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11 Plants To Put Under Your Aspen Tree (& How To Plant Them)

As you begin to plant and take care of your trees, it may become apparent that they look weak or even bare underneath. In most cases, this is often how it appears because the soil below is bare. With this comes the question, “What plants can I put under my aspen tree?”

Some of the most common examples of plants that you can put under your aspen tree include cosmos, bachelor’s buttons, and zinnias, which require fewer nutrients than typical flowers. Low crawling herbs such as soapwort, sedum, thyme, mint, and catnip will also grow well under your aspen tree.

Read on to learn more about what Aspens need/want to grow and what plants you can grow around them to improve looks and even the health of your tree!

Basic Aspen Tree Growth

To understand what plants you can grow near your Aspen, it is first important to know how your Aspen grows, as you don’t want to accidentally impede its growth through planting competition.

As for growth rate, Aspens can grow up to (or often more than) 24 inches per year. This is astonishing when compared to other slow-growing plants. This is also good to keep in mind as you don’t want to plant any sun-loving ground covers. Your growing Aspen could easily shade them out!

Compared to other trees, Aspens have fairly shallow root systems. On average, most Aspen roots only grow down about 12 inches; however, they all tend to sprawl and spread outward very quickly.

In addition to the vigorous spreading of roots, Aspens tend to propagate and root quickly. This is important to know if you plan on growing other things near them, as they do pose some risk of propagating and shading/competing with your other plants.

Not exactly a team player, these Aspens!

Requirements For Healthy Aspen Trees

Fall color of aspen trees. — Fall color of Aspen trees.

Aspens have a few basic requirements for healthy, strong growth. For the most part, however, they can be pretty adaptable and strong in most areas.

Aspens have some standard requirements (among most species) that revolve around things such as soil qualities and water retention, making them pretty easy to adapt to and care for.

To start, Aspen trees want their soil to be well-draining. This means that they want a soil that is looser/has more particulates, such as sand, compost, and other organic material.

Along the same line, Aspens require well-draining environments, meaning they want less water than other plants. This is important to think about when incorporating other plants, as some of their requirements may be the opposite of your Aspen’s.

In addition to this, Aspen trees also like their soil to be slightly acidic. This can be accomplished through using things like “acid-lovers mix” or pine straw mulch. This is also a good aspect to think about, as it may also interfere with the growth of other plants you wish to pair with your Aspen.

Pairing Aspens With Different Plants

When choosing additional plants to grow around your Aspens, it is important to think of the requirements of both. In doing so, you can ensure that both your plants and tree will be happy and healthy.

In general, planting things with opposite or complementary requirements to your Aspen tree will lead to the most success. For example, planting something that prefers shade underneath your tree would most likely work great, as your tree can get full sun while providing the plant with proper shade.

As they say, opposites attract!

Pairing Shade Requirements For Plants Under Aspen Trees

Upper view of the Aspen trees in the fall season.

One of the most important things you need to pair is the shade requirements of your Aspen tree and companion plants. As sunlight is one of the most important factors a plant needs, getting the incorrect levels can easily lead to one of your plants becoming weak.

Going along with this, it is normally best to pair a plant that tolerates, or even likes, shade with your full trees.

This is because, in most cases, the tree will tend to be way larger and cast a large area of shade. For most plants, this can be harmful; however, if you preemptively plan by putting shade-loving plants, you will have completed companion planting.

Pairing Water Requirements For Plants Under Aspen Trees

Similar to shade, water is another requirement that is the limiting factor to pairing plants and Aspen trees together. If two plants near each other have vastly different water needs, one of them is bound to not be in its optimal conditions and will most likely suffer from it.

Instead, if you put plants with similar water requirements to Aspens near your tree, both will most likely flourish and grow strong and healthy together.

Pairing Soil Requirements For Plants Under Aspen Trees

Although less important than water and sun, soil can be another factor that limits plant pairings. With soil comes lots of other factors such as pH, nutrients, etc. These can have many positive or negative effects on plants and trees.

With this, if you plant companion plants near your Aspens that have similar soil, pH, nutrient, and other similar requirements, both will most likely enjoy their environment and grow well together!

Will Plants Under Aspen Trees Harm The Tree?

Another important factor to look at is safety with plants. This doesn’t refer to your safety but instead refers to the safety of your Aspen tree itself. With this, some companion plants can compete with your Aspen, or in worse cases, even kill it.

Going along with this, what are some concerns that should be thought of when putting companion plants near your aspens?

Vines and Chokers Harm Aspen Growth

Vines and choking plants can be one of the worst things for aspen trees. This category of plants refers to things like morning glory, blackberries, or English ivy. Although they are beautiful, most of them can easily compete with trees and even cause them to struggle with basic things like light and water requirements.

In most cases, vines and chokers can physically block your Aspen’s roots or trunk and can also crawl upwards and grow around branches, blocking the much-needed light from your Aspen’s leaves.

Invasive Plants Can Be Bad For Aspen Trees

Another thing to think about is invasive plants. These plants are those that are not usually native to your area, meaning that in some cases, they can easily take over Aspen trees and become rampant, even dominating over some of the other native plant species in the area.

With this, it is important to research the native and invasive plants in your area before you try to companion plants near your aspen tree!

6 Best Plants to Put Under Your Aspen Tree

Now that we know what Aspen trees need and what to avoid when companion planting, we can now look at the specific plants that you can (and should!) put under your Aspen tree, as well as how to plant them.

Sedum Varieties Under Your Aspen Tree

Decorative garden plant Sedum prominent (lat. Sedum spectabile.)

Sedum is a great plant to put near your Aspens. It is simple to care for, normally not requiring much. In addition, it has a root system that does not normally compete with your Aspens.

In addition, creeping varieties are well suited to part-shade, making them excellent to plant with large Aspens that may block out some of the sun.

They also come in lots of shapes, sizes, and colors, which make them great to use in flower and show gardens that may need special looks/themes.

Thyme Varieties As Aspen Tree Companion Plants

green background with a twigs of a thyme closeup — Close up of thyme plant.

Thyme is another great option to plant near your Aspen trees or in your garden in general.

Thyme tends to grow lower to the ground as a cover crop, having shallow roots that hold on and retain soil while also not competing with larger organisms such as your Aspen.

In addition, thyme plants normally don’t require many nutrients or other compounds, so they won’t compete with Aspen trees for any nutrients either. Another benefit of thyme plants as companion plants is that they are very aromatic and lovely for your garden and kitchen.

Overall, thyme might be a great option for you, especially if you are looking for plants to cover a wider area or for herbs that you can use in your kitchen!

Mint, Catnip, Other Herbs Grow Well Under Aspen Trees

Close up of catnip, green herb growing in a container — Close up of catnip, green herb.

Similar to the idea of thyme, other herbs such as mint, catnip, or rosemary could also be planted near your Aspen trees. They have similar benefits, such as not having rigorous root systems, not requiring too much water, and not competing for vital nutrients.

In addition, all of these herb options are great for the fact that you can use them in the kitchen as well, possibly maximizing some of the space that you use in the garden. Another benefit of these plants is that they are aromatic, and their flowers can also attract beneficial insects if you are also planting near a vegetable garden.

One great option for herb varieties is this SEEDRA 12 herb seed variety pack, which can be used to companion plant near your Aspen!

One drawback of some of these plants, mint, in particular, is that they can be vigorous in the speed and size in which they grow.

While they may not compete underground with your Aspen, they do have the ability to spread far and wide very quickly, possibly causing you some trouble or unneeded work with trimming and maintaining the area.

Cut Flowers Grow Well Under Aspen Trees

Cut flowers are another great option to add to your companion planting list for Aspen trees. “Cut flowers” refers to the common list of flowers that are grown for arrangements, such as cosmos, bachelor’s buttons, and zinnias.

All of these options are great because, normally, they do not require lots of water, and they do not have super vigorous root systems that could compete with your Aspen.

In addition to this, cut flowers do not usually require too much sunlight (although they don’t hate it), or too many nutrients, meaning they won’t compete too much with your Aspen in those regards either.

Similar to the herbs, cut flowers can also be harvested, cut, and used in arrangements or other home endeavors, making them multifaceted and useful. Another benefit is that they can attract beneficial insects if you are working in or near a garden!

Another pro to cut flowers is that they come in many species, shapes, sizes, colors, scents, etc., making them great for someone who has specific wants/needs with color, size, and use.

Similar to the herbs, many cut flowers can be found in packs, such as this Botanical Interested Cut Flowers Seed Collection.

Baby’s Breath Plants Under Aspen Trees

Beautiful flowering close-up of Alpine Gypsophila flower or Creeping Baby's Breath Gypsophila repens. — Close-up of Alpine Gypsophila flower or Creeping Baby’s Breath Gypsophila repens.

Baby’s breath is a plant that may not often be thought of; however, it can be very useful in companion planting with Aspen trees.

Baby’s breath plants create a great puff of white color through their small and delicate flowers, making them unique and fun to plant with Aspen trees. In addition, their roots can hold in and retain the soil without competing for things like nutrients or water.

Another thing to think about is that baby’s breath may need full sun but can still be healthy in partial shade, so you may have to play around with planting them before fully committing.

Artemisia’s Look Gorgeous Under Aspen Trees

Artemisia (mugworts) is another unique and uncommon plant that can be grown with Aspens. According to most sources, they are drought-tolerant and will not compete for too many nutrients or water.

In addition, many avid gardeners love to plant artemisia with their Aspens for their specific color. Most people cite that the silvery color of the artemisia plants highlight and make the undertones of Aspens leaves look gorgeous, making them a great companion plant.

Overall, artemisia may be a great option for you, especially if you are looking for a classic pairing that has been tested and proven to boost the natural beauty of your Aspen tree.

Salvia Varieties Plant Well Under Aspen Trees

Some varieties of salvia, like sage, are another great option to plant near your Aspens. Like most other plants on this list, they are pretty easy to take care of and are not known to compete or choke out other plants such as your Aspen tree.

In addition, salvia comes in many different varieties that exhibit many different colors and sizes, making them infinitely customizable for the home gardener.

Another pro is that salvia has a bit more height when compared to other plants on this list, giving them a unique and not often seen beauty in companion planting.

During the spring and summer seasons, big-box gardening stores and small nurseries often carry many varieties of salvia seedlings, along with many varieties of salvia seeds, meaning they are highly accessible to use in any format or size.

In the end, salvia is another great option for those who are beginners in gardening/companion planting and for those who may want to simply buy a plant from the store and put it in the ground.

That’s A Wrap!

In the end, Aspens are pretty unique trees that can add the perfect touch to just about any home garden. They are versatile and usually have a few simple requirements, making them incredibly easy and rewarding for any home gardener to take care of!

In addition to this, you may want to plant companion plants near your Aspen to fill in the space or even create a symbiotic relationship. In doing so, there are multiple factors that you should think about, such as the light, soil, and water requirements of both your Aspen and companion plant.

There are also a few other things to think about, such as if your companion plants are invasive in your area or if they are known to vine and choke out large things such as trees and shrubs.

Overall, there are a few main companion plants that are well known to form great relationships with Aspens, such as herbs, sedums, salvias, and artemisia!

So get out there and have fun planting with your Aspen tree!

References

Cunningham, S. J. (1998). Great Garden Companions. Google Books.

Légaré, S., Bergeron, Y., & Paré, D. (2005). Effect of Aspen (populus tremuloides) as a companion species on the growth of black spruce (picea mariana) in the southwestern Boreal Forest of Quebec.

Sjödin, A., Wissel, K., Bylesjö, M. et al. Global expression profiling in leaves of free-growing Aspen. BMC Plant Biol 8, 61 (2008).

Rahman, M. (2021). Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications. Vol 14. No. 05 242–244.

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

20 Plants Not To Grow Under A Black Walnut Tree

Black walnut trees are an excellent choice for a shade tree and are found in many landscapes and parks throughout the United States. While these trees have some positive attributes like shade, fruit for wildlife, and the possibility of wood harvesting profits, black walnuts come with a curse: juglone.

Juglone is a natural toxin produced by black walnuts to eliminate competition from other plants. You shouldn’t plant flowers and vegetables under a black walnut tree, such as asparagus, rhubarb, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, hydrangea, peonies, lilacs, blueberries, azalea, and true lilies.

Whether you’re thinking about planting a black walnut or already have one of these monstrosities growing, we’ll cover the plants you can and can’t grow beneath them. Let’s get to it!

Why Does Juglone Affect Plants Under A Black Walnut Tree?

As mentioned, juglone is a naturally produced toxin that black walnuts (along with butternut, pecan, and hickory) produce. Almost every part of a black walnut tree will produce juglone. The roots, twigs, bark, and fruits all produce this brutal chemical.

But why does it cause some plants to wilt while others do just fine?

The production of juglone to stunt or eliminate competition is known as allelopathy. Even a black walnut that is cut down could still be contaminating the soil a decade later with the decomposition of its roots.

A study done in 1998 looked at potential ways to minimize the destructiveness of juglone by using root barriers. What they found was that the concentration of juglone after using root barriers was significantly lower, basically just a trace.

However, the concentration of juglone increased significantly within the barrier due to a higher concentration of roots.

Root barriers like the Bamboo Shield Root Barrier are excellent tools if your black walnut is not too big and hasn’t quite established itself in your yard. Simply dig and place the barrier around the tree roots. This encourages them to grow down instead of out.

Let’s move on and talk about all the plants you shouldn’t grow beneath a black walnut tree.

Ripe walnuts on the tree popping out of their shell

Plants You Shouldn’t Grow Beneath A Black Walnut Tree

Whether you are looking to spruce up the landscape beneath a black walnut, or you’re planning to grow a garden nearby, you’ll want to know what you can and can’t plant beneath a black walnut.

Juglone acts by blocking the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Plants that are affected by juglone often show telltale signs such as wilting and yellowing leaves according to Iowa State University. Unfortunately, this process cannot be reversed and the plant will eventually die off.

To prevent your plants from croaking, avoid these 20 plants when choosing something to grow beneath a black walnut:

Asparagus

Oven-roasted asparagus with spicy cayenne pepper or mouth-watering parmesan. Mmm, delicious!

Asparagus are perennials, meaning they will come back up year after year. They’re pretty hardy and are harvested early in the spring.

Signs of juglone affecting asparagus can be hard to spot as the plant doesn’t exactly have leaves. However, look for stunted growth or yellowing of the stalk.

Rhubarb

Rhubarbs are put in lots of tasty treats like pies and jams. They add color and zing to your garden, providing both aesthetic and nutritional value.

Rhubarbs have large leaves that are not used in harvesting. Signs of juglone will include yellowing, wilting, or twisted leaves.

Cabbage

Cabbages are like little dinosaur eggs sitting in a nest of leaves, just waiting to be picked and made into sauerkraut or sauteed in a vegetable medley.

Similar to rhubarb, cabbage leaves will show yellowing and begin to wilt if exposed to juglone. The growth of the cabbage may also be stunted.

Peppers

Not the peppers! It’s true, juglone can detrimentally affect peppers in your garden. Unfortunately, this applies to pretty much every type of pepper – green, red, chili, cayenne.

Bummer…

Most peppers grow on stalks that contain leaves so look out for the usual suspects: stunted growth, yellowing or twisting leaves, and wilted-looking plants.

Tomatoes

Yep, essentially all of our favorite garden vegetables are susceptible to juglone. Boo. Garden vegetables known as solanaceous crops are particularly affected by juglone.

Members of this family include peppers, eggplant, potato, and, yes, tomatoes. While deer, raccoons, and coyotes will munch on tomatoes, black walnut will do just as much damage.

Eggplants

If you’ve never seen an eggplant plant, you might be surprised by its appearance. They look like regular old houseplants in a pot with ridged leaves and multiple shoots coming out. The only difference is the gigantic berry growing off the shoots.

