Top 10 Companion Trees for Flowering Cherry Trees
- Kerri Cuthbert
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Table of Contents
Flowering cherry trees (Prunus species) are among the most loved ornamental trees in UK gardens, valued for their spring blossom and elegant form. Choosing the right companion trees for flowering cherry can extend seasonal interest, improve biodiversity, and create a more balanced planting scheme that looks good long after the blossom has faded.
This guide explores the best trees to plant with flowering cherry trees, focusing on colour contrast, flowering succession, bark and foliage interest, and suitability for the UK climate. It is written by the team at Bowhayes Trees, a UK tree nursery with over 30 years of experience growing ornamental and native trees for British gardens and landscapes.
Why Choose Complementary Trees for Flowering Cherries?
Companion planting with flowering cherries offers both visual and practical benefits. When paired thoughtfully, trees can enhance each other’s strengths while creating a more resilient planting scheme.
Key benefits:
Extended seasonal interest, from early spring blossom through to autumn colour and winter bark
Improved biodiversity, providing nectar, berries, and shelter for pollinators and birds
Structural balance, using layered planting to mimic natural woodland edges
Visual contrast, combining different leaf shapes, bark textures, and flowering styles
Flowering cherry trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. The companion trees below thrive in similar conditions, making them well-suited to planting together in UK gardens.
Top 10 Trees to Plant Next to a Flowering Cherry Tree
The table below offers a quick summary of the best companion trees for flowering cherries, highlighting their key benefits and planting suitability.
Companion Tree | Botanical Name | Key Benefit | Best Suited For |
Amelanchier spp. | Multi-season interest | Small gardens, mixed borders | |
Magnolia spp. | Bold spring flowers | Feature planting, larger gardens | |
Malus spp. | Blossom and autumn fruit | Wildlife-friendly gardens | |
Cercis canadensis / siliquastrum | Early colour and foliage contrast | Layered planting schemes | |
Cornus kousa | Summer flowers and bark | Structural planting | |
Sorbus aucuparia and cultivars | Berries and autumn colour | Native and wildlife gardens | |
Crataegus monogyna / media | Blossom and bird food | Hedging and informal planting | |
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii | White bark and light canopy | Year-round interest | |
Acer palmatum | Ornamental foliage | Understorey planting | |
Arbutus unedo | Evergreen structure | Mixed borders |
Amelanchier are elegant small trees offering year-round interest, making them one of the most reliable companion trees for flowering cherry. Their light canopy and upright habit allow them to sit comfortably alongside cherries without competing for space or light.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Spring flowers follow cherry blossom, extending the display
Berries and autumn colour add wildlife value and seasonal contrast
Bowhayes Trees tip: Amelanchier works particularly well in mixed borders where space is limited. Plant in full sun or light shade for the best autumn colour.
Magnolias bring bold structure and large, showy flowers to the spring garden. When paired with flowering cherry trees, magnolias create a layered display with contrasting flower forms and textures.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Flowering often overlaps with cherry blossom
Large blooms add strong architectural contrast
Bowhayes Trees tip: Choose magnolia varieties suited to your soil type, as many prefer neutral to slightly acidic conditions for best performance.
Malus are excellent companion trees for flowering cherry, offering extended interest through blossom, fruit, and seasonal colour. They are especially valuable in wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Blossom follows cherries and supports pollinators
Fruits provide autumn and winter food for birds
Bowhayes Trees tip: Select crab apple varieties with long-lasting fruit if wildlife support is a priority in your garden.
As highlighted by the Woodland Trust, trees that benefit wildlife, such as crab apple, provide nectar for pollinators and berries for birds throughout the year.
Cercis canadensis and Cercis siliquastrum produce vivid pea-like flowers along bare stems in early spring, adding colour before many trees have leafed up.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Early flowering adds impact before many trees leaf up
Heart-shaped foliage contrasts with cherry leaves
Bowhayes Trees tip: Redbuds are ideal for sheltered positions, where their early flowers are protected from late frosts.
