It can be very difficult to know what to grow or plant under a tree.  Due to a tree’s dense overhanging canopy, there may be a lack of light, lack of water or lack of nutrients within the soil below. The best way to consider what might work in this area is to think of plants that you see thriving in your local woodlands.

There are many plants that will thrive in such conditions such as:

Shrubs:  Azalea, Rhododendron, Camellia, Eleagnus (variegated), Holly, Yew, Viburnum, Ruscus, Berberis, Fatsia, Mahonia, Tree Peony.

Ground Cover:  Anemone, Laminum, Lily of the Valley, Periwinkle, Costa, Hardy Cyclamen, Hardy Geranium, Alchemillia Mollis, Bleeding Heart, Bergenia, Cotoneaster (spreading) and Fern.

However, before planting under the tree’s canopy, it is well worth preparing the ground in advance by removing weeds and adding well rotted matter, such as farmyard manure, leaf mould or any garden compost which will not only make any planting activities easier, but will help the plant or plants thrive.

Please do take a look around the GardensRUs on line shop, if you are seeking plants to plant in a shaded or wooded area. We have Azaleas, Ferns, Mahonia, Bergenia, and many other wonderful plants that will thrive in such an area.

https://www.gardens-r-us.scot/product-category/azalea-rhododendron/

All proceeds from the sale at our online shop will go directly to Five Sister’s Zoo.