Did I say berry? Yep, eggplants are a fruit in the berry family! The more you know…

Eggplants require abundant light, so planting them anywhere near a black walnut is not only a bad idea due to juglone, but the black walnut will also cast it in shade for about 50 feet.

Potato

Taters are also a part of the solanaceae family. They are considered a root vegetable, a starch, and a favorite at mealtimes. Any mealtime!

This versatile vegetable is sensitive to juglone and will not due well planted beneath black walnut trees. Just like eggplants, potatoes need full sun and will not do well in the shade of a large tree either.

Peas

The final sensitive vegetable on our list is peas. These little pods full of goodness are grown in cool weather, unlike most vegetables. They are planted in March and need a period of coolness to mature.

Peas require full to partial sun and thrive in slightly acidic soil. Unfortunately, these are the growing requirements of black walnut as well. Planting the two in the same vicinity will result in wilting, yellowing, and the withering of your pea plants.

Columbine

This striking flower is considered an herb and has drooping flowers of red and yellow according to Michigan State University. It is less sensitive to juglone than the garden plants listed above, but it will be affected if planted beneath black walnut.

Columbine requires full to partial shade, so if they are planted far enough away (and we mean far! Over 50 feet is preferred) from black walnut, they should be able to survive even if some shade is thrown on them.

Chrysanthemum

The end of Summer and the cooling down of Fall can be a real downer for those that live in the 4-season states. We all know what it means: Winter is coming.

But during Fall we get a special treat in the form of mums. These flowering plants are BURSTING with color that gives us a little hope before winter crushes our souls.

Not all chrysanthemums are vulnerable to juglone. In general, the more herbaceous mums can withstand juglone, but the perennials and bulbs cannot according to Kansas State University.

Hydrangea

Another beautiful flowering plant that’s bursting with color is the hydrangea. These Summer & Fall bloomers come in blue, white, pink, green, red, and purple.

Hydrangeas are especially attractive to butterflies, which can make them a perfect addition to your landscape. Just be sure to plant them far away from black walnut trees!

Peonies

Peonies are sun-loving plants that bloom in the spring and summer, announcing that winter is finally over and we can put away our sweatshirts and snow boots.

These plants come in pretty pink, purple, yellow, white, and red flowers. They are sensitive to Juglone and should not be planted beneath black walnut trees.

Lilacs

Lilacs come in a variety of colors, but the flowers most often seen are purple. This flowering plant has more uses than just to look pretty in the spring and summer.

Lilac is used for astringents and can be applied to cuts and rashes to help heal and soothe the wounds. Black walnut trees are not a good partner for lilacs, who are sensitive to juglone.

Mountain Laurel

Yet another flowering plant that is sensitive to juglone is Mountain Laurel. They only bloom for a short time, but when they do, you’ll be sure to know.

Mountain laurels can range from white to pink and purple. The leaves are usually canoe-shaped and the flowers are ringed in purple or pink dots.

Unlike most of the plants on our list, mountain laurel is tolerant of shade. If planted far enough away from black walnut, they can survive in the shadow of trees.

Blueberry

Unlike strawberries and raspberries, blueberries are true berries. They grow on cute little flowering plants in small bundles similar to grapes.

Blueberry plants require full sun, so it’s not recommended to plant next to any tree, especially a juglone-producing black walnut tree!

Viburnum

Viburnum encompasses a large group of flowering plants. Some are deciduous, losing their leaves each fall, while others are evergreen.

No matter what species you choose, viburnum in general is sensitive to juglone and will wither away beneath a black walnut tree.

Azalea

Believe it or not, azaleas and rhododendrons are two different plants. However, they both belong to the rhododendron genus in scientific terms.

Azaleas are beautiful flowering plants and unfortunately, they are sensitive to juglone and will struggle beneath a black walnut.

Lilies

Moving on to the herb family…wait, lilies are herbs? While you don’t want to pick these flowers and eat them, they are part of the herbaceous genus, which is where most herbs are placed!

The word lily is thrown around a lot in the gardening world, but only a few are true lilies. Asiatic lilies, trumpet lilies, and Canada lilies are all true lilies. Peace lilies and daylilies are just fakers.

True lilies are sensitive to juglone and should not be planted near black walnut or any other tree that produces juglone.

Narcissus

This herbaceous flowering plant is wrapped in Greek mythology according to the University of Missouri. The lore says that Narcissus was an exceptionally handsome young man. When he saw his reflection in a river, he could not look away until he eventually withered away.

It’s said that a narcissus flower grew where he perished. Hence the word narcissism is associated with the narcissus flower.

Apart from the mythology lesson, you’ll want to know that narcissus is sensitive to juglone, though it is less sensitive than the vegetables we mentioned earlier.

Alfalfa

Probably one of the only ‘herbs’ in this article that you’re not surprised about it being an herb. Alfalfa does not do well beneath black walnut trees as it is sensitive to the chemical juglone.

Alfalfa is often planted for livestock feed, but humans consume it as well! It is used as a garnish atop dishes and to aid in the treatment of high cholesterol.

What Plants Can Live Under A Black Walnut Tree?

We’ve covered a wide range of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers that you definitely cannot plant beneath a black walnut.

So what exactly can you plant beneath these toxicant-producing trees?

In terms of vegetables, you’re safe to plant the following garden favorites beneath black walnut, according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison:

Beans
Carrots
Melons
Beets
Corn
Squash
Onion
Parsnip

Okay, so that’s for vegetables. But what about flowers?

If you’re looking for some beautiful flowers that will brighten up the space beneath your black walnut, try some of these:

Black-eyed Susan
Impatiens
Pansy
Bluebell
Marigold
Begonias

Because black walnut trees are so large and provide tons of shade, if you want to plant grass beneath them you’ll need some shade-tolerant grass such as Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Dense Shade Mix.

This seed comes in a 7lb bag covering up to 1,750 square feet. However, be aware that this product is only good for northern regions. There are similar products for transition zones and southern regions.

Ways To Minimize Juglone Contact With Plants Under A Black Walnut Tree

If your heart is set on planting a garden but you have a big bad black walnut tree already grown in your yard, you still have some options!

These ideas are especially good for those who have smaller yards and can’t plant a garden 50-80 feet from a black walnut tree.

Use Raised Beds

You always have the option to use raised beds to plant a garden instead of doing it on ground level. Line the raised soil with something like AHG Garden Weeds Landscape Fabric.

The fabric will prevent your garden plant roots from shooting too far down or away and coming in contact with the roots of the black walnut.

The important thing to take away from this is that the soil you use for your garden should NOT be coming from the soil near your black walnut. Your best bet is to either buy new soil or obtain it from somewhere else. The soil near black walnuts will be contaminated with juglone.

Clean Up Black Walnut Tree Debris

Remember how we mentioned earlier that every part of the black walnut tree will produce juglone? Well, the longer the fallen fruit, twigs, and leaves are left on the ground, the more concentrated the amount of juglone in the soil.

Be sure to clean up any fallen fruit (and save some for yourself!), twigs, leaves, or other tree debris before it begins to decompose. This will help decrease the concentration of juglone in the soil.

Black walnuts overall are a bit more messy than regular walnut trees. If you”re interested in the difference between walnut and black walnut trees, have a look at our article: 8 Differences Between Black Walnut Trees and Walnut Trees.

That’s All For Now!

Black walnut trees provide plenty of benefits to the average yard. It provides shade, can act as a windbreak, and the fruit is delicious and edible.

The downside to black walnuts is that not all plants and vegetables are happy to be planted beneath one.

To recap, the vegetables and plants you should not plant beneath a black walnut tree include the following:

Asparagus
Rhubarb
Cabbage
Peppers
Tomatoes
Eggplant
Potatoes
Peas
Columbine
Chrysanthemum
Hydrangea
Peonies
Lilacs
Mountain Laurel
Blueberries
Viburnum
Azalea
True lilies
Narcissus
Alfalfa

Avoid planting these flowers and vegetables and be sure to choose flowers and vegetables that are shade tolerant, as the black walnut can have a footprint of 50 feet or more!

References

Hierro, J. L., & Callaway, R. M. (2021, November). The Ecological Importance of Allelopathy. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 52, 25-45. https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-051120-030619

Jose, S. (2002). Black walnut allelopathy: current state of the science. Chemical Ecology of Plants: Allelopathy in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems, 149-172. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-0348-8109-8_10

Jose, S., & Gillespie, A. R. (1998). Allelopathy in black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) alley cropping. I. Spatio-temporal variation in soil juglone in a black walnut-corn (Zea mays L.) alley cropping system in the midwestern USA. Plant and Soil, 203, 191-197. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1004301309997

Scott, R., & Sullivan, W. C. (2007). A review of suitable companion crops for black walnut. Agroforestry Systems, 71, 185-193.

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

7 Best Plants To Plant Under Your Apple Tree

If you’ve planted a fruit tree in your yard, you’ve probably become passionate about its care. After all, there’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh apple after months of hard work maintaining the beautiful tree. After your apple tree blossoms, you may be wondering if there are any plants that you can grow under it to enhance it’s beauty!

The best plants to grow underneath your apple tree are chives, wildflowers, lavender, comfrey, berry bushes, chamomile, and nasturtiums. These plants can help improve soil quality and increase apple production while not taking away any nutrients from the tree.

Keep reading to learn more about the specifics on these beneficial plants, and how their presence improves your apple tree’s environment and the ecosystem around it. Let’s get to it!

What’s Special About Apple Trees?

Besides the obvious—their delicious fruit—apple trees are great for the environment.

Like all trees, they produce essential oxygen. Anytime you plant a tree you are helping everyone on Earth breathe easier by reducing the effects of greenhouse gases.

Secondly, fruit trees help the environment flourish. Whether or not you like it, animals like deer, turkeys, bears, rodents, raccoons, and birds will feast on the apples, helping sustain their populations.

When it comes to bad weather, fruit trees can make a significant impact on the durability of the soil. They suck up the extra moisture from heavy storms that would otherwise erode the soil or carry pollutants into larger water sources.

Additionally, fruit trees can also be beneficial for rocky soils, improving the health of almost any ecosystem.

Some people solve drainage problems in their yards by planting trees. – which soak up that excess water!

So, planting a fruit tree means introducing a friendly neighbor into your local neighborhood. Now it’s time to decide what to plant next to it.

Why Should I Plant Something Under My Apple Tree?

blossoming apple trees and yellow spring flowers under blue sky

Giving your apple tree some “companions” can have some excellent benefits like increased production, weed prevention, and pest deterrents.

Many gardeners will purposefully plant-specific things that are beneficial to each other as a whole. They are called companion plants.

A companion plant benefits its neighbors in the following ways:

Improves soil
Amends growing conditions
Attracts pollinators
Repels pests
Stifles the spread of weeds

This companionship is a great little biological function called symbiosis at work here, and this is when two or more organisms mutually benefit each other as they live nearby.

In horticulture, gardeners use the term “guild” to describe the network of plants they’ve planted to achieve a goal. This could be anything from increased fruit yields to attractive ground cover.

When you plant a “guild”, you need to be sure that they all work together in symbiosis to create as healthy of an environment as possible.

This is especially important for fruit trees or vegetable plants as their purpose is to produce large, healthy crops for you to eat. Planting the wrong things could keep your plants from producing to their fullest potential.

If you want to get a good start with your companion plants, consider getting a high quality set of tools, such as this ENGiDOT Heavy Duty Garden Tool Set!

Luckily, the rest of this article will detail the best plants for you to plant underneath your apple trees that will make them as healthy and as fruitful as possible!

Can I Just Plant Grass Under My Apple Tree?

If you want to keep your yard looking minimal and only surround your apple tree with grass, this is okay too but isn’t considered very beneficial unless the tree is young.

When the tree is immature, its roots are shallower. This means the battle for nutrients will be much harder because it’ll be shared among all the grass. The deeper and older the tree roots grow, the easier it’ll be for it to get nourishment.

For that reason, you should wait to plant grass near an apple tree until it has matured, around 5 years.

You may dislike grass, however, because it can become patchy or dry and riddled with weeds like dandelions, which are the bane of many a homeowner’s existence.

Oddly, dandelions have become so unpopular over the years though because dandelions are some of the absolute best plants to have around your garden.

If you’re up to it, let the dandelions grow freely in your yard and you’ll get their array of benefits. They’re the first companion plant I’d suggest for your apple trees, but it isn’t a part of the official list because it’s so unpopular.

So, if you want to keep a simple aesthetic and just surround your apple tree with grass, wait until the tree has matured before you grow grass close to it. This way the tree won’t have to battle for resources with another plant.

How To Build A “Guild” Of Plants Around Your Apple Tree

Spring background. Sunny meadow blurred background with wildflowers, grasses and green fresh grass.

Before you choose what to plant underneath your matured apple tree, it’s important to know exactly what to do with them to make them the best possible companions.

When you build a “guild” of plants around trees, make sure to water them regularly for one year to establish their roots and keep them from taking away moisture from the tree in the process.

If you’re using mulch, do not put too much. Many people have ruined their trees by piling mulch around their bases (you can view our article on how to properly mulch the base of a tree here.)

A little mulch is fine. It regulates soil temperature and maintains moisture. It looks good. But too much mulch is fatal. It can hide issues that appear on the base of the tree, it can retain too much moisture, and it can suffocate the roots.

With that in mind, use mulch with care. You can tell if you’ve over-mulched your tree if the leaves are abnormally small or oddly colored or if the twigs or branches have seen their better days.

The last thing you should remember when you’re growing a “guild”, don’t forget to research!

You want to be very careful in choosing the right plant before planting it near a fruit tree as it could have devastating consequences and prevent the tree from growing. I’ve listed what not to plant under an apple tree at the end of this piece if you fancy a look!

For now, start with WHAT you should grow underneath your apple tree!

What To Plant Under Your Apple Tree

Now, onto the good stuff!

These are the best plants to plant underneath your apple tree that will complement and benefit both the tree and the entire yard.

Chives

Gardeners love chives not just because they’re tasty but because they’re beautiful and awesome companion plants, too!

Because of their high sulfur content, chives are great for preventing mildew. All you have to do is boil chopped chives in water, let it cool, and spray it on leaves.

They also prevent soil erosion. Chives have super dense roots that help your soil stay in place, so they can be a huge factor in preventing erosion in your yard.

For apple trees specifically, chives are extraordinary partners.

Their flowers attract bees and wasps that feed on a variety of apple-loving pests who come near the tree.

And, of course, chives are smelly. Their strong odor (in high volume) can ward off pests like deer, rabbits, and beetles.

Most importantly, a chive’s strong odor deters aphids. These are the most common pests that invade orchards and they cause a lot of damage to fruit trees.

Aphids are the thorns in many tree lovers’ sides because they suck out the juices from leaves, turning them into yellow, moldy, and twisted shells.

If the apple tree isn’t mature, aphids can completely stop growth development and kill them. Fortunately, they rarely take down mature trees.

Aphids are known for loving fruit trees. They particularly have a taste for apple trees, so you may want to research some pest prevention tips as well!

The last reason why chives make such good neighbors to apple trees is that they prevent apple scab.

Apple scab is a severe issue that attacks every type of apple tree and can have devastating effects. It destroys leaves and can leave the tree bare, sometimes totally.

It also greatly reduces fruit production and it can make the fruit crack, fall, and look misshapen or diseased with olive-green spots.

Although it’s not detrimental, apple scab can render your tree so weak that it can easily be affected by other common issues.

If you are looking to start chives on a budget, you should try starting from seed. Brands such as Gaea’s Blessing Chive Seeds offer you some great ways to get a start on growing!

If you’re considering chives, keep in mind that they spread fast, so they’ll take over your garden bed quickly if you don’t keep them in check. Use their clippings as mulch.

Comfrey

Comfrey plants are beautiful additions to yards and are great for every plant around them, especially apple trees.

They’re considered one of the best partners for apple trees because of their numerous benefits.

For one, they’re expert weed preventers. When planted in a line, they act as barriers and keep weeds from spreading into their “circle”.

