Japanese Plants & Gardens

Trees and Shrubs

• The trees and shrubs that are at home in a Japanese garden can range from Japanese maples, which can tower as high as 25 feet, to boxleaf hebe, which may not even reach 3 feet in height. Other suitable trees for a Japanese garden include cherry plum, leatherleaf mahonia, Chinese juniper and Japanese aucuba. Most trees that are effective in a Japanese garden need to be planted either in direct sunlight or in spots only partially shaded during the day.

Perennials

• Perennials that can make good additions to a Japanese garden range from the very commonly utilized chrysanthemum to more exotic choices such as the hybrid Japanese anemone. Perennials are primarily introduced into this type of garden for the vivid color they add. Add purple with the balloon flower and a variety of hues with astilbe.

Vines

• Japanese wisteria is a very popular choice of vine for a Japanese garden as long as you are experienced enough to keep its invasive properties at bay. Climbing hydrangea will effectively cover up a wall in your garden, while Boston ivy provides colors that range from crimson to peach.

Ground Cover

• Ground covers can be added to a Japanese garden for a number of different uses. Pearlwort is a good choice to plant between stepping stones, while Corsican mint provides a minty fragrance that can follow along a pathway. Shore juniper is a ground cover that is appropriate for trailing over a garden wall.

Bamboo

• Bamboo is a staple of Japanese gardens, and a number of different varieties are available. Fernleaf bamboo is a traditional choice for creating a hedge. Yellow groove bamboo gives a more screenlike appearance. You can even introduce bamboo as a ground cover with Kuma bamboo grass.

Water Plants

• A water feature is an essential element of a Japanese garden, and you must choose plants carefully for effect and placement. Hundreds of species of water lily are available for a decorative addition on the surface of a pond. Dwarf papyrus can be drafted into action along the edge of your water feature. A damp area around a stream that is giving you some trouble can be addressed easily by planting marsh marigold.