Cornus kousa extends the flowering season into early summer, providing interest once cherry blossom has finished and helping to bridge the seasonal gap.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Flowers appear after cherry blossom finishes
Autumn colour and bark add later-season interest
Bowhayes Trees tip: Plant dogwoods in a sheltered spot with well-drained soil to encourage strong flowering and healthy growth.
Sorbus aucuparia is a UK native tree valued for its wildlife benefits and seasonal colour. It pairs naturally with flowering cherries in informal or native-inspired planting schemes.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Spring flowers support pollinators
Berries provide valuable bird food in autumn
Bowhayes Trees tip: Rowans are particularly effective when planted in groups, creating a strong visual and ecological presence.
Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus media are traditionally used in hedging, but also perform well as ornamental trees alongside flowering cherries.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Later flowering extends the spring display
Berries attract birds later in the year
Bowhayes Trees tip: For ornamental use, consider flowering cultivars such as ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ to add colour contrast in late spring.
Many blossom-rich species listed by the RHS as trees that support pollinators, including crab apple and hawthorn, pair particularly well with flowering cherries.
Betula utilis var. jacquemontii is prized for its striking white bark, which adds contrast and structure throughout the year.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Light canopy avoids shading neighbouring trees
White bark provides year-round contrast
Bowhayes Trees tip: Birches perform best in free-draining soil and benefit from good air circulation around the trunk.
Acer palmatum varieties are valued for their delicate foliage and seasonal colour changes, making them ideal understorey companions.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Foliage contrasts with cherry blossom and leaves
Strong autumn colour adds depth to planting schemes
Bowhayes Trees tip: Avoid exposed, windy sites, as Japanese maples prefer sheltered conditions to prevent leaf scorch.
Arbutus unedo is an evergreen ornamental tree that provides interest when flowering cherries are dormant, helping to balance seasonal planting schemes.
Why it works well with the flowering cherry:
Autumn flowers extend interest beyond spring
Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure
Bowhayes Trees tip: Strawberry trees prefer well-drained soil and a sheltered position, particularly in colder parts of the UK.
Design Tips for Planting Flowering Cherry Trees with Companions
Allow space for mature growth: Most companion trees should be planted 3–5 metres apart to avoid overcrowding.
Mix flowering and structural species: Combine bloom-heavy trees with those offering bark or foliage interest.
Consider layering: Underplant with shade-tolerant shrubs and perennials once tree canopies develop.
Favour UK natives where possible: Trees like rowan, hawthorn, and birch support a wider range of local wildlife.
Planting with Flowering Cherry Trees
Planting flowering cherry trees alongside carefully chosen companions creates a planting scheme that evolves throughout the year. From spring blossom to autumn colour and winter bark, each tree adds a distinct layer of interest.
At Bowhayes Trees, we see companion planting as a way to build resilient, wildlife-friendly gardens that thrive in the UK climate and offer long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best small trees to plant near a flowering cherry?
Compact trees such as Amelanchier, Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), and dwarf crab apple cultivars are ideal for planting near cherry trees. They provide colour contrast and seasonal interest without overwhelming the space.
Can I plant multiple cherry trees alongside companion trees?
Yes, flowering cherries can be planted in groups with companion trees to create a layered, seasonal display. Ensure spacing of at least 3–5 metres between trees to allow for healthy growth and airflow.
Which trees best support wildlife around flowering cherries?
For maximum wildlife benefit, choose berry- and blossom-rich trees like Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), and Crab Apple (Malus). These offer nectar in spring and food for birds in autumn.
Do flowering cherry trees need full sun to thrive?
Yes, most flowering cherry varieties perform best in full sun, which helps maximise blossom and ensures healthy growth. However, they can tolerate light, dappled shade in more sheltered gardens.
What’s the best time of year to plant flowering cherry and companion trees?
The ideal time to plant is during the dormant season—typically from late autumn to early spring (November to March). Planting in this period gives trees time to establish roots before the growing season begins.
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