What to Plant Under Trees: A Guide for Shade
What to Plant Under Trees?
When considering what to plant under trees, it is important to choose plants that are suitable for the shady conditions and competition for nutrients from the tree’s roots.
Some suitable plants for planting under trees include Berberis × lologensis ‘Apricot Queen’, Camellia japonica ‘Adolphe Audusson’, Elaeagnus × ebbingei ‘Limelight’, Fuchsia magellanica var.
molinae, and Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’.
Other options include Lonicera nitida, Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Variegatus’, Prunus laurocerasus, Rhododendron ‘Gomer Waterer’, and Viburnum rhytidophyllum.
These plants have adapted to shade and can thrive under the canopy of a tree.
Key Points:
- Choose plants suitable for shady conditions and competition for nutrients from tree’s roots
- Suitable plants include:
- Berberis × lologensis ‘Apricot Queen’
- Camellia japonica ‘Adolphe Audusson’
- Elaeagnus × ebbingei ‘Limelight’
- Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae
- Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’
- Other options include:
- Lonicera nitida
- Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Variegatus’
- Prunus laurocerasus
- Rhododendron ‘Gomer Waterer’
- Viburnum rhytidophyllum
- These plants have adapted to shade
- These plants can thrive under the canopy of a tree
Did You Know?
1. The practice of planting groundcover under trees is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also helps to conserve moisture by reducing evaporation from the soil.
2. Did you know that certain plants, such as hostas and ferns, actually thrive in the shade and make excellent choices for planting under trees?
3. Another benefit of planting groundcover under trees is that it helps to prevent the growth of weeds, as the shade inhibits their ability to thrive.
4. In addition to their decorative appeal, groundcover plants under trees also act as a natural mulch, insulating the soil and regulating its temperature.
5. An interesting fact is that many trees have companion plants that can actually improve their health and growth, such as clover, which fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting the tree.
Ornamental Trees For Underplanting
When planting under trees, it is crucial to select plants that can thrive in limited light and compete with the tree’s root system. Luckily, there are several ornamental trees that are suitable for underplanting.
One such tree is the Berberis × lologensis ‘Apricot Queen’. With its vibrant apricot-colored foliage, this tree adds a touch of warmth and beauty to any shady area. Another excellent choice is the Camellia japonica ‘Adolphe Audusson’, known for its elegant blooms and glossy evergreen leaves. These trees not only provide visual interest but also create a harmonious environment with the existing tree.
Evergreen Shrubs For Shady Areas
Evergreen shrubs are a great choice for underplanting as they provide year-round interest and maintain their foliage even in shady areas. One standout option is the Elaeagnus × ebbingei ‘Limelight’, known for its striking variegated leaves that brighten up any space. Its compact growth habit makes it particularly suitable for planting under trees.
If you appreciate flowers, the Fuchsia magellanica var. molinae is an excellent choice. Its delicate pink and purple flowers add a beautiful pop of color to shaded areas. Another attractive evergreen shrub is the Ilex aquifolium ‘Argentea Marginata Pendula’, which features stunning variegated leaves with silver edges.
Flowering Plants For Understory Gardens
If you’re looking to create a vibrant and colorful understory garden under your trees, consider adding some flowering plants. The Rhododendron ‘Gomer Waterer’ is a stunning choice, renowned for its bright red blooms that contrast beautifully with the green surroundings. Additionally, the Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Yukigotan’ delights with its delicate white flowers.
For a more unique touch, consider planting Danae racemosa. This plant, awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM), features attractive racemes of yellowish-green flowers that brighten up any shaded area. Another option is the Daphne laureola, which boasts small, scented yellow flowers that bring a sweet fragrance to the space.
Groundcovers For Tree Canopies
Groundcovers are essential for filling in the gaps and creating a lush carpet of foliage under trees. Lonicera nitida is a versatile groundcover that works well in shaded areas. Its small dark green leaves create a dense mat that suppresses weeds and provides a neat appearance.
Another excellent option is the Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Variegatus’, known for its beautifully variegated leaves. This groundcover adds a touch of elegance and interest to the space.
For a more natural look, consider planting Gaultheria shallon, which boasts lovely bell-shaped flowers and edible berries.
