Elm trees are a popular and common tree across North America and are favored for their ability to withstand harsh weather. If you are looking to plant some extra flora underneath your elm, you might think that any old plant would do – however, this isn’t quite the case!
Growing plants underneath your elm tree takes consideration. It’s important to know which plants will share nutrients and water with the elm tree so that all the plants will flourish. Plants like Daffodils, Japanese Ferns, and August Lilies are among those that do well underneath an elm tree.
The main thing to consider when planting plants underneath an elm tree is that you found a plant that is a low-requirement species and does not require a lot to thrive. You also don’t want any plants that are going to spread out all over the place and get in the way of your root system, or in the way of other plants.
If you’re looking to learn more about the best plants underneath your elm tree, stick around for a while – and keep on reading!
Can You Even Grow Plants Underneath an Elm Tree?
So, after reading that intro section, you may have some questions…some concerns, even. Can you even grow plants underneath an elm tree, if there are so many requirements? The answer: Of course, you can!
You may need to be a bit more conscientious when choosing which plants to share soil with your beloved elm, but you can effectively add some pops of color to the ground if you choose the right plant! Growing any sort of plant is going to take some work, regardless of how ‘easy’ it may be to maintain. You always need to consider what your plant needs – from the amounts of water and sunlight to the type of nutrients and soil.
Elm trees are popular for a reason, as they’re very easy to grow. However, they do take a bit of thought when it comes to maintaining the space that they grow in.
So, Why Grow an Elm Tree?
On that note, let’s talk about why you might want an elm tree. After all, there are so many trees out there – so why an elm?
Elm trees might need a little consideration when it comes to sharing soil, but these trees truly are hard to beat. You can be sure that they will grow easily, and without too much extra work on your part.
If you’re looking to find more info on elm trees, check out our article on the differences between elm and oak!
Elm Trees Are Cold Hardy And Grow In All Temperatures
The 20th century saw American Elms dominating the streets of both suburban and city landscapes thanks to their knack for providing shade and dealing with poor soil.
Elm Trees are a species that is incredibly cold hardy, which means that they can continue to thrive even in unprecedented, extremely low temperatures. Whereas many trees might not withstand such extremes, you have a better chance at success with your elm tree.
Elms Are Tolerable To External Conditions Like Sidewalks
Elms are also very tolerant to external conditions, which makes them great street trees. While you’ll want to be aware of sidewalks that might be impacted by the elm tree roots, this is a species that will do well to provide shade on a busy street.
Or, perhaps you’ll choose to plant an elm tree in front of your home so that you can end up with that grandiose, towering look – as the tree matures.
Check out our article on the 11 best low-maintenance shade trees for a more detailed list of what you could plant to add interest to your yard.
Elm Trees Are Long-Lasting And Durable
Speaking of maturity, elm trees are long-lasting and can grow to be around 300 years old. If that doesn’t give you an idea of their tolerance and durability, I’m not sure that anything else will!
These trees are not only durable themselves, but can help provide protection against the elements when needed. Favored by land developers and landscapers both for their ability to withstand harsh, urban conditions, these trees can also act as a windbreakers to protect homes and more open areas outside of the city.
When it comes down to it, elms are great trees and deserve to be cared for as such, and deserve some wonderful plants nearby! So, without further ado – here are the 6 best plants to grow under your elm!
6 Best Plants To Plant Under Your Elm Tree
As you might imagine, plants that do better in shade are going to do better underneath the dense canopy of an elm tree. Plants will also do better under an elm if they have similar needs to an elm.
So, let’s get to it!
1. Daffodils Will Grow Great Under Your Elm Tree
Daffodils are great for under your elm tree all thanks to their shallow roots and adaptable nature.
We know that shallow roots are ideal when paired with the extensive root system of the elm, and it doesn’t hurt that daffodils are also a fairly flexible plant.
Daffodils self-seed, so they’ll spread on their own and can make their way to the area of the ground that best suits them overall – making them low maintenance and attainable.
Some Quick Things To Consider When Planting Daffodils
Light: Daffodils do like the sun, but will be able to grow in partial shade, which is possible if they are planted near the outer edges of the elm tree’s canopy.
Soil: Daffodils do well in rich, moist soil and appreciate some extra water, especially as they are growing.
Hardiness Zone: Daffodils grow in hardiness zones 3-8, which is very fitting when we consider that elms prefer zones 3-9.
Overall, a Daffodil has many of the same needs as an elm tree, which makes it a great fit to share soil and an overall environment.
2. Virginia Bluebells Will Grow Wonderfully Under Your Elm Tree
Next up on our list, we have the Virginia Bluebell because of its affinity for growing in the shade, as well as its ability to adapt to the amount of water available, whether high or low.
Virginia Bluebells align with the needs of an elm tree because elms do tend to require more water than these flowers, so flexibility is a factor that helps these two plants coexist.
