburnum provide spring blooms and fall berries. Viburnums appeared once.
-
Holly – Evergreen hollies or deciduous inkberry brighten when dogwoods are bare. Holly appeared once.
By carefully choosing which plants to put together, you can make a beautiful garden anchored by beautiful dogwoods that looks great all year. To make sure all plants grow together, pay attention to what they need in terms of water, soil, and light.
How Companion Plants Enhance the Aesthetic of a Dogwood Tree Garden
Companion plants can dramatically elevate the visual appeal of a Dogwood tree garden. The bright contrast between the delicate flowers of Dogwoods and the lush leaves of companion plants makes for a beautiful picture.
Seasonal changes in these plants add dynamic interest throughout the year. The plants that grow with the dogwood can make its beauty stand out when it blooms, giving the garden a sense of being alive and always changing.
Design Tips for Creating a Visually Appealing Garden
To create depth in your garden, consider layering plants of varying heights. This technique not only draws the eye but also mimics natural ecosystems, making your garden feel more organic.
Mixing colors is equally important. Choose companion plants that complement the Dogwoods structure, ensuring a harmonious blend that enhances the overall aesthetic. This thoughtful arrangement will make your garden a delightful retreat for both you and local wildlife.
Some plants can be detrimental to your Dogwood trees health. Japanese Knotweed is a notorious invasive species that can quickly take over your garden.
Certain varieties of sunflowers also fall into the “avoid” category. These heavy feeders can compete aggressively for nutrients, leaving your Dogwood tree struggling.
Flowering dogwood tree types to choose from
FAQ
What plants go well with dogwood trees?
Native ferns and Astilbe thrive in Dogwood shade, enhancing soil moisture and attracting insects. Wild Blueberry adds beauty and edible berries while deterring pests like the Dogwood borer. Coral Bells and layering plants create visual appeal and support a healthy garden ecosystem.
What is the hidden downside to planting a dogwood tree in your yard?
When dogwoods already have leaf spot, twig blight, canker, or a disease that kills them like dogwood anthracnose, they are more likely to get pests. Vulnerabilities like these make dogwoods hard to keep alive, plus they’re fussy about sunlight and water.
Where is the best place to plant a dogwood tree in the ground?
Dogwoods are best suited to moist, acidic soil and partial shade. Here locally, flowering dogwood grow at the edges of Meadows under the shade of contifers. The north side of a house or in the shadow of a larger tree is a good spot.
Do coffee grounds help dogwood trees?
They can also help balance or lower the pH level of the soil, which is great for plants that like acidic soil, like blueberries, camellias, azaleas, dogwood trees, magnolia trees, and holly bushes.