Be careful with the comfrey plant! They are like weeds in that they grow like wildfire. Every offshoot can grow into a separate plant and it is very hard to get rid of once fully established. Do not rototill it!

Despite their aggressive growth, gardeners love them! Besides weed prevention, comfrey plants provide essential nutrients to the soil that apple trees (and many other plants) need including phosphorus and potassium.

They also prevent pests and draw in pollinators and insects that eat the pests that manage to get close.

Some gardeners have even reported fewer deer in areas with comfrey present! There’s no question why they’re highly recommended by horticulturalists.

Lavender

Apple trees love lavender plants because they keep codling moths at bay. They have a confusing scent to insects, so they’ll drive away more than just these moths.

Lavender will ward off rodents, fleas, ticks, and other moth species. They draw in beneficial insects like butterflies, too.

The deterring of the codling moth, though, is the most important thing about lavender because they are very damaging to apples and will render them inedible.

Female moths will lay upwards of a hundred eggs on young, small apples and the larvae feed on them, eventually burrowing into the fruit.

You can tell you have a codling moth infestation if your apples have brownish-red spots on the surface or tunnels inside.

Once it reaches this point, only pesticides or traps will get rid of them.

Luckily, though, planting lavender around the tree may very well keep the moth invasion from ever occurring! Just make sure it’s not too close to the base of the tree because lavender needs full sun to flourish.

As a bonus, lavender attracts all sorts of good insects to your yard like bees and butterflies.

Wildflowers

The list goes on and on for the reasons why wildflowers are good for not just your apple tree, but your entire yard.

First, just like lavender, they attract the best insects for your local ecosystem—particularly pollinators.

A common wildflower species named milkweed is the only type of flower that a monarch caterpillar will eat before metamorphosizing. It’s not just beautiful, it’s vital.

As for your apple tree, adding wildflowers as a companion means a significant improvement in soil quality.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests adding native wildflowers to your local ecosystem to boost soil health, improve water quality, prevent erosion, and increase food production.

This is great news for your apple tree. Adding wildflowers will not only bring colors and vibrancy to your yard, but it’ll also help the tree grow as tall and as fruitful as possible.

You’ll be doing your local ecosystem a favor, too. What’s better than that?

Chamomile

Chamomille flowers grow at wild summer meadow

Typically we think of sleepy time tea when we hear the word chamomile. It’s also a pretty, dainty little flower that pairs well with apple trees for multiple reasons.

Like other plants on this list, chamomile is a great companion for fruit trees because it attracts pollinators when blooming. Any time we can support these vital animals in their quest to spread pollen is beneficial to the entire ecosystem.

Some of the other insects that chamomile can attract are hoverflies and ladybugs, which will eat harmful pests like aphids.

Besides that, it’s really easy to grow. It only needs a partial shade, so it’s perfect along the east side of the trees so it can get the morning sun.

Perhaps the most impactful benefit of chamomile is its effect on soil. Research published in Frontiers in Microbiology found that chamomile balanced the levels of nitrogen in the soil by producing the good bacteria that store it.

And nitrogen-rich soil is a must for apple trees.

Clemson University noted that fruit trees need nitrogen to produce amino acids and proteins, both of which are necessary for healthy fruit yields.

This means chamomile is an excellent choice as your apple tree’s companion. It’s probably one of the best options out there.

Nasturtium

Nasturtium is commonly used as a ground cover because of its full horizontal growth and richly colored red flowers.

Pollinators are obsessed with it because it’s rich in sucrose. You can eat the flowers to taste for yourself, too!

And it doesn’t just attract pollinators. Nasturtiums draw aphids away from other plants and survive their pestering. They’re really tough and can take on these pests better than your apple tree would.

Best of all, this plant is easy to grow and its roots are shallow, too, meaning it won’t be competing with your apple tree for nutrients.

As a ground cover plant, the shallow roots of the nasturtium prevent soil erosion and its abundance of shade reduces evaporation, benefiting the entire soil system around it.

Berry Bushes

Planting a berry bush under your apple tree will not only produce more fruit for you, but it’ll also benefit the tree directly.

Just like chamomile, berry bushes increase the nitrogen levels in the soil.

Berry bushes are nitrogen-fixing, meaning they transport the nitrogen in the air into the soil to be used by every plant around it. As you know, this is essential for proper fruit production.

Most berry bushes are also great for deterring grazers.

Animals like deer and raccoons love apples, as you know, so putting up any kind of barrier is a great way to keep them away. Berry bushes are excellent barriers because of their thick brambles. This keeps most grazers at bay.

The only type of berry bush that doesn’t produce brambles are strawberry bushes. They grow horizontally as ground cover, so they reduce evaporation and promote a proper soil ecosystem just like other ground cover plants.

These plants are also beneficial when they are ground up and left as mulch for the tree. The residual nutrients get absorbed through the tree’s roots and increase its production and growth.

What Shouldn’t I Plant Under My Apple Tree?

There are a few plants you should avoid planting near your apple tree because they attract the wrong kind of insects, they steal essential nutrients, and they don’t survive the shaded areas under the tree.

Here’s a list of anti-companions for apple trees:

Mint
Carrots
Potatoes
Eggplant
Conifers
Tomatoes

Now let’s get into the plants your apple trees will love!

Wrapping Up!

So, the best plants to plant under an apple tree are:

Chives
Comfreys
Wildflowers
Chamomile
Nasturtiums
Berry bushes

These companions are sure to help your apple tree produce the biggest and the healthiest yields every year.

Happy planting!

References

Benjamin, Jocelyn. “Wildflowers Benefit Agricultural Operations, Ecosystems.” Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 1 May 2017.

Layne, Desmond. “The Importance of Nitrogen.” College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences, Clemson University, North Carolina, Mar. 2006.

Schmidt, Ruth, et al. “Effects of Bacterial Inoculants on the Indigenous Microbiome and Secondary Metabolites of Chamomile Plants.” Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 5, Feb. 2014.

Schrader, Tom. “Aphids on Apple Trees.” Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California, 20 June 2021.

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

8 Best Plants To Plant Under Your Sycamore Tree

Sycamore trees are known for their fast growth, massive height, and huge leaves. This stately giant stands out all on its own, but a little landscaping beneath can make this tree the centerpiece of your yard!

The best plants to plant under your sycamore tree will be those that are both shade- and drought tolerant to some degree. Some of the best plants include jasmine, barrenwort, azalea, ferns, brunnera, Solomon’s seal, hellebores, and meadow rue.

Below, we’ll go over the BEST plants to plant under your sycamore tree. We’ll also give you some growing tips so you can be sure your plants will thrive beneath your sycamore tree.

Can You Grow Plants Under Your Sycamore Tree?

Before we get started, let’s answer one important question: is it even possible to grow something beneath your sycamore tree?

These giants are likely to throw a lot of shade and they prefer to grow in moist, organically rich soil. And such a large tree is going to use a lot of nutrients. Will there be any left for your smaller landscape plants?

Yes! It’s possible to grow plants under your sycamore tree. Your options will be slightly limited due to the growing conditions, but there is still plenty of variety to choose from.

However, you won’t be able to just choose any shade plant and throw it under your sycamore tree with fingers crossed. Careful selection is key, and we’ll be here to help you along the way!

How To Grow Plants Under Your Sycamore Tree

An old giant sycamore tree in a public park near Dresden.

If you want to grow plants under your sycamore tree, you’re going to run into a few challenges associated with the conditions beneath the tree.

Shade is one thing, but you should also take into consideration the soil conditions, moisture level, and nutrient requirements before choosing a plant to put under your sycamore tree.

Choose The Right Location For Your Plants

Landscaping beneath sycamore trees isn’t as easy as landscaping beneath some of the smaller variety of trees.

There’s a lot of space under your sycamore tree! According to the University of Kentucky, American sycamore trees typically reach 70 to 100 feet in height with a spread of around 70 feet.

And it doesn’t take sycamores long to become large specimens. Under the right conditions, sycamores can reach 10 feet after their first year of growth.

So, where to put your landscape plants?

In general, landscaping beneath a tree occurs in a circle around the trunk. Sycamore trunks can grow very large in diameter. If your sycamore is young, be sure to place your plants far enough away that the trunk has room to grow.

Another issue with location is the amount of sun that gets through the canopy. Depending on the shade tolerance of your chosen plants, you may want to place them in a location that receives more or less sun.

If you ever need to OR are thinking about it, take a look at our guide on the reasons to cut down your sycamore tree here!

Choose A Plant With Similar Requirements

Sycamore trees may prefer moist organic soils, but we can’t always get what we want, right? Depending on where you live, your sycamore may be planted in sand, clay, loam, or who knows what!

Sycamores are tolerant of a variety of soil conditions.

In fact, according to an article in the Journal of Forests, sycamores are one of the first trees to reestablish disturbed soils such as reclaimed coal mines. Even in these poor conditions, sycamores grow fast!

So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if your sycamore is growing in less-than-ideal conditions.

Wherever your sycamore is growing, it’s best to get an understanding of what type of soil it’s growing in so you can choose a good companion plant to place beneath it. If you’re not sure, go for a plant that can tolerate a variety of conditions just like your sycamore.

Another requirement you’ll want to pay attention to is the hardiness of your chosen plant. Sycamores are hardy to zone 4.

There are only a few places in the US where sycamores can’t grow such as the northern regions of Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as the extreme northeast. The plant under your sycamore will need to be able to survive in whatever hardiness zone your sycamore is in.

Give Your Plants Enough Water And Nutrients

Sycamore trees require a lot of water to keep their foliage green, their branches growing, and the roots stable.

Planting something beneath your sycamore tree means that it now has to compete with those plants for water and nutrients.

Typically, when sycamore trees are mature they do not require watering and can get enough water from natural rain and what’s available in the water table. However, your landscape plants may struggle to find enough water and nutrients to thrive.

The good news is that this can easily be combatted by watering your newly planted landscape plants and providing them with fertilizer when necessary.

Watch for signs of water stress for both your chosen plants and your sycamore tree. For sycamores, yellowing leaves indicate a lack of water, which means your plants probably aren’t getting enough water either.

It is important that you choose the right plants to go under your sycamore however, as some can impede its growth or even cause damage.

In addition to water and nutrients, some plants also have specific pH requirements. Normally, trees like acidic soil for a few reasons, so you may want to look for plants with similar pH needs.

Don’t worry, we’ll go over the specific requirements of each plant below so you can be sure they’ll thrive beneath your stately giant sycamore tree.

The Best Plants To Plant Under Your Sycamore Tree

When it comes to planting under your sycamore tree, you’ll want a plant that requires minimal water and nutrients and doesn’t mind a bit of dappled shade.

You have plenty of plants to choose from, all with differing flowers, bloom times, and care requirements so you can find a plant that fits your specific situation.

Star Jasmine

Star jasmine, also known as Confederate jasmine, is well-known for having fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Despite the name, star jasmine is not a true jasmine plant.

These evergreens are considered vines and can be grown in two different ways:

As groundcover
As a vine

According to Clemson University, when grown as a vine, this beauty can reach up to 20 feet. As a groundcover plant, it will only reach 1 or 2 feet in height but will have a spread of up to 5 feet.

You can get creative with star jasmine if you want to grow it as a vine beneath your sycamore tree. Otherwise, it makes a great groundcover plant to help control weeds. Just be aware it is a fast grower and will need pruning if you want to keep it small.

Star jasmine is hardy only to zone 8, so this is a better companion plant for sycamores if you live in warmer climates.

Sun: The more sun star jasmine gets, the more flowers it will produce. However, star jasmine can grow in partial shade as well.

Water: Star jasmine is drought-tolerant but prefers to be watered once a week. This may need to increase if there is a drought or the weather is extremely hot.

Blooming: Star jasmine will bloom in early spring and summer.

Soil: Well-drained soils are best for star jasmine. Otherwise, they aren’t picky.

Barrenwort

This easy-to-care-for perennial shrub is a great choice to plant under your sycamore tree. It’s deer resistant, non-invasive, and requires little maintenance. What’s not to love?!

Barrenwort thrives in hardiness zones 4 through 8, similar to sycamore trees. They can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. According to Cornell University, they can easily be planted where moisture competition is high, such as beneath a sycamore tree.

Depending on the variety, barrenwort will produce pink, purple, white, or yellow flowers. They only grow to 1-2 feet with a similar spread.

Barrenwort is a good choice if you want a smaller plant that won’t take over the entire space under your sycamore tree.

Sun: part to full shade.

Water: Water your barrenwort when the soil becomes dry.

Blooming: You can expect your barrenwort to flower in mid-spring

Soil: Barrenwort prefers well-drained soil with organic material. If you don’t feel your soil has enough organic material, consider adding something like Eden’s Best 100% Organic Earthworm Castings to the soil.

The good thing about sycamore trees is that they shed their giant leaves in the fall, providing the soil with plenty of organic material. However, if you rake your leaves and do not allow them to decompose, you’ll want to use a soil amendment like the worm castings listed above.

Dwarf Azalea

Another fragrant flowering plant, dwarf azaleas are the mini version of full-grown azaleas. They are sometimes referred to as coastal azaleas as well.

Dwarf azaleas reach a height of around 3 feet and are hardy from zones 3 through 9. The large, showy flowers of dwarf azalea come in many different colors depending on the variety. These flowers also attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.

Like sycamore trees, dwarf azaleas can tolerate various soil conditions and don’t mind being a little wet or a little dry. However, they do prefer acidic soils.

Sycamore trees can survive in acidic, alkaline, or neutral PH. If your azalea doesn’t seem to be blooming, it may be because the soil to too alkaline. Consider adding an acidic fertilizer such as Down To Earth’s All Natural Acid Mix Fertilizer.

This will help your azaleas thrive and won’t harm your sycamore tree.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade. Try to place your azaleas in an area under your sycamore that gets at least 2 hours of direct sun.

Water: Best practice is to water your dwarf azaleas about once a week unless your area has received heavy rainfall.

Blooming: spring or summer depending on the variety.

Soil: As previously mentioned, dwarf azaleas can tolerate various soil conditions but require acidic soil to bloom well.

Christmas Fern

Christmas ferns may not have showy, colorful flowers, but they provide you with evergreen foliage year-round.

This low-maintenance fern grows to a maximum of 1 ½ feet, making it a good choice if you want a smaller plant beneath your sycamore tree. Christmas ferns can grow in hardiness zones 3 through 9.

During the winter, don’t be surprised if the leaves of your fern appear droopy. According to a thesis paper from Appalachian State University, this is the plant’s way of surviving the winter so it can continue to photosynthesize on warm winter days.

Sun: They are happiest when grown in part to full shade, but will tolerate sun

Water: Water your Christmas fern once a week unless your area receives a heavy downpour.

Blooming: Christmas fern flowers are inconspicuous, so don’t expect a big show in the spring. These tiny flowers will bloom in late spring.

Soil: Like Barrenwort, Christmas ferns prefer soil that is high in organic material. Consider saving some of the fallen leaves of your sycamore tree, shredding them, and placing them around your Christmas fern for an organic (and free!) fertilizer.

Solomon’s Seal

Solomon’s seal refers to a large group of around 60 species of perennial flowers. They are part of the lily family. Only a few of the species are grown as ornamentals, the rest grow in the wild.

As an ornamental, Solomon’s seal produces green or cream-colored flowers. Depending on the variety, the flowers may droop or be egg-shaped.

According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Solomon’s Seal will thrive in challenging areas such as near tree roots or dry, shady areas. This makes them PERFECT for planting under your sycamore tree.

Solomon’s seal grows in hardiness zones 3 through 9. Depending on the variety, they may grow up to 7 feet tall or be as small as just 8 inches, so make sure you grab a variety that fits your intended plant height.

You can grow Solomon’s seal from seed, but it is easier to buy them in pots from a garden center. These pair great with ferns, so try planting Solomon’s Seal next to your Christmas fern!

