It often looks bare and dark under fir trees. How about hiding the dreary tree slices behind colorful flowering perennials? Hydrangeas can be well suited for this rather difficult location. Here you can find out what you need to consider.
Can I plant hydrangeas under a fir tree?
Under the fir trees it is usually quitedark, the ground isdryand slightlysour due to the falling needles While hydrangeas are one of the few plants that cope well with acidic soil, they require a partially shaded location and, above all, a lot of moisture. As they have shallow roots, they do not get in the way of the deep-growing roots of the fir.
Can fir trees be underplanted?
Fir trees are very suitable for underplanting because they aredeep-rooted trees. The ground around the fir trees offers enough space for planting shrubs and ferns without the roots getting in the way. As shallow-rooted hydrangeas are particularly suitable for this location. With the colorful flowering perennials you can skilfully hide the areas under the fir trees that often become bare, brown and unsightly in older trees.
What do I have to consider when planting hydrangeas under fir trees?
The following aspects should be taken into account:
- Light: Make sure that the hydrangeas get enough light; partial shade is best. Since firs like to grow very densely, it may be too shady for the hydrangeas.
- Soil quality: The falling pine needles cause acidic soil around the fir trees. This makes the location well suited for hydrangeas, but you should be careful to only take further measures to acidify the soil sparingly. Regular soil tests (€9.00 on Amazon) help with the assessment.
- Water: Large fir trees in particular draw a lot of water from the ground. This means that the soil under the trees can dry out quickly, which is particularly bad for hydrangeas as they have difficulty coping with drought.
Which hydrangeas are suitable for planting under fir trees?
Since it is usually very shady under fir trees, you should choose hydrangea species that can survive with less sun. These are for example:
- Ball hydrangea
- panicle hydrangea
- Plate hydrangea
Expect to water and fertilize hydrangeas under fir trees more frequently as the plants compete for both nutrients and water.
Tip
Keep a little distance from the trunk of the fir tree
Do not plant the hydrangeas too close to the trunk as it can become particularly dry and dark there. The outer edge of the tree disc, where more light comes, is more suitable.