Some Quick Things To Consider When Planting Virginia Bluebells
Light: Virginia bluebells grow quite well in partial to full shade, meaning that the extensive and dense canopy of an elm tree is not a hindrance, but is actually beneficial to this flower.
Soil: Just like elms, well-drained, rich, and loamy soil is best.
Hardiness Zone: Like daffodils, Virginia bluebells are also best suited for hardiness zones 3-8. This places Virginia bluebells right in the range of hardiness that an elm requires..
3. Periwinkles Will Flourish Underneath Your Elm Tree
Periwinkle is next on our list, and is another flower that is not only compatible with elm trees, but is also a pretty addition to your yard.
Periwinkles are easy to grow and manage. Periwinkles are ideal flowers to add a pop of color under your elm, without the extra work.
Some Quick Things To Consider When Planting Periwinkles
Light: Periwinkle also prefers full shade, making it well-suited to grow underneath the canopy of an elm.
Soil: Yet again, moist, well-drained soil is ideal for periwinkle to grow and thrive.
Hardiness Zone: Periwinkles don’t have the largest hardiness zone that they fit in, as they prefer zones 7-9. However, this still fits in the range that elms grow in, so there is a chance that if you live in an area with an extreme low temperature that is a bit higher, you can plant periwinkle with confidence.
4. August Lilies Will Look Great Underneath Your Elm
August lilies are next, thanks to their flexibility, quick growth, and fragrance.
They might not add a crazy pop of color, but if you like the smell of flowers, this is the one for you!
Some Quick Things To Consider When Planting August Lilies
Light: While these flowers do well in the sun, they also grow quite well in partial to full shade, an expression of their versatility.
Soil: As long as soil is rich, and well drained, august lily is going to do well underneath your elm.
Hardiness Zone: August lilies fit best within hardiness zones 3-9, which means that they have the exact same preference as elm trees do, making them a fitting combo for your yard!
5. Lilyturf Grows Perfectly Under Your Elm
Lilyturf is often used as ground cover and has some requirements that align quite well with those of elm trees.
If you want to cover some patchy grass, or simply hope to add some vibrance to your space, this is a solid option that you won’t regret.
Some Quick Things To Consider When Planting Lilyturf
Light: Lilyturf thrives in the shade, yet another option to go right under your elm with no concern for the lack of light.
Soil: Moist soil is also the ideal for this flower, so your elm and lily turf will not need different levels of water.
Hardiness Zone: The Lilyturf prefers hardiness zones 5-10, which means that it has a good deal of overlap with the zones 3-9 preferred by elm trees.
6. Japanese Ferns Will Grow Nicely Underneath Your Elm Tree
Finally, we have the Japanese fern, which is a slow-grower but can create a dense covering over the ground in a few years’ time.
Japanese Ferns are an invasive species, so they will require a lot of maintenance, however, they will also grow thick and dense, creating a neat visual effect underneath your tree.
Some Quick Things To Consider When Planting Japanese Ferns
Light: This type of fern can tolerate full sun or full shade, and its adaptability makes it a prime candidate for underneath your elm.
Soil: Once again, moist, well-drained soil is perfect for this plant.
Hardiness Zone: The Japanese Fern is best suited to hardiness zones 5-8. While this gives a little less room for planting in certain environments that might get colder extreme low temperatures in winter, it still fits in a wide enough range that make it a fitting plant for under your elm.
Not only could you plant any single one of these types of plants underneath your elm tree, but you could also combine them to create beautiful yet functional foliage closer to ground level.
Choosing A Plant For Underneath an Elm Tree
In this article, our main goal was to inform you about the 6 best plants to plant under your elm tree. However, properly growing those plants under your tree is also an important factor to be considered.
There are many plants that will require a lot of water or nutrients from the soil and will take the water and nutrients away from your elm. Avoid hindering your tree by following some best practices, as well as choosing the best plants.
Let’s dive a little deeper and discuss some of the most important things to consider when it comes to planting underneath an elm tree.
Consider The Livelihood Of All Plants
Having a plant that can handle tough conditions like an elm is not the standard -so, when choosing a plant for underneath it, it’s best to choose plants that require similar conditions to grow and thrive as an elm.
It is more likely than not that your elm will be able to deal with most plants that are planted under it. However, thanks to the extensive root system and dense shade of the elm tree, many plants may not be able to survive underneath your elm – and considering the livelihood of all plants is important.
Make Sure That Your Elm Is Away From Other Structures
The location of your elm tree makes a difference when it comes to its viability, as well as your ability to plant other plants underneath it.
If you have an elm tree that is pretty close to a fence, another tree, a building, or any other structure, your elm may not have room to flourish.
Though these are great urban trees to provide shade and act as windbreaks, the more space the better. Additionally, if you were hoping to plant some plants underneath your elm tree, it might not be possible if you have it planted too close to another structure or tree.
