In order to make the bare area under the palm fronds more visually appealing, to curb weeds and to retain moisture in the soil for longer, underplanting is worthwhile. But which plants are suitable for this and what characteristics should they ideally have?
Which plants are suitable for planting under a palm tree?
Palm trees, depending on their type, can be planted with ground cover plants, perennials and grasses that areshade-tolerantandshallow-rooted. The following are suitable for underplanting:
- Nasturtium or Periwinkle
- Blue rue or roller spurge
- Sedges or feather grass
Preferably underplant young palm trees
A freshly planted,young palm treecan usually be easilyunderplanted. This is especially true if it is in the garden or outdoors. The roots of palm trees extend deep into the ground. Over the years, however, it usually becomes more and more wide and branches can emerge from the earth. This makes underplanting more complicated. Therefore, plant your palm tree early and make sure not to dig too close to the trunk.
Planting palm trees with ground cover plants
Shade Tolerant Ground cover plants, which at best produce pretty flowers, are ideal for underplanting hardy palm trees outdoors. It is optimal if they are wintergreen to evergreen and their leaves protect the palm tree from excessive frost and moisture throughout the winter. You can use both annual and perennial plants. How about these decorative ground cover plants, for example?
- Nasturtium
- Evergreen
- Storksbill
- woman's coat
Planting palm trees with grasses
You can also plant grass under a palm tree growing outdoors in this country, such as a Chinese hemp palm. The most beautiful ones aresmaller grasses, which grow into dense tufts and surround the palm tree from below. Weeds usually don't stand a chance due to their dense network of roots. But remember: The grasses should not need full sunlight, but should also be able to cope with partial shade and root competition. These grasses fit in well:
- Blue Fescue
- Feather grass
- Japan sedge
- Mountain sedge
Planting palm trees with perennials
You can emphasize the exotic expression of the palm tree with perennials, as long as the perennials tolerate someshadingand have shallow roots. Warmth-loving Plants are the ideal underplanting partners:
- Blue Diamond
- Roller Spurge
- Lavender
- pearl basket
- Lemon Thyme
- Balkan Bear Paw
Planting a palm tree in a pot
The bucket for an underplanting should have enough space in width, otherwise both the palm tree and the underplanting will quickly become too narrow together. If you usedpalm soilfor the pot, the underplanting should cope with such a substrate. It is also crucial that the underplanting can deal with theshading from the palm fronds. Suitable items include:
- Houseleek
- Hanging Petunias
- Cushion stonecrop
- Storksbill
- Carpet Thyme
Tip
Add vegetable plants to the palm tree in the pot
Is your palm tree in a pot? If the soil is still fresh and the palm tree is not too deeply rooted on the surface, you can plant it with tomatoes. One or two plants should be enough for a pot about 50 cm wide. The tomatoes like to grow beyond the palm tree. But this usually doesn't bother the palm tree much.
