Companion Planting with Cercis – Redbuds
Cercis
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Cercis, commonly known as redbuds, are small deciduous trees or large shrubs known for their stunning spring display of pink or white flowers and heart-shaped leaves. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. When selecting companion plants for Cercis, consider those that share similar growing conditions and can provide a variety of textures, colors, and heights for a visually appealing display:
Understory plants: Plant species like Cornus (dogwood), Amelanchier (serviceberry), or Hamamelis (witch hazel) can add diversity and provide seasonal interest beneath the redbud canopy.
Shade-tolerant perennials: Select perennials that thrive in dappled shade or part sun, such as Hosta, Heuchera (coral bells), Helleborus (Lenten rose), or Geranium macrorrhizum (bigroot geranium).
Ferns: Ferns like Dryopteris (wood fern), Matteuccia struthiopteris (ostrich fern), or Polystichum (sword fern) can add texture and provide a natural, woodland feel beneath redbud trees.
Groundcovers: Use shade-tolerant groundcovers like Epimedium (barrenwort), Pachysandra (Japanese spurge), Vinca minor (periwinkle), or Galium odoratum (sweet woodruff) to cover the soil and prevent erosion.
Spring ephemerals: Early-blooming woodland plants like Trillium, Erythronium (trout lily), or Sanguinaria (bloodroot) can add a pop of color in the spring before the redbud tree fully leafs out.
Bulbs: Plant shade-tolerant bulbs like Narcissus (daffodils), Scilla (squill), or Leucojum (snowflakes) to provide spring color in a woodland setting.
Native wildflowers: Incorporate native wildflowers like Mertensia (Virginia bluebells), Asarum (wild ginger), or Lobelia (cardinal flower) to support local ecosystems and create a more natural look.
Grasses and sedges: Shade-tolerant grasses like Carex (sedges), Chasmanthium (wood oats), or Deschampsia (tufted hair grass) can provide textural contrast and blend well in a woodland landscape.
Climbing plants: If you have a sturdy support structure near the redbud tree, consider adding climbing plants like Clematis or Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) for vertical interest.
Rhododendron and Azalea: Acid-loving shrubs like Rhododendron and Azalea can be planted beneath redbuds if the soil is acidic and well-draining.
Keep in mind that redbud trees have shallow root systems and may not appreciate too much root disturbance. Be cautious when planting around their root zone, and choose plants that have non-invasive root systems. Also, consider the specific growing conditions of your garden, such as sun exposure, soil type, and climate, when selecting companion plants for your redbud tree.
Now you know What to plant with Cercis – Redbuds