Sun: Partial to full shade.

Water: Keep the soil of your Solomon’s seal moist but not soggy.

Blooming: Solomon’s seal is more often grown for its attractive foliage, but you can expect the small drooping flowers to show up in the spring.

Soil: Well-drained soils. This is another plant you can use the fallen leaves of your sycamore to fertilize to provide extra organic material.

Brunnera

Also known as false forget-me-nots, brunneras have attractive foliage and small, dainty blue flowers. The leaves range in color depending on the variety but can be green, gray, silver, or white.

These perennial plants are considered mounding and will typically reach a height of only 1 to 2 feet. As they grow, they will become ground cover plants but do not grow very fast.

Brunnera will grow in hardiness zones 3 through 8. It is low maintenance and requires almost nothing except a drink or two when conditions are dry.

Brunneras are a good choice if you want to plant a variety of flowers under your sycamore tree. They pair well with ferns and other shade-tolerant flowers that will explode with color in the spring.

They’re also a great choice for someone whose thumb isn’t so green. Brunnera is probably the easiest plant on our list to take care of.

Sun: partial shade

Water: Water only during dry conditions. Otherwise, natural rainwater will suffice. If you use a mulching material, watering is seldom necessary.

Blooming: Brunnera will bloom mid-spring. They produce a large amount of small, pale-blue flowers that last for about a month.

Soil: Brunnera prefers well-draining soil, but can grow in clay soils as well. Adding shredded sycamore leaves to the soil will improve the soil’s organic content, making your brunnera plant very happy.

Hellebore

If you’re looking for something that adds a splash of color early in the season, go for the hellebore plant! They are the earliest bloomers on our list and present a wide variety of spectacular colors.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials. Their hardiness depends on the variety, but most can survive to hardiness zone 4 or 5. You can expect your hellebore to reach about 2 feet at maximum height.

This is another plant that boasts very fragrant flowers. The flowers can range from whites and yellows to pinks and purples.

Hellebores do well when planted with other early-blooming perennials. But they can also be planted alone or with other hellebore plants.

Sun: Hellebore does best in partial shade.

Water: Once established, hellebores are semi-drought-tolerant. However, when first planting, be sure to provide enough water to keep the soil evenly moist.

Blooming: Later winter to early spring.

Soil: Hellebores aren’t too picky about the soil type as long as it is well-draining.

Meadow Rue

Blooming common rue or herb-of-grace (Ruta graveolens) with yellow flowers, aromatic herb and medicinal plant since ancient times, copy space, selected focus, very narrow depth of field

A member of the buttercup family, meadow rue is a perennial and has many variations within the species.

Meadow rue has small white, yellow, or purple flowers. These subtle plants will not WOW you with their blooms. The attractiveness comes from the foliage, not the flowers.

Meadow rue is a slow-growing flower that can take a few years to establish and begin flowering if grown from seed. Alternatively, you can buy them as potted plants from a garden center.

These hardy plants can be grown to hardiness zone 5 and prefer dappled shade. The size of meadow rue varies with the species, but you can expect them to grow anywhere from 1 to 6 feet.

If you decide to grow the taller varieties, try to plant at least two plants together. This way, they can support each other in their growth as taller varieties usually require stakes otherwise.

Sun: partial shade or dappled shade.

Water: Keep the soil of your meadow rue moist but not soggy.

Blooming: When your meadow rue blooms will depend on the variety. They typically bloom in either spring or summer.

Soil: Moist, rich soil that retains water. Like many of our other plants, meadow rue will benefit from your fallen sycamore leaves as this will add organic material to the soil.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so refreshing about seeing spring flowers blooming under a huge sentinel like a sycamore tree. The contrasting colors can breathe life into your landscape, making your centerpiece sycamore even more attractive.

The plants under your sycamore tree should require little nutrients and water and be able to tolerate some shade. Sycamores themselves aren’t very picky about their growing conditions, which opens up a lot of options for planting under them.

To recap, the 8 best plants to plant under your sycamore tree include:

Star Jasmine
Barrenwort
Dwarf Azalea
Christmas Fern
Solomon’s Seal
Brunnera
Hellebore
Meadow Rue

These plants come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, giving you plenty of options to fit your intended landscape theme.

You can also try planting multiple types of flowers under your sycamore tree for a blast of color in the spring and summer.

If you have questions about other types of trees, shrubs, or flowers, you can find all the information you need here at Tree Journey!

References

Eisner, T., Carrel, J. E., Tassel, E. V., Hoebeke, E. R., & Eisner, M. (2002, April 09). Construction of a Defensive Trash Packet From Sycamore Leaf Trichomes By a Chrysopid Larva (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Proceedings of The Entomological Society of Washington, 104(2), 437-446.

Jennifer, O., Aguilos, M., Morkoc, S., Heitman, J., & King, J. S. (2021, December 20). Root Biomass Distribution and Soil Physical Properties of Short-Rotation Coppice American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) Grown at Different Planting Densities. Forests, 12(12), 1806.

Nielsen, D. C. (2017, August). Habitat Distribution and Frond Reorientation as Photoprotection and Drought-Avoidance Mechanisms in Christmas Fern (Polystichum Acrostichoides) In the Southern Appalachian Mountains [Thesis Paper]. Appalachian State University.

Sena, K., Agouridis, C., Miller, J., & Barton, C. (2018, December 18). Spoil Type Influences Soil Genesis and Forest Development on an Appalachian Surface Coal Mine Ten Years after Placement. Forests, 9(12), 780.

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

11 Plants Not To Grow Under An Oak Tree

If ever there were a stately tree to dominate your yard, it is the mighty oak tree! These attractive trees provide shade, food for wildlife, and beautiful fall colors. If you would like to add some color to the space under your oak tree, there are a few plants you should make sure NOT to grow under your oak tree.

Plants that need full sun, high nutrient content in the soil, and lots of water won’t do well under an oak tree. Never grow english ivy, bee balm, hibiscus, chrysanthemum, peonies, marigolds, asparagus, pumpkin, squash, lisianthus, or butterfly bush under an oak tree as they will grow poorly.

Whether your oak tree is a massive statement piece or just getting started, we’ll go over the plants you can and can’t grow underneath an oak tree. Let’s get to it!

Why Is It Difficult To Grow Plants Under An Oak Tree?

Some trees produce plant toxins that can inhibit other nearby plants from growing. Other trees only grow in harsh conditions, preventing other plants from growing under them.

You won’t have these sinister problems with oak trees. However, depending on the species, oak trees will take up a lot of nutrients and water and they’ll cast a ton of shade.

In general, you don’t want to plant anything that requires the following conditions:

Full sun
High nutrient content
Ample water
pH sensitivity

Instead, opt for plants that are shade-tolerant, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant. But don’t worry, we’ll get to those plants a little later in the article!

In addition to competing for sun, nutrients, and water, the plants under your oak tree should be able to thrive in a variety of pH conditions.

The reason is that oak trees contain the chemical tannin, which over time, can turn the soil slightly acidic. (you can read more about why acidic oil can be good for trees here.)

All in all, this takes a long time and shouldn’t be expected in new oak trees. However, if your oak tree is old, the soil may be more acidic than when it first started growing!

According to an article in the Journal of Plant and Soil, tannins were originally thought to deter herbivores from eating certain plants, but this take on tannins has recently been called into question.

Instead, researchers now think tannins are used to protect the plants from possible afflictions. More specifically with fruits – from getting eaten before the seeds are ready for dispersal!

Nonetheless, over time, tannins can turn the soil’s pH acidic and contribute to the reduced productivity of surrounding plants.

Most oak trees prefer the soil to be slightly acidic, but if you find your soil is too acidic, you can always use something like Jobe’s Additive De-Acidifier Lime Soil to help bring the soil back to a more neutral pH.

On the other hand, if your soil appears to be too basic, you can add an acidifier like Jobe’s Organics Soil Additive Soil Acidifier.

Performing a simple soil test will help you identify the pH of your soil and some other important characteristics, such as the nutrient content and soil type.

Plants You Should Never Grow Beneath An Oak Tree

According to Michigan State University, there are around 600 different species of oak trees. That’s a LOT of variety!

With this vast differentiation comes different preferences for soil, sun, and nutrient conditions. Some oak trees thrive in swampy conditions while others need dry, well-draining soil. Oak trees differ in their hardiness tolerance as well.

The point is, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to oak trees. So, not every plant on our list is going to apply to your situation.

However, we tried to cover the most common oak tree species paired with some of the most common plants known to homeowners and gardeners alike.

As a quick side note, I highly recommend taking a look at our how to article on tips for watering your oak tree, especially if you have a garden!

English Ivy

Hedera helix plants flowering in wassenaar, netherlands.

As the name suggests, English ivy is an evergreen vine. These perennials are considered groundcover plants when they are young but will climb once they get established.

English ivy thrives in part shade, which is what you’ll find under your oak tree. BUT, the reason we put this plant on our list is that it will cause your oak tree a lot of problems.

If planted under your oak tree, this vine will take over FAST. It grows quickly and can creep up your oak tree’s bark, loosening it. According to the University of Maryland, English ivy can also promote leaf scorch, which is a bacterial affliction prevalent in oak trees.

If you really want to plant English Ivy under your oak tree, it will need constant pruning to ensure it doesn’t end up overtaking your tree.

If it ends up getting out of control, you can read about what to do if you have vines on your oak tree here to help solve your problem!

Bee Balm

Also known as bergamot or horsemint, bee balms are part of the mint family. These perennials produce pretty flowers from July through August.

But don’t let the pretty flowers lure you into planting these under your oak tree!

Bee balms prefer full sun and can become susceptible to powdery mildew if planted in part shade. They will also not flower as much if planted in the shade.

Bee balms are quite fond of water and need watering at least once a week. While competing for water resources with an oak tree, you would most likely have to increase the watering schedule.

While bee balms aren’t the WORST plant to plant under an oak tree, there are plenty of better choices out there.

Hibiscus

For those who live in warmer climates, hibiscus may seem like a staple in the landscape. It boasts huge, beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors.

Sounds great, right?

The problem with hibiscus is that it requires a lot of nutrients and it requires full sun to bloom properly.

According to the University of Minnesota, hibiscus are heavy feeders that require a complete fertilizer through the entire growing season to keep them in tip-top shape. Hibiscus also does best in full sun and may struggle to bloom if placed in shady areas.

Some hibiscus species will perform better than others under an oak tree. For example, hardy hibiscus will survive under an oak tree, but it won’t thrive. Tropical hibiscus will struggle even more under the magnificent shade of an oak tree.

Perennial Chrysanthemum

Pink chrysanthemum flowers in the garden close up

More commonly known as ‘mums,’ chrysanthemums are known for giving homeowners a blast of color in the fall, while everything else around them is slowing down and going dormant.

We put the added ‘perennial’ for a reason. Many homeowners will plant mums in the fall and treat them as annuals. They give off a blast of color for a few weeks and then they’re spent, not to bloom again next year.

Annual mums are totally fine to be planted under your oak tree. Mums are heavy feeders, but an established oak will not be affected by a plant that only lasts a few weeks. Despite preferring full sun, annual mums will do okay for one season in partial shade.

However, if planted in the spring in colder climates (or if you live in warmer climates), mums can be treated as perennials that will come back each year.

It’s these perennials you need to watch out for!

According to Clemson University, perennial mums are heavy feeders that will compete with your oak tree for nutrients. This can be especially damaging if your oak tree is young. Mums also require plenty of water, which can make them difficult to grow under an oak tree.

Besides their heavy nutrient and watering requirements, perennial mums will do poorly in the shade after their first year.

Peonies

Peonies boast huge flowers in the spring and summer that vary in color. The flowers are sometimes so big that they can topple over the stems.

These beautiful plants are perennials that will come back year after year, just not under your oak tree!

Peonies are water and nutrient hogs. They don’t play well with other plants, especially trees that are likely to take up most of the nutrients and water they need to thrive.

Another challenge with planting peonies under an oak tree is the access to sunlight. Peonies are known for their amazing blooms, and if not given enough sun, the blooms will be lackluster.

Marigolds

Marigolds are annuals that are considered easy to grow. They come in a host of different colors and varieties and tolerate drought and extreme heat.

However, one thing marigolds can’t tolerate is shade. According to the University of Minnesota, marigolds require full sun to bloom properly. In fact, it’s recommended to keep them in the sun all day long.

Oak trees will cast too much shade for marigolds to thrive. They are unlikely to bloom as well and may contract powdery mildew if left in a location that’s too shady.

You can read more about that in our guide on why marigolds need full sun!

Asparagus

Most of the plants you want to put under your oak tree will be landscape flowers. Annuals, perennials, shrubs, that sort of thing.

This one is for the gardener who has an oak tree within the immediate vicinity. There are a few vegetables you may want to nix in your garden if you have an oak tree nearby, and asparagus is one of them.

Unlike some garden veggies, asparagus is a perennial that will keep coming back year after year. They require full sun – at least 8 hours according to the University of New Hampshire.

In addition to needing more sun than the space under an oak tree can provide, asparagus are also heavy feeders. They require a complete fertilizer worked into the soil before and during planting.

This makes them a poor candidate to plant under an oak tree. But there are still plenty of garden vegetables you can plant if you have an oak tree nearby. More on that later!

Pumpkins & Squash

Pumpkins and squash are other vegetables that will not do well under an oak tree. These annual vines are sensitive to frost, so will do best in warmer climates or if planted late in the spring.

Pumpkins and squash require lots and lots of sun, making them a less-than-ideal plant to place under an oak tree.

Another challenge is that pumpkins and squash require a lot of water to grow properly. According to the Maine Department of Education, pumpkins are 90% water!

When competing with an oak tree for water, pumpkins and squash don’t stand a chance unless you take the time to water them thoroughly each day.

Lisianthus

Close-up of purple eustoma flowers on a flower bed on a summer sunny day against a background of dark earth.

Also known as Texas bluebell, this beautiful purple flower is becoming more and more popular with experienced gardeners and green thumbs alike.

Why experienced, you might ask? Well, this pretty flower is also a LOT of work to grow. Because of its demanding growing conditions, it’s not a great choice to plant under your oak tree.

Lisianthus can be even more difficult to grow under established oak trees because the soil may be acidic. According to the University of Arkansas, this can cause zinc toxicity in Lisianthus, which will stunt growth.

Despite its beautiful purple flowers, there are easier, less demanding flowers out there that you can plant under your oak tree.

Butterfly Bush

As the name suggests, butterfly bushes attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. These colorful bushes produce attractive purple flowers from summer through fall.

Butterfly bush checks off almost all the necessary boxes to plant under an oak tree. They thrive in a variety of conditions, require minimal care, and are readily available at garden centers or nurseries.

The problem? These plants can GROW. And grow and grow and grow! They produce a ton of seeds each year and can quickly overtake the space under your oak tree.

Like English ivy, butterfly bush is not a good choice unless you are willing to have this plant spread.

One more barrier that prevents butterfly bush from being a good plant under your oak tree is its sun requirements. Butterfly bush does best in full sun if you want to see their beautiful flowers.

What Plants Can Live Under An Oak Tree?

We’ve gone over annuals, perennials, bushes, and even some vegetables that won’t perform well under an oak tree.

So, what can you plant under an oak tree?

For flowers and vines, try to stick with some of the below plants. They tolerate shade and require minimal care:

Brunnera
Fern (Try Christmas for cold climates and sword ferns for warm climates)
Barrenwort
Daffodils
Wild ginger
Periwinkle

For vegetables that work well under your oak tree, consider these low-maintenance, partial-shade-tolerant vegetables and herbs below:

Potatoes
Carrots
Lettuce
Beans
Garlic
Radishes

With proper care, these flowers, vegetables, and herbs will thrive under your oak tree. Always make sure your chosen plant can survive in your hardiness zone.