Make Sure You Are Planting Your Elm In USDA Zones 3-9
Also, be sure to keep up with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to check that your location is fitting for whatever plants you want to place under your elm.
Elm trees do best in hardiness zones 3-9, which means that the average extreme low temperature range they can survive a winter in is about -40 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, you’ll want to check that the plants you hope to incorporate into the area below your tree have a similar level of cold hardiness, or resistance to extremely cold temperatures.
Don’t Overwhelm Your Elm
Even though Elm trees are adaptable and durable, it is important to set your tree up for success.
Part of that success will come from building conditions that allow the tree to flourish in its own environment. This is done by giving the tree the means to focus on its own growth and internal systems, as opposed to fighting for nutrients from other plants.
To do this, you want to start by doing some research. You can refer to our 6 best plants to plant under your elm tree, of course, but if there are any other species that you’re considering- always ask a specialist.
For more tips on growing elms and other trees, check out our article on the 12 fastest growing deciduous trees.
Find The Best Route For Planting The Additional Plants
Once you know that your plant choice is going to be compatible with your elm, it’s time to think about planting the plant itself, and how much room is available to plant without damaging the roots.
To figure the spacing out, you can use a trowel like this Edward Tools Garden Trowel. It’s heavy-duty, made of carbon steel, and has an ergonomic grip. This is the perfect tool because you will avoid digging through the roots while being gentle and getting the job done!
Once you’ve established both the plant type and if you will be able to dig in between any roots and the space, it’s time to plant!
Techniques For Maintaining Your Elm Tree
While it is so important to know what plants are compatible with the soil and shade of an elm tree, there are also things that you can do to help maintain both your elm and the other plants that live underneath it.
So, what are these things, exactly?
Water, Water, Water!
What is one of the best ways to offer support to your tree? Easy! Make sure it is getting enough water.
When it comes to watering, you may have concerns about providing the right amount of water, at the right frequency, and maybe even at the optimal time of day.
One way to avoid these concerns is to use an irrigation system like this WATERHOOP Portable Water Sprinkler and Irrigation System. Unlike other, more extensive irrigation systems that work best for gardens and entire yards, this system will allow you to easily water trees and other outdoor plants thanks to the durable and adjustable hose.
No matter how you choose to maintain your watering practices, this is an easy and important bit of maintenance to give your tree and plants the best chance at success.
Fertilize to Maintain Life
Another piece of the puzzle to maintaining your tree has to do with the fertilizer that it is getting.
This goes back to the reason that some plants may not do as well under an elm tree as others, because not all plants will require the same nutrients that the elm will. So, that’s why we fertilize!
Trees and other plants are the same way. It’s crucial to have the water and nutrients they need in order to flourish.
Fertilizing Your Elm Is Essential
It is the best practice to fertilize elm trees once or twice a year, and then as needed in between. Slow-release, granular fertilizers are ideal, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for an NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio of 5-10-10 or 6-12-12.
A great fertilizer option is the Lilly Miller Morcrop Tomato and Vegetable Food. Don’t worry about the fact that it is designated for vegetables, as long as your NPK number is right, you’ll be on the right track.
Since that particular fertilizer has an NPK of 5-10-10, you can be sure that it will support your elm tree, and any plants underneath, in the right way.
Prune and You Won’t Face Doom
Pruning is another important way to make sure that your tree will be here to stay.
Of course, in the case of disease, damage, or infection, you’ll want to prune any branches that are impacted to stop the spread of an issue. However, did you know that you can, and often should, prune perfectly healthy trees, too?.
Pruning helps your tree put its energy toward growing taller and more evenly, as it won’t have as much outward growth to focus on, and can focus on growing from within. A healthy tree should only be pruned once every few years. Often, as branches grow longer, they grow slowly but the tree puts a lot of effort into continuing that slower growth, as opposed to growing bigger overall.
If you are interested in learning more about pruning large trees the right way, we have an article just for you!
That’s A Wrap!
Alright friends, we’ve come to the end! As you work to add plants to your space, you might need to end up planting underneath your elm tree.
Remember that there are 6 best plants to grow underneath an elm tree:
- Daffodils
- Virginia Bluebell
- Periwinkle
- August Lily
- Lily Turf
- Japanese Fern
These plants are all quite adaptable and don’t have many specific needs. This is important as elm trees take a lot of work on their own. Elm tree roots require a lot of moisture and nutrients from the soil, as the canopy shades much of the tree from getting sun. So, having a plant underneath your elm that can be compatible and that does not take away necessary water and nutrients is key.
As usual, we wish you luck as you continue along your personal tree journey. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.
Until next time!
References
Sander, D. H. (1971). Soil properties and Siberian elm tree growth in Nebraska windbreaks. Soil Science, 112(5), 357-363.
Thomas, P. A., & Garber, M. P. (2009). Growing ferns.
