An underplanting of apple trees not only looks more visually appealing, but it also preserves moisture more effectively in the soil due to the better shading in the root area. In addition, cleverly used underplanting can protect the apple tree from diseases.
Which plants are suitable for underplanting apple trees?
An apple tree can be planted with perennials and ground cover plants as well as herbs, bulb flowers and roses. The underplanting candidates shouldshallow rootsandnot stand onthetree disc. Feel free to use:
- Aquilegia and autumn anemones
- Nasturtium and purple bells
- Grape hyacinths and harebells
- Rambler roses and ground cover roses
- Chives and garlic
Planting apple trees with perennials
Since it is moreshadydirectly under the apple tree, the selected perennials should be able to cope with such site conditions. It is also important that the perennials develop aflat root system, as many of the roots of the apple tree are close to the surface. Last but not least, you should make sure that the perennials are not damaged in the fall if apples fall on them. The following are suitable, among others:
- Aquilegia
- Autumn Anemones
- Marigolds
- Rhubarb
- Sedum
- Spotted Lungwort
Planting apple trees with ground cover plants
Ground cover plants act like a living mulch at the foot of the apple tree. Prefershallow-rooted plantsthat likepartial shadeand can cope with themoist soil under the apple tree. Feel wonderfully comfortable under the apple tree, for example:
- Nasturtium
- Purple bells
- Storksbill
- woman's coat
Planting apple trees with onion flowers
Onion flowers do not move too close to the roots of the apple tree andbenefitin spring from thebare crown. You can distribute them extensively and numerously under the apple tree. Try the following copies:
- Grape Hyacinths
- Winterlingen
- Harebells
- crocuses
- Tulips
- Daffodils
Planting apple trees with roses
At about1 m distance from the trunk even roses can be found. It is best to plant these when the apple tree is still young and its roots are less spread out. This gives the roses plenty of opportunity to take root and not be pushed out by the apple tree. It is also important that the crown of the apple tree is high so that the roses receive enough sunlight. The following are particularly suitable:
- Rambler roses
- Ground cover roses
- Flower roses
Planting apple trees with allium plants
If you are really sophisticated and have already had bad experiences with sick apple trees, we recommend planting them with leek plants. Allium plants have the ability torisk of diseaseof apple scabreduce The following plants are ideal here:
- Chives
- garlic
- Cut garlic
- ornamental onion
The advantage of such underplanting is that the plants produce beautiful flowers and some can even be harvested for consumption.
Tip
Lawn clippings as a replacement for underplanting
If you don't want to put any plants under your apple tree, but still want to protect it from drought and at the same time provide it with some nutrients, it is recommended to spread lawn clippings or bark mulch around the tree disc.