Ways To Help The Plants Under Your Oak Tree Thrive

Having an oak tree in your yard doesn’t mean you can’t plant something under it. There are plenty of things you can do to make sure the space under your oak tree looks stunning.

Below, we’ll cover some tips on what you can do to make the area under your oak tree more hospitable to some beautiful annuals, perennials, vines, and whatever else you have in mind!

Know Your Oak Tree

One of the first things you should do before planting anything under your oak tree is to identify what variety of oak tree you have.

While many oaks share the same characteristics, they differ from each other in a few, subtle ways, such as:

Soil type preference (Sand, clay, loam, etc.)
Moisture preference (swampy versus dry, upland soil)
pH preference
Root structure
Drought tolerance
Growth rate

If you can identify these characteristics, it will give you a better idea of the plants to pair with your oak tree.

Try to plant plants under your oak tree that need similar growing requirements for soil type, moisture, and pH preference. All plants planted under an oak tree should be somewhat drought tolerant.

Growth rate is another important feature of your oak tree that is good to know. If you want to landscape beneath a slow-growing oak tree, you’ll want to give it a few years to get established before even considering planting something.

Use Raised Beds

If you’re someone who has struggled to grow grass under your oak tree, you may be hesitant to even attempt flowers.

The reason nothing grows under an oak tree is that the roots are so close to the surface. In general, most oak tree roots are within the top 6 to 8 inches of soil.

Imagine you’re a little marigold trying to establish some roots and you run into a solid oak root! These roots make growing difficult for anything above them.

Because of an oak’s shallow roots, you can use raised beds to help give your chosen flowers some breathing room between their roots and the roots of your oak tree.

Be careful when constructing a raised bed, as you don’t want to smother the oak trunk in soil. You also don’t want to use fabrics or other materials to cover the space between your flowers and the natural soil. This can smother oak tree roots, which need to breathe.

Construct the raised bed far enough away from the oak trunk to give it space to grow, and place 1 to 2 inches of good quality soil in whatever shape or pattern you prefer. This should give your flowers enough space to flourish while preserving your oak tree.

Be Aware Of Your Oak Tree’s Needs

This section goes hand in hand with knowing your oak tree. But instead of focusing on what your oak tree prefers, we’re focusing on nutrients and water.

Oak trees that are just starting may benefit from having flowers planted around them, as the extra watering will help them grow. But for established oak trees, over-watering can stress the roots and even promote rot.

You can read more about why you shouldn’t water plants everyday here.

In terms of nutrients, planting a plant that is a heavy feeder that requires fertilizer could spell disaster for your oak tree.

A good NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) ratio for oak trees is a 12-4-8 or 12-6-6 fertilizer. If you plant something that has other nutrient requirements, you could cause nutrient burn and harm your oak tree more than help.

Therefore, planting a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, shade-tolerant plant will be your BEST bet under an oak tree.

That’s All For Now!

Having an oak tree in your yard is like having a piece of history close to home. These stately trees are long-lived and steeped in myth and lore.

While oak trees do just fine being exceptional on their own, adding a few low-maintenance flowers under your oak tree can add a splash of color in an otherwise barren area.

There are a few plants, vines, and vegetables that you want to stay away from when planting under an oak tree. Plants that are sun-loving, heavy feeders, or cannot tolerate drought are poor choices.

Now, for a quick recap!

The plants you should not grow under an oak tree include:

English Ivy
Bee Balm
Hibiscus
Perennial Chrysanthemum
Peonies
Marigolds
Asparagus
Pumpkins
Squash
Lisianthus
Butterfly Bush

Instead of these, opt for plants that thrive in partial to full shade, require little maintenance and care, and can withstand a little drought.

Best of luck on your oak tree journey!

References

Davey, M. P., Berg, B., Emmett, B. A., & Rowland, P. (2007, March 27). Decomposition of oak leaf litter is related to initial litter Mn concentrations. Botany, 85(1), 16-24.

Demchik, M. C., & Sharpe, W. E. (2000, October 01). The effect of soil nutrition, soil acidity and drought on northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) growth and nutrition on Pennsylvania sites with high and low red oak mortality. Forest Ecology and Management, 136(1-3), 199-207. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112799003072

Kraus, T. E.C., Dahlgren, R. A., & Zasoski, R. J. (2003, September). Tannins in nutrient dynamics of forest ecosystems – a review. Plant and Soil, 256, 41-66.

Salminen, J.-P., Roslin, T., Karonen, M., Sinkkonen, J., Pihlaja, K., & Pulkkinen, P. (2004, September). Seasonal Variation in the Content of Hydrolyzable Tannins, Flavonoid Glycosides, and Proanthocyanidins in Oak Leaves. Journal of Chemical Ecology, 30, 1693-1711.

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

8 Best Plants To Plant Under Your Spruce Tree

Spruce trees are stately evergreen trees that can be a cornerstone of your yard. However, it can be difficult to landscape beneath these towering giants. But not impossible! There are plenty of shrubs and flowers that can thrive in the dappled shade of your spruce tree.

The best plants to plant under your spruce tree should be non-invasive and tolerate both shade and acidic soils. These plants include hostas, Christmas ferns, rhododendrons, hydrangea, Virginia bluebell, bergenia, periwinkle, and Lily of the valley.

Below, we’ll go over the BEST plants to plant under your spruce tree. We’ll also go over some of the challenges you might face while landscaping beneath your spruce.

Can You Grow Plants Under Your Spruce Tree?

Depending on the species of your spruce tree, you may have a 30-foot evergreen in your yard or a 100-foot evergreen. Some are pyramidal while others are cone-shaped.

No matter what spruce tree species you have in your yard, you can count on a few challenges to face when planting below them:

Shade: Unless you have a dwarf variety such as the Dwarf Alberta spruce, your spruce tree is going to cast a lot of shade beneath it. This can be challenging for plants that need full sun. Instead, you’ll want to look for plants that can tolerate shade.
Nitrogen deficiency: Spruce trees require a lot of nitrogen to thrive. It’s the most important mineral for spruce trees. Look for a flowering plant that has minimal nutrient requirements, or at the very least fewer nitrogen requirements.
Acidic soil: According to a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research found that when compared to ash, beech, elm, hornbeam, and oak trees, spruce trees generate the most acidic soil. So, not only do you need a plant that tolerates shade, but you also need one that tolerates acidic soil!
Water availability: Spruce trees may be big, but they do not have deep roots. Instead, most spruce tree roots are just below the surface, sucking up all the water that your little landscape plant needs. Try looking for a drought-tolerant plant, or be ready to water your plants often.

Putting it all together, you need a plant that can tolerate shade, acidic soils, dry conditions, and requires minimal nutrients.

Do these plants exist?

Absolutely! There are tons of available plants that fit this bill. You won’t have as much of a variety to choose from as you would for a sunny site with good soil conditions, but you have choices.

How To Grow Plants Under Your Spruce Tree

We discussed some of the challenges you’ll face when choosing a plant for the space beneath your spruce tree. As we said, it’s not impossible! But it can be challenging.

One of the ways to make sure your plants thrive beneath your spruce tree is to give them extra care and to choose the right location.

Choose The Right Location For Your Plants

Spruce trees do not have a deep root system. Before you plant your beautiful hydrangeas or hostas, scope out where the surface roots of your spruce tree are.

When you dig a hole to place your plants, you don’t want to dig into your spruce tree’s roots. This is especially true if the spruce tree is on the younger side and still establishing itself.

Pick a space that is free of roots and can be easily dug into. If possible, remove any rocks from the soil as these can block your plant from establishing its roots.

It doesn’t hurt to dig deeper than your plant requires and loosen the soil up a bit. This will help your new plant’s roots grow into the soil more easily.

Another way to make sure you’re choosing the correct site is to scope out the areas under your spruce tree that receives light. There are bound to be a few specks where sunlight seeps through the branches at certain times of the day.

Plant your landscape plants in these locations so that they can receive sunlight and can implement photosynthesis, which is what feeds a plant.

Give Your Plants Enough Nutrients

Granules fertilizer in hands of woman gardener. Spring work in garden, fertilizing plants, decorative, rose bushes

When you plant something next to or beneath another plant, those two plants are going to compete for water and nutrients.

A little fern plant doesn’t stand a chance against a full-grown spruce tree. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure your plants are getting enough nutrients.

Nitrogen is likely to be the most displaced nutrient under a spruce tree. You can solve this problem by using a complete fertilizer like Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food.

This product has an NPK ratio of 24-8-16 meaning 24% nitrogen, 8% phosphorous, and 16% potassium. These are the three nutrients that plants need the most. And with higher nitrogen content, your plants are sure to get what they need despite your spruce being a nitrogen hog.

Of course, this is a general fertilizer that isn’t specific to any one type of deficiency. If you want to narrow it down, get a soil test done to tell you exactly what nutrients your soil is missing, including both macro and micro-nutrients. This will also establish the PH of your soil.

Give Your Plants Enough Water

Once a spruce tree is established, it rarely needs water or fertilizer. You can pretty much just let your spruce do its spruce thing and it will thrive.

But if you decide to plant something beneath your spruce tree, the plant may need a little extra help since it is competing against your spruce tree for resources.

You’ll want to water your plants according to their specific watering needs. Remember, spruce trees have somewhat shallow roots and will suck all the water up before your plant does.

9 Best Plants To Plant Under Your Spruce Tree

Now that you know the best location, the best nutrients, and the best watering schedule your plant needs, let’s check out the actual plants that can live in this semi-challenging environment.

The plants on our list will have a few attributes that will make them thrive beneath your spruce tree:

Shade-tolerant
Non-invasive
Acid-tolerant
Resilient

We’ll go over each plant and some of the care requirements so you can be sure they will be happy growing in the shade of your spruce tree.

Hostas

We put hostas first on our list because these perennial plants can survive pretty much anything. They thrive in shade but can tolerate the sun, there are plenty of varieties, and they’re not picky about soil type.

You can buy hostas as potted plants from a garden center or purchase bare-root plants online. The leaves range in color from yellow and gold to green and bluish. They sprout pretty flowers in the summer that unfortunately do not last long.

According to the University of Minnesota, hostas will benefit from deep but infrequent watering. They need about 1 inch of water per week but should be left alone if heavy rains come through.

The biggest problem associated with hostas is deer browsing. Those cute white-tailed critters will chow down on hostas. Luckily, you can learn about how to use cayenne pepper to repel deer here.

Hostas thrive well in hardiness zones 3 through 9, allowing many homeowners the opportunity to grow these beautiful plants.

Water: Equivalent to 1 inch of rainwater per week. Hostas do not appreciate soggy soil (and neither will your spruce tree).

Sun: dappled shade

Flowering: Flowers in summer or early fall. Flowers last about three weeks.

If you have a larger spruce tree with hostas, you can take a look at our recommended best spruce tree fertilizers here!

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are another perennial plant that will thrive beneath your spruce tree. They come in many varieties, some of which grow quite large, so make sure to get a variety that will fit beneath your spruce.

According to Clemson University, rhododendrons thrive beneath pines. The dropped needles provide rhododendrons with plenty of nutrients to keep them happy and healthy.

Rhododendrons grow best in slightly acidic soil that has good drainage. They’ll thrive in hardiness zones 4 through 8 and can be purchased in pots from a local garden center.

Because there are so many varieties of rhododendrons, it’s best to pick a variety that is somewhat native to your region. The plant will already be accustomed to the soil, weather, and temperature fluctuations.

Water: Rhododendrons should be watered so that the top 8 inches are moist. Allow the soil to dry before watering again.

Sun: Dappled shade

Flowering: Depending on the species and the environment, rhododendrons will bloom brilliantly colored flowers in spring or summer.

Periwinkle

Periwinkles are an excellent choice to plant beneath your spruce tree. They are considered a ground cover plant, meaning they will spread to cover the ground around them.

These evergreen plants can sprout colorful flowers of white, purple, or blue. The small periwinkle plants will reach a height of around 6 inches while larger varieties can reach up to 2 feet high.

Periwinkles prefer acidic soil and partial shade, but the more sun they get, the more flowers they produce. They’ll thrive in hardiness zones 4 through 8.

When these plants are first being established, you’ll need to weed the area around them. Once they are established, they’ll throw too much shade for weeds to grow. Bonus!

One thing you’ll want to watch out for with periwinkles is their ability to grow FAST. A single plant can cover an 8-foot area. They are not considered invasive, but they will certainly spread fast beneath your spruce tree.

Water: Once periwinkles are established, they are quite drought-tolerant and should do just fine with natural rainwater, even when it’s sparse. Water during droughts and when the plant is first getting established.

Sun: Periwinkles prefer partial shade, so they will do great beneath your spruce tree.

Flowering: You can expect periwinkle-colored flowers to bloom in April or May. Depending on the weather, they may bloom again in fall.

Lily Of The Valley

Lily of the Valley is a perennial plant that is, weirdly enough, related to asparagus. Its native origin isn’t certain, with some listing North America and others listing Europe and Asia.

Either way, it’s a great choice for a shade plant to place beneath your spruce tree. Lily of the Valley produces dainty white flowers and is considered a ground cover plant just like periwinkle.

Lily of the Valley thrives in hardiness zones 3 through 9. According to North Carolina State University, Lily of the Valley has few pests and is deer and rabbit resistant.

These pretty plants are also drought-tolerant and require little maintenance, making them perfect to place under your spruce tree.

Water: Water Lily of the Valley only when the soil is dry to the touch. Once established, they should not need additional watering unless there is a drought.

Sun: Dappled shade

Flowering: Lily of the Valley will bloom in late spring through summer.

Christmas Fern

Christmas ferns are evergreen plants that love the shade. They may not bloom pretty flowers like periwinkle or Lily of the Valley, but these little plants stay green all year, just like your spruce!

You can plant Christmas ferns with other flowers that are more colorful to give the landscape beneath your spruce some color in the spring and summer.

If not, you can enjoy the dark green and shiny foliage of your Christmas fern all year long on its own.

Christmas ferns thrive down to hardiness zone 3 and will remain green through winter, although the snow can weigh down the fronds, giving your fern a sad appearance until the snow melts and the leaves bounce back up.

Highly adaptive, Christmas ferns can thrive in wet or dry soil, neutral or acidic PH, and require no pruning.

Water: Christmas ferns prefer the soil to be moist but not soggy. The fallen needles of your spruce tree will help retain moisture, keeping your fern happy.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Flowering: According to the University of Maryland, Christmas ferns will bloom in late spring, but the flowers are inconspicuous and located at the tips of the leaves.

Hydrangea

Similar to rhododendrons, hydrangeas come in a variety of different cultivars to fit specific landscape needs. For example, mountain hydrangeas do great in shady conditions, but panicle hydrangeas thrive in full sun.

Make sure to get the correct variety to plant beneath your spruce tree. You’ll want one that does good in dappled shade, but you also need a hydrangea plant that won’t grow too tall.

You can expect hydrangeas to bloom beautiful big flowers in spring or summer, depending on the variety. Hydrangeas vary in their hardiness. Mountain hydrangeas thrive in hardiness zones 6 through 9.

One downside to hydrangeas is that they require pruning each year. The University of Illinois has a good explanation about telling the difference between hydrangeas that bloom on new wood versus old wood, and how/when to prune them.

Water: Hydrangeas require plenty of moisture. Be sure to water them once a week unless heavy rains occur.

Sun: Mountain hydrangeas do well in partial shade such as beneath your spruce tree.

Flowering: Mountain hydrangeas will bloom from June through the first frost. Other hydrangea varieties may bloom in early spring.

Virginia Bluebell

Close up of a single bluebell flower (hyacinthoides non-scripta) in bloom

Virginia bluebells are perennial flowers that bloom bright and fast in mid-spring. They will go dormant in the summer, but make a great companion plant to hostas and ferns that can take over in the summer and fall.

Virginia Bluebells may be difficult to find at garden centers, but if you can grab one it’s worth it! These pretty flowers are tolerant of shade and do well with organically-rich soil, which is what you’ll find beneath your spruce tree.

