Gardening enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to enhance their outdoor spaces, making them not only beautiful but also functional. One of the most popular choices for a versatile and attractive shrub is the Tater Tot Arborvitae. Known for its compact size, dense foliage, and vibrant green color, the Tater Tot Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Tater Tot’) is a fantastic addition to any garden. However, to truly maximize its potential and create a stunning garden design, it’s essential to choose the right companion plants. This article will explore some of the best companion plants for Tater Tot Arborvitae, highlighting their benefits and how they can complement your garden.
Understanding Tater Tot Arborvitae
Before diving into companion plants, it’s helpful to understand the characteristics of the Tater Tot Arborvitae. This evergreen shrub is renowned for its dwarf size, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a focal point in larger landscapes. It typically reaches a height of about 2 to 3 feet and spreads to about 3 to 4 feet wide. Its dense, emerald-green foliage creates a lush backdrop and offers year-round interest.
The Tater Tot Arborvitae thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 7 and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and providing excellent coverage for both sunny and partially shaded areas. Given its adaptable nature, the Tater Tot Arborvitae can serve as a versatile foundation for various planting schemes.
Companion Plants for Tater Tot Arborvitae
Hostas
Hostas are excellent companions for Tater Tot Arborvitae, especially in shaded or partially shaded areas. These perennial plants come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, offering contrast and texture to your garden. Their large, lush leaves and subtle blooms provide a beautiful visual balance to the Tater Tot Arborvitae’s dense foliage. Hostas also help in creating a multi-layered garden design, with the Tater Tot Arborvitae forming the backdrop and Hostas filling in the foreground.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is another fantastic companion plant for the Tater Tot Arborvitae. These plants are known for their vibrant foliage, which comes in various colors, including shades of red, purple, and green. Their compact size and striking foliage provide a beautiful contrast to the Tater Tot Arborvitae’s rich green color. Coral Bells also produce delicate flower spikes that add a touch of elegance to the garden.
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
Japanese Forest Grass is a low-growing ornamental grass that pairs wonderfully with Tater Tot Arborvitae. Its cascading, arching foliage adds a unique texture and movement to the garden. The grass’s golden or green leaves provide a beautiful contrast to the evergreen shrub and help soften the overall appearance of the garden. Japanese Forest Grass is also a great choice for adding seasonal interest, as its colors can change throughout the year.
Astilbe
Astilbe is a perennial that thrives in similar conditions to the Tater Tot Arborvitae, making it a perfect companion plant. Astilbe’s feathery, plume-like flowers and fern-like foliage create a striking contrast to the dense, evergreen structure of the Tater Tot Arborvitae. Available in a range of colors including pink, red, white, and lavender, Astilbe can add vibrant pops of color to your garden and enhance its visual appeal.
Sedum
For a different texture and color contrast, consider adding Sedum (also known as Stonecrop) to your garden. Sedums are succulents that provide a contrasting, more upright growth habit compared to the rounded shape of the Tater Tot Arborvitae. Their fleshy, often colorful leaves and star-shaped flowers offer visual interest and can complement the evergreen shrub well. Sedums are also drought-tolerant, which can be advantageous if your garden has varying moisture levels.
Liriope
Liriope, also known as Monkey Grass, is an excellent choice for edging or ground cover around the Tater Tot Arborvitae. Its strap-like leaves and small, spiky flowers provide a nice textural contrast to the shrub’s dense foliage. Liriope is hardy and adaptable, thriving in a range of soil conditions and light levels, making it a reliable companion plant.
Designing Your Garden with Tater Tot Arborvitae
When designing your garden, consider the growth habits, colors, and textures of the companion plants to create a harmonious and visually appealing landscape. Planting in layers, with taller plants like the Tater Tot Arborvitae at the back and shorter companion plants in the front, can create a dynamic and well-balanced garden. Additionally, grouping plants with similar needs in terms of light and soil conditions will ensure a thriving garden ecosystem.
Conclusion
Incorporating companion plants with your Tater Tot Arborvitae can transform your garden into a visually stunning and harmonious space. From the lush foliage of Hostas to the vibrant colors of Heuchera and the graceful movement of Japanese Forest Grass, these companion plants not only enhance the beauty of the Tater Tot Arborvitae but also create a diverse and interesting garden design. By thoughtfully selecting and arranging these plants, you can create a garden that is both aesthetically pleasing and low-maintenance, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space throughout the year.