Best Companion Plants For Tree Ferns

Best Companion Plants for Tree Ferns

Tree ferns are a beautiful and graceful addition to any garden, but they can also be a bit tricky to care for. One of the best ways to ensure that your tree ferns thrive is to plant them with the right companion plants. Companion plants are those that share similar growing conditions and can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your tree ferns.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best companion plants for tree ferns. We will also provide tips on how to plant and care for these plants together.

What to Look for in a Companion Plant

When choosing companion plants for tree ferns, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Sunlight: Tree ferns need partial shade to full shade. Avoid planting them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
• Water: Tree ferns need moist soil, but they should not be planted in soggy soil. Make sure the soil drains well.
• Soil: Tree ferns prefer acidic soil. If your soil is alkaline, you may need to add some peat moss or other acidic amendment.
• Height: Tree ferns can grow quite tall, so be sure to choose companion plants that will not outgrow them.
• Texture: Tree ferns have delicate foliage, so you may want to choose companion plants with bolder textures to add visual interest.

Some of the Best Companion Plants for Tree Ferns

Here are some of the best companion plants for tree ferns:

• Hostas: Hostas are a classic choice for companion plants for tree ferns. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect one to complement your tree ferns. Hostas also prefer partial shade and moist soil, making them a perfect match for tree ferns.
• Astilbes: Astilbes are another great choice for companion plants for tree ferns. They have delicate, fern-like foliage that looks beautiful when planted alongside tree ferns. Astilbes also bloom in the summer, adding a splash of color to your garden.
• Coral bells: Coral bells are a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for companion planting with tree ferns. They have colorful foliage that changes throughout the seasons, and they prefer partial shade and moist soil.
• Bleeding heart: Bleeding heart is a beautiful plant that blooms in the spring with delicate, heart-shaped flowers. It prefers partial shade and moist soil, making it a good choice for companion planting with tree ferns.
• Barrenwort: Barrenwort is a hardy plant that is perfect for companion planting with tree ferns. It has delicate, fern-like foliage and blooms in the spring with white or pink flowers. Barrenwort prefers partial shade and moist soil.
• Hellebore: Hellebores are a winter-blooming plant that is perfect for companion planting with tree ferns. They have beautiful, cup-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. Hellebores prefer partial shade and moist soil.
• Caladiums: Caladiums are a tropical plant that is perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden. They have colorful leaves that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Caladiums prefer partial shade and moist soil.
• Canna lilies: Canna lilies are a tall, tropical plant that is perfect for adding height and interest to your garden. They have colorful flowers and foliage that can grow up to 6 feet tall. Canna lilies prefer full sun and moist soil.

How to Plant and Care for Tree Ferns and Their Companion Plants

When planting tree ferns and their companion plants, it is important to follow these tips:

• Plant the tree ferns in a location that receives partial shade to full shade.
• Amend the soil with peat moss or other acidic amendment if your soil is alkaline.
• Plant the companion plants around the tree ferns, leaving enough space for them to grow.
• Water the tree ferns and their companion plants regularly, especially during the first few weeks after planting.
• Mulch around the tree ferns and their companion plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With proper care, your tree ferns and their companion plants will thrive for many years to come.

Tree ferns are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they can be tricky to know what to plant with them. Some tree fern companion plants that work well include:

• Hostas. Hostas are shade-loving plants with large, colorful leaves. They can provide a lush backdrop for tree ferns and help to prevent the soil from drying out.
• Astilbes. Astilbes are another shade-loving plant with feathery foliage. They produce delicate pink, white, or purple flowers in the summer.
• Coral bells. Coral bells are a versatile plant that can be grown in full sun to partial shade. They have colorful foliage and produce small, bell-shaped flowers in the summer.
• Bleeding heart. Bleeding heart is a shade-loving plant with delicate pink or white flowers that resemble hearts.
• Heartleaf brunnera. Heartleaf brunnera is a shade-loving plant with blue or green leaves that have a heart-shaped outline. It produces clusters of small, blue flowers in the spring.

For more information about tree fern companion plants, please visit Gardenia Inspiration. This website has a wealth of information about tree ferns, including a list of recommended companion plants, planting tips, and care instructions.

FAQ of tree fern companion plants

Question 1: What are some good companion plants for tree ferns?

Answer: Tree ferns thrive in moist, shady areas, so some good companion plants for them include other shade-loving plants such as hostas, azaleas, rhododendrons, and ferns. You can also plant tree ferns near water features, such as ponds or fountains, as they enjoy the humidity and moisture.

Question 2: How do I choose the right companion plants for my tree fern?

Answer: When choosing companion plants for your tree fern, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Sunlight: Tree ferns need partial shade to full shade, so you will want to choose companion plants that have similar sunlight requirements.
• Water: Tree ferns need moist soil, so you will want to choose companion plants that are also drought-tolerant.
• Soil: Tree ferns prefer well-drained, loamy soil. You will want to choose companion plants that have similar soil requirements.
• Size: Tree ferns can grow quite large, so you will need to choose companion plants that will not outgrow them.

Question 3: How do I plant tree ferns with companion plants?

Answer: When planting tree ferns with companion plants, it is important to space them out properly. Tree ferns need plenty of room to grow, so you should plant them at least 3 feet apart. You should also plant them in the same type of soil and in a location that receives the same amount of sunlight.

Question 4: How do I care for tree ferns with companion plants?

Answer: Tree ferns and their companion plants need regular watering, especially during the summer months. You should also fertilize them every few months with a balanced fertilizer. In the winter, you may need to water them less frequently.

Question 5: How do I prevent pests and diseases in tree ferns with companion plants?

Answer: Tree ferns and their companion plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. To prevent these problems, you should inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. If you do find any problems, you should treat them immediately.

Image of tree fern companion plants

• Hostas: Hostas are shade-loving perennials that come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes. They can be used to create a lush, green backdrop for tree ferns.
• Azaleas: Azaleas are flowering shrubs that also prefer shade. They come in a variety of colors, from bright pink to deep purple.
• Heucheras: Heucheras are another type of shade-loving perennial. They have colorful foliage, ranging from chartreuse to maroon.
• Brunnera: Brunnera is a low-growing perennial with blue or white flowers. It is tolerant of shade and moist soil.
• Epimedium: Epimedium, also known as fairy wings, is a low-growing groundcover plant with delicate flowers. It is tolerant of shade and can be used to fill in the spaces between tree ferns.