These delicate plants thrive in hardiness zones 3 through 9. It is native to North America and produces trumpet-like flowers that are, as the name suggests, blue.

Water: Virginia bluebells prefer moist soil, so keep the soil wet in the spring. Once summer rolls around and the plant goes dormant, you can stop watering.

Sun: Partial to full shade.

Flowering: You can expect Virginia Bluebells to bloom in mid-spring.

Bergenia

Bergenia is a perennial, evergreen ground cover plant. Like many of the plants on our list, it will tolerate shade and does just fine in acidic soil.

These evergreen plants grow to about a foot in height and are considered slow-growing so you don’t have to worry about them taking over the space beneath your spruce tree.

Bergenia are drought-tolerant and require minimal nutrients and care. They are also resistant to disease and pests and thrive in hardiness zones 3 through 8.

According to Cornell University, the leaves of Bergenia will turn red and bronze in the fall, so even after the flowers have stopped blooming, you can still get some color out of this plant!

Water: Bergenias prefer moist soil. Similar to Virginia Bluebells, it’s best to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Sun: Deep shade to full sun.

Flowering: Bergenias will bloom in the spring, typically from March through May.

Alternatives To Acid-Loving Shade Plants

If none of the plants on our list are particularly alluring, you have other options to plant beneath your spruce tree.

Instead of planting an acid-loving shade plant, consider planting ANY shade plant in a pot and burying it in the soil beneath your spruce tree.

Some of the easiest shade plants you can grow in a pot include:

Impatiens
Petunias
Pansies
Begonia
Lobelia
Sweet Alyssum
Fuchsia (consider hanging this one beneath your spruce tree!)

Simply plant your shade-loving flowers in a pot with soil that is more to their liking. In most cases, a typical potting soil like Wonder Soil Organic Potting Soil will do just fine and will provide a more neutral PH as opposed to the acidic soil likely to be beneath your spruce tree.

Next, create a hole beneath your spruce tree and place the entire pot into the hole. Bury any evidence of the pot and suddenly you have shade plants that can’t tolerate acid growing beneath your spruce tree!

If any of your neighbors have a green thumb, don’t be surprised when they stop over to ask how you managed it!

Now, after all this you have a small blue spruce tree (or another smaller spruce) – you can take a look at our guide on how to keep a spruce tree small. However, I’m assuming you’ve got a decent sized tree if you want to put plants underneath!

Wrapping Up!

Having a spruce tree in your yard can add some color during the drab winter season. Its evergreen needles are sure to breathe life back into your yard after everything else has gone dormant.

So, while your spruce tree is doing its thing in the wintertime, what about the spring and summer? You’re sure to add some color and style to your spruce tree by planting something beneath it that will bloom in beautiful colors.

The plants below your spruce tree must be tolerant of both shade and acidic soil.

Now for a quick recap –

The 9 best plants to plant under your spruce tree include:

Hostas
Rhododendrons
Periwinkle
Lily of the Valley
Christmas Fern
Hydrangea
Virginia Bluebell
Bergenia

All of these plants thrive in shaded conditions and don’t mind acidic soil. Additionally, these plants require little care and won’t steal all your spruce tree’s nutrients and water.

Another option is to plant shade-tolerant plants in pots and bury the pots in the soil beneath your spruce tree. This way, you can have your favorite shade plants even if they can’t tolerate acidic soil.

If you have other questions about landscape trees, shrubs, and flowers, you can find the answer here at Tree Journey!

If you have a blue spruce tree, check out our simple tips and tricks getting it more blue!

References

Kochian, L. V., Pineros, M. A., Liu, J., & Magalhaes, J. V. (2015, January 15). Plant Adaptation to Acid Soils: The Molecular Basis for Crop Aluminum Resistance. Annual Review of Plant Biology, 66(23), 1-23.

Oostra, S., Majdi, H., & Olsson, M. (2007, February 18). Impact of tree species on soil carbon stocks and soil acidity in southern Sweden. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, 21(5), 364-371. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02827580600950172

Puhe, J. (2003, March 03). Growth and development of the root system of Norway spruce (Picea abies) in forest stand – a review. Forest Ecology and Management, 175(1-3), 253-273. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112702001342

Zhang, J. Z., Shi, L., Shi, A. P., & Zhang, Q. X. (2004). Photosynthetic Responses of Four Hosta Cultivars to Shade Treatments. Photosynthetica, 42, 213-218. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/B:PHOT.0000040592.10133.ee

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

23 Plants Not to Grow Under A Pine Tree

The space beneath the towering, majestic pine tree in your backyard is beckoning you to plant something beneath it. Let’s be honest, you would like to grow a plant there as well! Hold up — before you get started, you should know that there are some plants that you should NOT grow under a pine tree.

Pine trees grow best in acidic soil. They have shallow root systems and create a lot of shade. Because of this, many plants, including potatoes, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, broccoli, peas, zucchini, peppers, poppies, zinnias, cosmos, and roses, do not grow well under pine trees.

For your pine tree to thrive, some plants will have to go to the other end of the yard. Before we list some of the incompatible plants, let’s talk about the factors that cause the incompatibility: acidic soil, too much shade, and a shallow root system.

What Does It Mean When Trees Are Acidic Or Basic?

To understand what this means, we need to rewind to chemistry class. (Don’t worry — there’s not a test, and this concept doesn’t involve complicated calculations.) It all has to do with soil pH level.

The pH scale goes from 0 to 14. The middle of the scale, 7, is neutral. Pure water (with no other additives, minerals, or contaminants) is considered a 7 on the pH scale.

If a substance has a pH below 7, it is considered an “acid”. Some common examples are lemon juice (pH 2.3) and vinegar (pH 3.3). But even milk (pH 6.4-7.6) can be slightly acidic.

On the pH scale, basic does not mean boring. “Basic” means the substance had a pH above 7. Baking soda (pH 8.2) and ammonia (pH 11.0-11.5) are good examples of common bases.

This scale does not work in a linear fashion like a thermometer does. Every time you move down a unit on the scale, the pH is multiplied by 10. So a pH of 5 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 6.

Why does this matter in your garden? According to Cornell University, pH is a crucial part of plant longevity. Nutrients from the soil must be dissolved in water for plants to absorb them.

If the soil is too basic, water might not be able to dissolve the micronutrients that plants need to thrive. But if the soil is too acidic, it can dissolve too many nutrients.

Yes, you can have too much of a good thing! Just like over-watering or dumping on too much fertilizer, the nutrient overdose from acidic soil is TOO MUCH for plants.

If you’d like to learn more about pH, take a peak at our piece on what specific pH level trees like for growth!

Pine Trees Love Acidic Soil – But Don’t Make The Ground Acidic

You may have heard before that pine trees make the surrounding ground more acidic. According to the University of New Hampshire, this is a myth. Pine trees do not create acidic soil.

While it is true that pine needles themselves are acidic once they have fallen off the tree, they will not make your soil more acidic. As the needles decompose, they slowly become neutral. (They make good mulch if you’re looking to repurpose the gift your pine tree keeps bestowing upon your yard.)

A study published in Hort Technology showed that if a pine tree is used as a substrate (ground up into pieces to serve as a makeshift soil), it would still need additional fertilizer to be acidic enough to sustain plant life.

This is a classic case of “correlation does not equal causation”. Pine trees don’t cause the soil to become acidic. They grow well where they do because the soil is already acidic.

How To Determine Your Soil pH Level

Before you plant ANYTHING underneath your pine tree, you need to check the soil pH. If your tree is already struggling to grow in alkaline soil, the last thing it needs is competition from other plants.

There are clues as to what your soil pH may be (like mixing the soil in vinegar or baking soda to see how it reacts), but these methods can be unreliable. You can only know your soil pH level for sure if you take the time to measure it.

Measuring doesn’t have to be hard. Take a look at this Digital Soil Meter!

Instead of messing around with litmus paper, you just poke the probe into the soil you would like to test. It’s reusable and also has options to measure the temperature and water content as well.

If you would rather not use a probe, litmus paper is an affordable, tried-and-true method of testing pH levels. This also works well when measuring the pH of something that you cannot probe.

How Can I Change My Soil pH Level?

Every year, gardeners and farmers across the world modify their soil in an attempt to meet their plants’ needs.

Even though this is a common practice and often involves using natural substances like limestone and wood ashes, changing the pH of your soil is still a chemical reaction. Please ask a professional if you need help determining your soil pH. Your local garden center is an excellent resource!

Let me say it again. Do not attempt to use soil modifiers unless you have determined your soil pH. You can irreversibly damage your plants if you make an incorrect modification.

This can devastate large trees. Check the soil pH every time you add anything to the soil because it will change over time.

If you have determined that your soil needs to be more acidic, there’s a relatively simple solution. According to Clemson University, the two most common ways to make your soil more acidic are to add either aluminum sulfate or sulfur.

A product like this Bonide Aluminum Sulfate instantly makes the soil more acidic because it does not need to convert into another substance.

Something like the Jobe’s Organics Soil Acidifier, on the other hand, needs time to turn soil acidic because it must convert into sulfuric acid.

Remember that permanently changing the pH level of your soil is impossible. The conditions that existed before you added soil modifiers will continue to exist afterward. Gradually, the soil will revert to what is “normal” for your area. Only change the pH if you are prepared to add modifiers continually.

If you try to grow something next to your pine tree that has incompatible soil needs, either that plant or the pine tree will suffer.

Maintaining acidic soil is of paramount importance to your pine tree’s longevity – but it’s not the only factor that determines what plants grow best beneath it!

If you’re in need of a fertilizer, or having problems with your pine, take a a look at our guide on why your pine tree isn’t growing here!

Why Plants Usually Don’t Grow Well Under Pine Trees

If it seems like pine trees are more likely to fall over in a windstorm, it’s not just your imagination. Pine trees have a dense network of shallow roots. This means that they are more likely to topple in a hurricane-force gust. This also makes it almost impossible for other plants to form a strong root foundation.

Even though they’re hidden underground, roots are essential for a healthy plant. Roots are how water and nutrients are absorbed. If a plant has unhealthy roots, it will not get the minerals it needs to survive.

If you’ve ever seen a large grove of pine trees with no other plants underneath, it’s possible the pine tree roots crowded out all other competition. Don’t let that happen in your garden.

One of the greatest adventures in landscaping is that no matter where you live, you can attempt to grow anything. However, your yard will be healthier if you work with Mother Nature rather than against her.

Pine trees need acidic soil, produce lots of shade, and need space close to the surface for their roots. With that said, here are 23 plants NOT to plant beneath your pine tree.

By the way, if you’re a bit over your pine, check out our piece on the reasons you should cut your pine tree down!

What Not To Plant Under Your Pine Tree

Potatoes

Although they both prefer acidic soil, potatoes and pine trees are not friends. The pine tree’s network of roots runs along the surface of the soil.

This prevents potatoes from forming the dense, deep root system they require to form large spuds. Put the potatoes somewhere else.

Carrots

Carrots can handle the acidic soil that pine trees like, but they need more room than is available.

Similar to potatoes, carrots do most of their growing down rather than up. The roots of a pine tree will strangle and crowd out any carrots that try to grow. Plant your carrots somewhere with deeply tilled earth.

Lettuce

Lettuce has a shallow root system, so you might be tempted to see if it will cooperate with a pine tree’s web of roots.

Before you plant a salad garden under your pine tree, remember that pine trees prefer soil that is far more acidic than what lettuce will tolerate. Lettuce also needs direct sunlight or the leaves will not form correctly.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are not as picky about soil pH as other plants, but they need the sun for the fruit to ripen properly.

Unless you like yellow leaves and sickly, green tomatoes (assuming the plant is even healthy enough to produce fruit), skip this one.

Onions

Onions grow under the ground, forming the bulb that we eventually harvest and eat. Pine tree roots will crowd out your onions.

Grow your onions in a big garden space where they are free to grow big and round!

Corn

Similar to pine trees, corn plants have shallow roots. This makes it so that they can quickly absorb water.

All the water in the world won’t make up for the lack of sun under a pine tree, though. Corn needs bright, direct sunlight to produce large, juicy ears.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins need a massive area to spread their vines. Could the vacant space under your pine tree be a good match

Sadly, although pumpkins tolerate the acidic soil, this is the wrong place if you want large gourds for Halloween.

There is not nearly enough sunlight underneath the boughs of a pine tree.

Beans

Beans come in many varieties, so you would think that at least one of them would tolerate the acidic soil that accompanies a healthy pine tree.

Unfortunately, beans need soil that is far more alkaline. They also need strong, direct sunlight. This would not be a good companion for your pine tree.

Cucumbers

Cucumber vines thrive in acidic soil, so you would think that they would do well with a pine tree as a neighbor.

But like other vegetables, cucumbers need more than the heavily filtered sunlight that sporadically shines through the needles of your tree.

Zucchini

Zucchini is a resilient vegetable that seemingly grows itself. It’s a wonderful plant for a first-time gardener.

However, pick a different spot than under the pine tree. Zucchini can tolerate a variety of soil pHs, but sunlight is non-negotiable.

Peppers

Peppers can handle acidic soil better than other vegetables, but it is not nearly sunny enough underneath a pine tree for them to do well.

Not to mention the competition your pepper plants’ roots will face! Find another spot in your yard.

Broccoli

Unlike other vegetables, broccoli tolerates shade and cooler temperatures quite well. It’s just too good to be true, though!

The soil is too acidic underneath a pine tree for broccoli to thrive.

Peas

Peas are some of the earliest seeds to germinate and produce vegetables in the spring.

Could their cold-weather tolerance handle the cool shade of a pine tree? Unfortunately, they need more sun that is typically available under a pine tree.

On top of that, the soil that a pine tree likes best is far too acidic for peas. Try growing your peas somewhere else.

Poppies

If vegetables don’t do well under a pine tree, perhaps flowers will perform better. It doesn’t look like we’re off to a great start, though.

Poppies find the soil to be far too acidic. For poppies to grow well, you would have to make the soil more alkaline.

This would hurt your pine tree.

Zinnias

Zinnias come in various colors and not only tolerate but need acidic soil. Could this pop of color be the solution to your shady, barren landscape? Not quite.

Zinnias would struggle with the lack of sunlight under a pine tree.

If only the shade wasn’t so dense!

Cosmos

Cosmos is not only a Neil deGrasse Tyson documentary series about outer space — it’s a simple flower that will make your yard look out of this world!

But although cosmos flowers would get along perfectly with a pine tree in terms of acidity, it simply needs more sun to survive.

Firebush

Hummingbirds love the flowers on this vibrant red shrub. But this is regrettably not a good match for your conifer.

Don’t extinguish the firebush by dooming it to the shade. Save it for a sunny, alkaline portion of the yard.

Dianthus

The most popular variety of this spunky flower is referred to simply as “Pink”. Don’t get your hopes up, though.

The shade from your pine tree is too much for the dianthus to handle.

Bright flower gardens will need to be located somewhere else!

Indian Hawthorn

This evergreen bush will stay green all winter, just like your pine tree! Unfortunately, that’s where the similarities end.

Indian hawthorn requires alkaline soil and will not do well when planted next to a pine tree. This plant really needs enough space to form a solid root ball.

Roses

Roses are a romantic flower that can brighten up any garden! But this love story has a sad ending.

Although roses tolerate acidic soil just fine, it is too shady and there is not enough root space if it is planted under your pine tree.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are hardy flowers that have a reputation for blooming where they are planted.

Look along the highways in late summer—the sunflowers you see lining the road were not planted by transportation department gardeners.

Birds spread the seeds, and the sunflowers took root in the poor soil along the shoulder!

Despite its resilience in the gravel along the sunny highway, however, sunflowers will wilt in the shade of your pine tree.

Daffodils

Some of the first flowers to appear in the spring, daffodils resemble a horn and metaphorically trumpet in the arrival of spring.