- Lonicera nitida: versatile groundcover for shaded areas with dense mat of small dark green leaves.
- Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Variegatus’: groundcover with beautifully variegated leaves for added elegance and interest.
- Gaultheria shallon: groundcover with lovely bell-shaped flowers and edible berries for a more natural look.
Ferns And Grasses For Under Trees
Ferns and grasses can be great choices for adding texture and movement to the understory (lower level) of trees. One excellent option is the Matteuccia struthiopteris, commonly known as the Ostrich Fern. This fern stands tall and has feathery fronds, creating a dramatic effect. It is also well-suited for shady areas.
If you prefer a low-maintenance option, consider the Calamagrostis × acutifolia ‘Karl Foerster’. This ornamental grass has narrow green foliage that turns golden in the fall, offering a stunning display. You can also add elegance to the space with ferns like the Dryopteris felix-mas and Polystichum setiferum ‘Pulcherrimum Bevis’, which have finely textured fronds.
Selecting the right plants for underplanting trees is crucial in creating a lush and beautiful garden in shady areas.
To achieve this, consider using ornamental trees, evergreen shrubs, flowering plants, groundcovers, and ferns/grasses. By incorporating a variety of these plants, you can create a diverse and visually appealing space that thrives even in the limited light conditions beneath trees.
So, go ahead and unleash your creativity to transform your shaded patch of land into a captivating oasis of plants and foliage.
- Ferns and grasses add texture and movement to the understory
- Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) has tall and feathery fronds
- Calamagrostis × acutifolia ‘Karl Foerster’ is a low-maintenance grass with golden fall foliage
- Dryopteris felix-mas and Polystichum setiferum ‘Pulcherrimum Bevis’ have elegant fronds
- Consider using ornamental trees, evergreen shrubs, flowering plants, groundcovers, and ferns/grasses for a diverse garden under trees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good plant to put around a tree?
An excellent plant to put around a tree would be the oakleaf hydrangea. This shade and root-tolerant woodland plant is known for its beautiful large white flowers and attractive foliage. Another great option is the azalea, which comes in a variety of vibrant colors and thrives in shady areas. These plants, along with others like euonymus, variegated aucuba, and soft-tip yucca, have proven to thrive around trees, creating a lovely understory that adds beauty and interest to any landscape.
What should I put under my tree?
One unique and beneficial option to consider putting under your tree is a layer of organic compost. Organic compost not only acts as a natural weed suppressant, but it also enriches the soil with essential nutrients and promotes a healthy environment for the tree to grow. This approach ensures that your tree receives the necessary support while minimizing weed growth without hindering its feeding and fertilization process. Furthermore, composting is an environmentally friendly choice that encourages sustainability and reduces waste.
Another interesting alternative to consider is decorative mulch or wood chips. These materials not only enhance the visual appeal of your tree area but also serve as effective weed barriers. Decorative mulch can be composed of various materials, such as colorful wood chips or decorative stones, which bring aesthetic value to your garden while simultaneously offering practical benefits. Additionally, this option allows for easy access to the tree’s base for feeding and fertilizing, providing ideal conditions for the tree’s growth and long-term health.
What is the best ground cover over tree roots?
One of the best ground cover options for tree roots is a thick layer of wood chips. Wood chips not only provide a natural and attractive appearance but also help retain moisture in the soil, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth. This option is not only easy to apply but also benefits the tree’s health by improving soil conditions and reducing competition for nutrients. Another alternative could be using a ground cover plant, such as creeping thyme, which not only adds visual interest but also helps retain soil moisture and prevents erosion. With its low-growing habit and ability to spread, creeping thyme can effectively cover tree roots while creating a soft and aromatic ground cover.
What can I plant around exposed tree roots?
After removing the daylilies and searching for shade plants, I discovered that hostas are a great option to plant around exposed tree roots. With their lush foliage and wide range of color variations, hostas can add a beautiful and vibrant touch to the area. Additionally, ferns are another suitable choice as they thrive in shade and can create a lush and tropical atmosphere around the tree roots. Combined, hostas and ferns can transform the space into a visually appealing and serene corner of your garden.