Trees are very popular not only in the park but also in the home garden. However, if the space underneath is bare, the attractiveness suffers significantly. You can solve this problem relatively easily with a bed under the tree.
Which plants are suitable for a bed under a tree?
A bed under a tree can be planted with shade-loving plants such as early bloomers (snowdrops, winter aconites, crocuses), perennials, ground covers and grasses. Climbing plants such as cranesbill or ivy should be planted at some distance from the tree to avoid damaging tree roots.
What should I pay attention to?
If you would like to plant other plants under your trees, then you should pay attention to the trees' root growth as well as their water and nutrient requirements, because in this respect the trees are competition for the new plants.
Little light reaches the ground near the trunk. Here you should use shade-loving plants. Further out, perennials suitable for partial shade also feel comfortable. If the soil is very rooted, you can add a layer of compost or potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon), which will make the planting work easier.
Do other plants grow under all trees?
Other plants do not grow equally well under every tree. Conifers change the microclimate so much that hardly any other plants can feel comfortable there. They make the soil acidic. The leaves of oak and walnut have a growth-inhibiting effect and should therefore be removed, as should the fallen needles of conifers.
Which plants also grow under trees?
Not only evergreen ground cover and climbing plants such as ivy grow under trees, but also numerous flowering perennials, grasses and early bloomers. Some ferns, such as the silvery Japanese rainbow fern, thrive even in the deepest shade. The spotted deadnettle shows its purple flowers with the white-spotted lower lip from April to November.
In spring, most trees do not yet have any shady foliage, so a lot of light still reaches the ground. These are ideal conditions for early bloomers such as snowdrops, winter aconites and crocuses, although planting bulbs is quite time-consuming. At the latest when the winter aconites glow yellow everywhere, you will no longer regret the work.
Plants that grow well under trees:
- Early bloomers: snowdrops, winter aconites, crocuses
- Perennials
- Groundcover
- Grasses
Tip
Place climbing plants such as cranesbill or ivy in the ground at some distance from the tree. Over time they grow up to the trunk. This way you don't damage the tree roots when planting.