If you plant daffodil bulbs under your pine tree in the fall, however, they won’t sprout in the spring. The soil acidity is fine, but there’s not enough sunlight.

The snow in the shade of your tree will be among the last to melt, covering your daffodils and leaving them behind.

Tulips

Tulips are another spring bulb that is planted the preceding fall. Similar to daffodils, these bulbs will not end up sprouting.

The shade will cause issues with the ground warming up enough for the bulbs to germinate.

Also, tulips have different pH requirements than daffodils. The soil under a pine tree is far too acidic for tulips.

What PlantsWill Do Well Under A Pine Tree?

After reading about two dozen plants that won’t work with your favorite needled tree, you might be tempted to think that nothing can grow in the barren dirt underneath your tree.

However, now that you know what won’t work, think in terms of opposites to identify species that will do well.

If you look at the coniferous rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, you will notice that other plants do, in fact, grow underneath the pine trees in that climate.

Some of the most noteworthy examples include wild huckleberries (for which the area is famous) and wild blueberries.

Once again: It is possible to grow plants under your pine tree. You just need to pick the right kinds.

Plants that tolerate shade, acidic soil, AND limited root space will not only survive but thrive under your pine tree. Steer clear of these 23 plants in the list above and your tree will be happy and healthy for years to come!

References

Ward, D. Shade is the most important factor limiting growth of a Woody Range Expander. PLOS ONE.

Wright, R., Jackson, B., Browder, J. F., &; Latimer, J. (1970, January 1). [PDF] growth of chrysanthemum in a pine tree substrate requires additional fertilizer: Semantic scholar. undefined.

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

13 Plants Not To Grow Under A Spruce Tree

Spruce trees are attractive ornamental trees that provide color year-round in our parks and yards. While they look just fine on their own, you may be considering planting under your spruce to make it pop with color in the spring and summer. Unfortunately, this is more difficult than it sounds!

Plants that require high nutrients, lots of sun and water, and neutral to alkaline soil PH will not do well under a spruce tree. Plants that should not be grown under a spruce tree include Black-eyed Susans, peonies, iris, sedum, daylilies, larkspur, lavender, hibiscus, mums, daisies, blanket flower, clematis, and lupines.

Whether you have a spruce tree already or are thinking of planting one in your landscape, we’ll go over all the plants you can and can’t grow under them.

Why Does Nothing Grow Under A Spruce Tree?

Spruce trees are typically pyramidal with branches containing needles instead of leaves and cones instead of fruit and flowers.

According to Oregon State University, there are around 40 species of spruce out there. With such variety comes different shapes, preferences, and tolerances.

One thing that all spruce trees seem to have in common is the fact that hardly anything grows beneath them! What gives?

There are a few reasons why many plants cannot grow under a spruce tree.

Spruces Cast Lots Of Shade

The space under a spruce tree is going to be shady due to the branches above blocking the sunlight.

Any plant that requires full sun or even partial sun will struggle under a spruce tree or simply not grow at all.

Some of the dwarf varieties of spruce such as Dwarf Alberta Spruce have a small drip line (width). With these, it may be possible to plant full-sun plants around the tree rather than underneath it.

On the other hand, some spruce tree species have large branches that reach the ground. Blue spruce, for example, has lower branches that touch the ground. This eliminates any landscape opportunities under the tree.

Lack Of Water

We all know that trees require a lot of water. The problem with spruce trees is that their roots do not go very deep into the soil.

The majority of a spruce tree’s roots are located within the top 12 inches of soil. And they reach FAR! An article in the International Journal of Forest Research found that after just 8 years, the roots of the Sitka spruce reached over 14 feet away from the tree.

As they soak up the shallow water in the soil, the roots leave practically nothing for smaller landscape plants.

Any plant that requires plenty of water will not do well under a spruce tree. Plants must be drought-tolerant to have a chance of surviving.

Spruces Can Create Acidic Soil

Spruce trees aren’t too picky when it comes to the soil PH where they are planted. Most can thrive in both acidic and alkaline (basic) soil.

Over time, the soil under a spruce tree will turn slightly acidic due to the dropped needles. Even if the spruce tree is planted in neutral or alkaline soils, the soil will slowly turn acidic.

This is due to the decomposing needles under the spruce tree. A study reported in the Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research found that, when compared to 67-year-old ash, beech, elm, hornbeam, and oak trees, spruce trees had the lowest soil PH (most acidic).

Landscape perennials and annuals aren’t as adaptive as spruce trees to soil PH. Any plant that cannot tolerate low soil PH will not do well under a spruce tree.

If you want to plant something that cannot tolerate acid, you can always use lime to raise the soil PH. Remember, spruce trees aren’t picky about the soil’s PH so you won’t harm your spruce tree.

Jobe’s Additive De-Acidifier Lime Soil can be added to the soil and watered in to help raise the PH of the soil. It comes with a chart on the back to help guide you on how much to apply.

Lack of Nutrients

Spruce tree needles not only affect the soil’s PH, but they also contain tannins. Tannins are a compound that is used in several different ways such as tanning leather, and astringents.

Tannins can wreak havoc on the natural carbon and nitrogen cycle of the soil. Tannins slow down the decomposition process which slows down the nutrient cycling process. According to Purdue University, tannins can also interfere with soil enzymes necessary for cycling.

Plants that have a high nutrient requirement will not do well under a spruce tree. Even with added fertilizers, it will be difficult to keep these high-maintenance plants alive.

If you are confused on how you should be caring for your spruce in terms of nutrition, check out our article on the 5 best spruce tree fertilizers!

Plants You Shouldn’t Grow Beneath A Spruce Tree [Full List]

Let’s get down to it and go over all the plants not to grow under a spruce tree. These plants will either be heavy feeders, require full sun, require lots of water, or grow in alkaline soils.

You won’t find any of those growing conditions under a spruce tree! Make sure to avoid these 13 plants when choosing what to grow under your spruce tree.

Black-Eyed Susan

Also known as Rudbeckia, Gloriosa Daisy, and Yellow Ox Eye, black-eyed Susans are familiar landscape plants that typically grow as perennials.

Black-eyed Susans will not tolerate being planted under a spruce tree for two reasons: they require full sun, and they are moderate feeders.

These perennial flowers can survive in partial shade, but will not flower as well. They also require a somewhat high amount of nutrients to thrive, making them a poor choice for under a spruce tree.

Black-eyed Susans have one thing going for them, they are drought-tolerant. If you plant them far enough away from your spruce tree, they can withstand the water hogs that spruce trees are.

Peonies

Peonies have large, strikingly colorful flowers that come in pinks, purples, yellows, whites, and many more colors.

They are perennials that grow in similar hardiness zones to most spruce trees. Peonies are tolerant of slightly acidic soils, but even so, they will not do well under spruce trees.

According to North Carolina State University, peonies require full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They do not respond well to root competition and will struggle when competing against a spruce tree.

Additionally, peonies are heavy feeders that require a high nutrient content that just won’t be found under a spruce tree.

Iris

With hundreds of varieties of iris plants, there are bound to be some that can thrive under a spruce tree, right?

Not really. Irises require full sunlight to bloom properly, which is the main reason why they won’t do well under a spruce tree.

In addition to the lack of sunshine, Irises are heavy feeders that require fertilizer and organic material to thrive. Some species like the Japanese and Louisiana iris require wet soil, but most prefer dry, well-drained soil.

According to Clemson University, an iris’s preference for soil PH will depend on if it is ‘bearded’ or ‘beardless.’ Beardless varieties prefer acidic soil while bearded ones prefer alkaline soils.

Sedum

Sedum is an evergreen groundcover succulent that can tolerate almost any condition. Except growing under a spruce tree.

This drought-tolerant plant is low-maintenance, has shallow roots, and barely needs any soil. But it cannot grow under a spruce tree because it requires at least 6 hours of full sun each day.

Additionally, sedum prefers rocky, gritty soil whereas spruce trees need rich, organic soils to thrive.

While this pretty groundcover succulent is an excellent choice for most places in the landscape, under a spruce tree is not one of them.

Daylilies

Daylilies provide the landscape with beautiful flowers that range in a variety of colors. They are highly adaptable but unfortunately will not survive under a spruce tree.

The main reason why daylilies will not do well under a spruce tree is that they will compete for both water and nutrients. This can cause trouble for both your spruce tree and the daylily, both of which may not get the necessary water and nutrients they need to thrive.

Otherwise, daylilies can be grown in slightly acidic soil and according to the University of Minnesota, they can even survive partial shade.

With their abundance of flowers and long bloom time, daylilies make an excellent addition to any landscape, just be sure to plant them far away from your spruce tree.

Delphinium

Also known as Larkspur, delphinium plants are prized among homeowners for their true blue color. They also come in pink, white, and yellow.

Delphinium can be picked up at your local garden center or grown from seed. They will bloom bright and fast in the spring and fade away as temperatures warm up.

Delphinium will not do well under a spruce tree due to its need for full sun. Additionally, this striking plant can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it difficult to plant beneath the low branches of a spruce tree.

Lavender

Lavender can be a little tricky to grow as they need constant attention, pruning, re-potting, and space.

Besides this, lavender can be quite drought-tolerant if you are willing to sacrifice flower production. They also have low nutritional needs.

Unfortunately, lavender requires full sun and also prefers sandy soils due to their sensitivity to being water-logged. These characteristics make them a poor choice to plant under a spruce tree.

Lupines

Certain plants catch your attention because of their striking shape or color. Lupines catch the eye for both, having an interesting cone shape and strikingly colorful flowers.

According to the University of Wisconsin, lupines do not do well when crowded by other plants, trees, or shrubs. They are heavy feeders that prefer sandy or gravelly soil which is better for their taproot to move through.

These characteristics make them a poor companion plant to a spruce tree. Despite this, lupines do well in acidic soil and can thrive in partial shade.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus covers a ton of different plants including perennials, annuals, shrubs, and flowers. Most have large, colorful flowers that bring life to the yard in the summertime after many spring bloomers have faded.

Hibiscus is not a good choice to plant under a spruce tree for a few reasons. According to Clemson University, most species require a LOT of water to bloom properly, and when competing with a spruce tree, they will not bloom properly and/or will have stunted growth.

Additionally, hibiscus does best in full sun conditions, which can be difficult to find under a spruce tree.

Hibiscus can also grow quite large, up to eight feet tall for some varieties. A better choice for under a spruce tree would be a smaller, shade-tolerant flower or groundcover. But we’ll cover more on that later!

Chrysanthemum

There’s nothing quite like seeing a colorful flowering mum in the fall when all other flowers and plants seem to be shutting down for the winter. It’s like a last little hope of life before the dreary cold season sets in.

While mums are pretty tough and can withstand many different soil conditions, they will not thrive under a spruce tree.

Mums require full sun and tend to be heavy feeders of nutrients. While they don’t require fertilizer, you will see much better color and vibrancy in the flowers if they are fertilized.

Mildew is a potential problem with mums that is more likely to occur if they are placed in shady locations such as under a spruce tree. They also need good air circulation and will be too crowded being planted under a tree.

Blanket Flower

Blanket flowers, or Gaillardia if you want to be all scientific about it, are short-lived perennials that give your landscape a burst of color in the summer.

These plants will blanket the ground if allowed to spread, though they are not considered invasive and will not take over an area very quickly.

Although bright and brilliant, blanket flowers will not do well under a spruce tree as they require full sun and poor, sandy soils.

Daisies

If you’re looking to cheer up your yard, daisies are the way to go. With stunning colors that will last all summer, daisies are sure to make you and your neighbors smile as you pass them by.

Daisies are considered low-maintenance, which makes them a candidate for planting under trees, even a spruce tree.

However, daisies require full sun and ample water to bloom those beautiful flowers in the summer. This requirement strikes them off the list of easy plants to plant under a spruce tree. They are also somewhat heavy feeders who perform best with a light fertilizer.

Clematis

Clematis plants bloom with amazing purples, pinks, and whites in big, star-shaped flowers. These vining plants come in many different sizes and varieties, making them an attractive candidate for the landscape.

Depending on the variety, clematis may bloom in the spring or summer. Some even bloom in the fall, giving landscapes a burst of color when everything else is fading away.

While clematis may be an attractive plant for your landscape, it will not do well under a spruce tree. Clematis requires a trellis for growing and can grow quite large, typically 6 to 8 feet but up to 30 feet.

According to the University of Massachusetts, Clematis also requires full sun for proper blooming and does best with ample water and fertilizer.

So, What Plants Can Live Under A Spruce Tree?

Beautiful garden with spruce blue tree flowerbed and wooden breach with red tile roof mansion house on the background

The environment under a spruce tree is too harsh for most plants. It’s shady, a little acidic, and the water and nutrient availability is limited.

What exactly can you plant under a spruce tree? Do these plants even exist?

YES! Believe it or not, shade-loving, acid-tolerant, low-maintenance plants do exist. Your options may be limited, but there are plants available.

Here are some flowers to consider for under your spruce tree:

Hostas: A pretty everything-tolerant plant that does well in the shade and can withstand drought and a variety of soil conditions.

Sweet woodruff: An herb that enjoys being planted in shady areas. They produce cute, dainty white flowers that give off a pleasant smell.

Lily of the Valley: Another sweet-smelling flowering plant, Lily of the valley does well in shaded conditions and requires just 1” of water per week.

Ferns: Ferns are pretty shade tolerant and will also provide green color all year round just like your spruce tree.

Primrose: Primrose does well in partial shade such as that found under a spruce tree. They grow quite well under trees and bloom in colorful pinks, whites, yellows, oranges, and purples.

Periwinkle: This evergreen groundcover does well in shade but can adapt to the sun. They require little nutrients and watering, making them a great companion to your spruce tree.

You can read more about the best plants to plant under your spruce tree here for some more in-depth info!

How To Improve Conditions Under Your Spruce Tree

If you’re set on planting daylilies or peonies under your spruce tree, there are a few things you can do to make the growing conditions more suitable.

Use Fertilizer

Fertilizers help to add nutrients to the soil so that the roots of plants can absorb them and use them during normal metabolic processes that keep the plants growing.

Plant growth, bud formation, and flowering all benefit from fertilizer. Miracle-Gro’s Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food is a great general-purpose fertilizer for plants.

Fertilizers like this will help replace some of the nutrients that are sucked up and used by the spruce tree, giving your landscape plants a chance to grow.

You can read more about our recommendations for the best spruce tree fertilizers here if you’d like!

Trim Your Spruce Tree

Spruce trees do not normally need to be pruned once they are established unless you are looking for a very specific shape.

However, if you trim the bottom few branches of your spruce tree, you will allow a little more light into the space beneath it. This will help broaden your options from shade-only plants to a few partial-shade plants.

Prepare To Water

If you have the time and patience to care for high-maintenance plants under your spruce tree, be prepared to do some watering.

As we mentioned before, spruce trees suck up a lot of the water that is absorbed naturally by the soil. Planting anything additionally under your spruce tree means you will probably have to supplement the plant with water.

Some plants require less water than others, so just be sure to check your plant’s requirements and be prepared to make a few trips out with the watering pale.

That’s A Wrap!

Spruce trees can be an oasis in the middle of winter, providing lush green foliage when everything else around has gone dormant for winter.

The only problem with spruce trees is that it can be difficult to find a plant that will survive underneath it.

Now, for a quick recap –

The 13 plants that you should not plant under a spruce tree include:

Black-Eyed Susan
Peonies
Iris
Sedum
Daylilies
Delphinium
Lavender
Lupines
Hibiscus
Chrysanthemum
Blanket flower
Daisies
Clematis

All of these plants are either high-maintenance, heavy feeders, prefer full sun, or require lots of water. These plants should be avoided under a spruce tree – instead, plant the OPPOSITE type of these plants – happy gardening!

References

Augusto, L., Dupouey, J.-L., & Ranger, J. (2003). Effects of tree species on understory vegetation and environmental conditions in temperate forests. Ann. For. Sci., 60, 823-831.

Coutts, M. P. (1983, April 01). Development of the Structural Root System of Sitka Spruce. International Journal of Forest Research, 56(1), 1-16.

Kanerva, S., Kitunen, V., Kiikkila, O., Loponen, J., & Smolander, A. (2006, June). Response of soil C and N transformations to tannin fractions originating from Scots pine and Norway spruce needles. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 38(6), 1364-1374.

Oostra, S., Majdi, H., & Olsson, M. (2007, February 18). Impact of tree species on soil carbon stocks and soil acidity in southern Sweden. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research, 21(5), 364-371.

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

12 Best Plants To Plant Under Your Oak Tree

Grass doesn’t typically grow well under oak trees because it needs full sun and a lot of water. Once oak trees are established, too much water can bring on fungus or root rot. So, here begins our quest to identify some easy going foliage that will grow best under your oak tree.

Plants that are shallow rooted, shade tolerant and don’t need much water can grow well under oak trees. Crocuses, irises, coral bells, hostas, blue-eyed grass, salvia, Canadian wild ginger, yarrow, periwinkle, creeping sedum and phlox are ideally the best plants to grow under your oak tree.

Oak trees are tall, strong, hardwood trees that look great in your yard, parks, or wherever they grow. You would think these mighty trees are nearly invincible, but they have a weakness when it comes to their roots, and you have to be very careful when planting underneath them.

Oak Trees Need Plants That Love Shade

Oak trees are different from most trees as they drink up most of their water needs during wet winters. The cooler temperatures reduce possible harmful fungal issues. During the summer, oak trees like it hot and dry.

Planting grass or other greenery that requires a lot of summer watering or fertilizer under oak trees can spell disaster for the tree. When oak trees get saturated in the summer they can get root rot, crown rot, or Phytophthora, a soil fungus that can be a game ender for these massive trees.

When choosing plants to accompany your oak tree you need to look for foliage that is very drought tolerant. You also need plants that can deal with or love the shade because oak trees often have a dense, sprawling canopy that blocks most sunlight.

You can learn more about how much sunlight and shade oak trees need in general here if you’d like.

Choose Plants That Protect The Oak Tree’s Roots

Oak tree roots sticking out from the ground

The root system of oak trees can spread well beyond the canopy, but these roots are also quite shallow. Even the deepest roots of a giant oak tree rarely dig beyond three feet deep. When deciding what and where to plant under your oak tree, you need to be flexible because disturbing the roots can be detrimental.

You shouldn’t even plant anything around the base of the tree. The best practice is actually to not plant anything within the first six to ten feet from the trunk. Using a quality organic mulch around this perimeter is one way to protect the tree’s roots and keep plants from growing in this “no-zone.”

According to The Town of Oakland, Florida, you should avoid heavy landscaping underneath oak trees and select plants that are tolerant of shady and dry conditions. Be sure to plant or irrigate 10 feet away from the trunk of the tree.

When applying mulch around an oak tree, keep it clear three to six inches from the trunk. Only pile it up about two to three inches deep so the ground isn’t compacted, and the roots are able to get air and water.

Oak trees don’t like compacted soil either. Hardscapes and pavers underneath oak trees aren’t recommended because of the way they compact the soil and reduce water absorption.

A single bench underneath the oak tree won’t be too harsh for the tree and may be a great place to sit and read or enjoy the shade from the wide canopy.

Don’t Use Fertilizer

Mature oak trees have a delicate balance of nutrition from the soil and typically don’t need added fertilizer. Adding more nutrients to the soil can adversely affect mature oak trees. They get most of their nutrients through the natural decomposition of leaves and other organic matter.

Mulching is beneficial to oak trees as it allows fallen leaves to create a natural mulch layer underneath the tree.

Plants added to the ground under your oak trees that require a lot of extra feeding could upset the tree’s natural balance.

The best way to feed your oak trees and the plants growing underneath them is to let the leaves naturally decompose. Adding a natural, organic mulch like tree bark is another way to feed your oak without adding chemicals.

For a better explanation of when and how to fertilize oak trees, check out our article on the 3 Best Oak Tree Fertilizers (and How to Use Them) right here!

What Can You Plant Under Oak Trees?

If it’s possible, one way to find out what plants work great under oak trees in your area is to look for wild oak trees. Take a look at these trees and notice what is growing underneath them. The plants and flowers growing wild underneath oak trees will give you an indication of what could work in your yard.

Native plants in your area are already acclimated to the soil, water, and weather conditions and will work best. If they are already growing underneath oak trees, they won’t be competing for water and nutrients.

Another benefit to native plants is that once they are established, they will require no additional care.

Of course, you may not be able to find many wild growing oak trees where you live. That’s okay because we will go over several plants that you can plant under your oak tree.

Use Plants With Shallow Roots

You’ll want to pick plants that are on the smaller side and won’t compete too much with the oak’s roots.

Plants that grow thick, dense roots, or have compact growing habits could reduce water and nutrients to the oak tree. What you are looking for are plants that are able to cohabitate with your tree, and are not competing with it.

One rule of thumb is to look for plants that are in pots no bigger than one gallon. You don’t want to have to dig deep, wide holes that could damage a lot of the tree’s roots.

While you are digging holes for your plants, if you come across clusters of oak roots, you should pick another location.

Don’t Plant High-Maintenance Plants Under Your Oak

Carpet of bluebells at Lickey Hill Country Park in Birmingham

You want the oak tree to be the focal point, and your other plants underneath it to be accent plants. Since you shouldn’t plant anything in the soil too close to the trunk, use that area for a nice mulch bed, and then start planting around the drip edge of the tree.

The drip edge of a tree is the area under the canopy where most rainwater starts to drip down through the leaves and branches. Planting large, deep-rooted, and thirsty plants under your oak tree are not recommended, instead, we’ll give you plenty of options that won’t harm the tree.

Now that you know where you can plant under your oak tree, start coming up with a plan and use these plants for that area.

I highly recommend taking a peakski at our piece on the 11 plants NOT to grow under your oak tree so you can learn the difference between what and what not qualifies as a high-maintenance plant.

The Best Plants To Grow Under Your Oak Tree [Full List]

Onto the good stuff! Here’s our full list of the 12 best plants that can thrive under your oak. Let’s get to it.

Crocuses

Hardiness Zones	3 – 8
Bloom Time	Early spring
Average Size	4” by 3”
Water Requirements	Drought tolerant

Crocuses are early spring blooming perennials that prefer full sun but since they bloom so early, they work great underneath oak trees.

Crocuses will sprout and bloom often before the leaves from most trees have fully leafed out. They are small bulbs that only need to be planted two to three inches in the soil and they don’t make thick, dense clusters.

You can plant small clusters of crocuses around the perimeter of your oak trees for a burst of early spring color that will go back by the time the oak tree has spread its leaves out. Early nectar feeders like honeybees will appreciate crocuses as well.

You can get a start with 10 White Crocus Corms here if you’d like to grow them.

Irises

Hardiness Zones	4 – 10
Bloom Time	Mid spring
Average Size	6” by 12”
Water Requirements	Drought resistant

These showy flowers grow from rhizomes that look similar to ginger roots found at the grocery store. They can work underneath oak trees, especially at the outer edge, because they don’t compete with oak roots. The rhizomes from irises like to stay in shallow soil.

While most iris species will work, the crested dwarf iris is best suited. This smaller perennial flower prefers partial shade and can be used as ground cover. They bloom in mid spring, offering color after crocuses have already come and gone.

Irises spread through their rhizomes and can be thinned out and moved easily. They are drought tolerant and don’t often need extra watering. Find easy-growing rhizomes right here with these Dwarf Iris Reticulata Flower Bulbs!

Coral Bells

Hardiness Zones	4 – 9
Bloom Time	Late spring to summer
Average Size	12” by 24”
Water Requirements	Drought tolerant

For some evergreen colors you could plant heucheras or coral bells as some are called. These plants grow from a foot to three feet tall, and about a foot wide. They are mostly known for their bright-colored foliage that typically lasts all year long.

In late spring through the summer coral bells sprout small flower clusters that range in color from white to red. The flower stalk is what gives the trees the height, as the foliage mounds don’t get very tall.

These striking plants work great as border plants. Their foliage can be ruffled around the edges, or variegated. The flowers aren’t as showy as the mounds of leaves but they can attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Check out this Spearmint Coral Bells Live Plant if you’d like to get started on one!

Hostas

Hardiness Zones	3 – 9
Bloom Time	Summer
Average Size	Varies
Water Requirements	Minimal once established

These perennial plants are a good choice to accompany coral bells as they have similar habits, except hostas don’t stay evergreen. They grow showy, mounding clumps of foliage and in the summer months sprout thin stalks of small flowers.

Hostas are very hardy plants that don’t require much attention once they have become established. It seems the only real requirement for hosts is shade. They don’t tolerate full sun well, but since you’re planting them underneath oak trees, they will do fine there.

You will only need to cut them back when they start turning brown, but other than that, hostas will grow and spread on their own.

Another great thing about hostas is they come in all manner of sizes and colors. You can find green, variegated, white, yellow, blue, and the list goes on. You can find hostas that don’t get very large, all the way up to colossal hostas that can grow up to 60 inches tall!

If you wanted to, you could just plant a plethora of hostas under your oak trees and be done with it. Start off with these Mixed Hosta Perennials (6 Pack of Bare Roots) if you’re going this route.

Blue-Eyed Grass

Hardiness Zones	4 – 9
Bloom Time	Late spring
Average Size	24” by 12”
Water Requirements	Little once established

This plant isn’t quite a grass, but a mounding perennial flower with more in common with irises. It will grow to a height of about a foot to 20 inches tall and will spread like a ground cover if left to its devices. It grows well in poor, well-drained soil.

Blue-eyed grass will flower from January to early summer. After flowering, it shrivels up and goes dormant through the dry summer months. It’s a small, easy to care for flowering plant that will accentuate the area underneath your oak tree.

If this sounds like something you’d like to plant, you can find live pots with Perennial Farm’s Marketplace Blue-Eyed Grass.

Columbines

Hardiness Zones	3 – 8
Bloom Time	Spring to summer
Average Size	1’ to 3’ by 18”
Water Requirements	Slightly moist soil

Columbines are another perennial flowering plant that can attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to their exotic looking flowers. These flowers have interesting foliage all growing season long. They will fade away during the winter and then come back next year.

They aren’t very long-lived though, but since they easily reseed themselves, you won’t have much to worry about if you let them keep growing. It takes two years for new columbine plants to flower though, so do get discouraged if they don’t bloom the first season.

These flowers have a little bit higher water need than most other plants on our list, but covering them with a light layer of mulch should do the trick, and keep you from having to water them except in periods of extreme drought.

To keep columbines flowering longer, cut off the drying, old flowers, and they should continue to bloom until the summer heat sets in!

Salvia

Hardiness Zones	5 – 10
Bloom Time	Spring through fall
Average Size	1’ to 8’ by 1’ to 3’
Water Requirements	Minimal once established

These plants are also known as sage plants but they are wonderful in the perennial garden and do well underneath your oak trees. They are drought tolerant, pest tolerant, and don’t attract deer or other plant eaters.

Ornamental salvia produces spikes of flower clusters that hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees love to visit. When the flowers start to produce seeds, many bird species will come to feed on them. Salvia typically blooms from summer to autumn.

While most salvia plants prefer full sun, they will still grow well in the partial shade enjoyed underneath large oak trees. They don’t tend to flower as much in shadier areas, but they will still grow well and are a great addition to landscapes underneath oak trees.

You can find live salvia plants here with Perennial Farm’s Marketplace Salvia n. ‘Rose Marvel’.

Canadian Wild Ginger

Hardiness Zones	3 – 7
Bloom Time	Spring to summer
Average Size	6” tall, spreads
Water Requirements	Drought tolerant

Also known as simply wild ginger, this plant is a good ground cover for shady areas like underneath your oak tree. They only get about four to eight inches tall and spread out relatively easily.

Wild ginger has large heart shaped leaves and small, often hidden flowers that bloom from mid-spring to early summer that attract butterflies. These plants are shade loving, drought tolerant plants that don’t dig deep and will work around your oak trees.

Canadian ginger can be difficult to start from seed and may take a few years to grow, but you can find packs of seeds with these Wild Ginger Seeds AKA Canadian Ginger.

Yarrow

Hardiness Zones	3 – 9
Bloom Time	Summer to fall
Average Size	3’ by 3’
Water Requirements	Drought tolerant

These fast-growing perennials can grow from two to four feet tall and have flat clusters of sometimes fragrant flowers that pollinators can’t get enough of. They can come in many colors and do well in poor soil conditions.

In fact, soil that is rich in nutrients can cause the yarrow to grow too tall and spindly. They do well in well-drained soil and can tolerate drought well.

Yarrow will bloom from spring all the way to late fall. These might be the longest blooming flowers on the list, so if you’re looking for colors nearly all year long, get some yarrow. Just remember to deadhead them as the older flowers start to dry out and turn brown.

Yarrows are easy to grow and can be a spreading nuisance if you let them. Once they are established they may have to be cut back or thinned out to keep them under control, but they make great flowers for that dry, nutrient thin area underneath oak trees.

Creeping Sedum

Hardiness Zones	3 – 10
Bloom Time	Summer to fall
Average Size	3” tall, spreads out
Water Requirements	Drought tolerant

Also known as stonecrop, these nearly indestructible ground covers virtually thrive on neglect and areas where normal plants dare not set root. There are sedum varieties that can grow in every U.S. grow zone. The only thing these plants require is a well-draining soil.

They can’t handle wet, soggy areas, and since oak trees don’t like that kind of soil either, planting creeping sedum underneath oaks will not be a problem.

Creeping sedum does not require supplemental feeding or extra watering. Once they are established, you can pretty much forget about them. They will grow close to the ground and they can crowd out weeds.

The stonecrop plants do tend to prefer full sun, but they will do well in partial shade underneath trees. Their roots are short and don’t dig deep so there’s no fear of sedum competing with oak roots.

Periwinkle

Hardiness Zones	4 – 9
Bloom Time	Spring to summer
Average Size	3” to 6” by 18”
Water Requirements	Drought tolerant

Also known as vinca minor, periwinkle is an evergreen, spreading ground cover that thrives in shallow soil underneath the shade of tree canopies. They sprout small blue, white, or purplish flowers in the spring and sometimes again in the fall.

The deep emerald shade of leaves is pleasing to look at as they cover ground that grass often can’t handle. Periwinkle spreads by sending out runners that root as they touch the ground.

With their spreading ways, periwinkle are great for erosion control and in shady areas where most other plants don’t do so well. To keep periwinkle contained, just trim them back before they get too established.

To get started with a great, fast-growing ground cover – you can get periwinkle here with these Vinca Minor Ground Cover (50 Mature Bareroot Plants).

Creeping Phlox

Hardiness Zones	3 -9
Bloom Time	Mid to late spring
Average Size	5” by 2’
Water Requirements	Minimal

Creeping phlox is another flowering ground cover that works in shady areas and is drought tolerant. In some areas, this phlox is an evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on how cold the winters get.

In the late spring into summer, creeping phlox unleashes a carpet of small, five-petaled flowers that attract all manner of pollinators like moths, honeybees, and butterflies. In the heat of summer, phlox may require some moderate watering to keep it healthy, but since the roots are shallow you won’t have to soak the ground.

They don’t need fertilizer to keep them blooming. As long as you let some of the oak tree’s leaves decompose around them, you’ll have enough organic matter for phlox to feed off of.

You can find this beautiful, flowering ground cover right here from Greenwood Nursery with their Purple Beauty Creeping Phlox.

Say No To English Ivy Near Your Oak Tree

While English ivy can be a great ground cover and it will grow in nearly any soil or light, this plant is incredibly fast-growing and invasive. It is sold in most commercial nurseries but once it’s established, it will take over anything in its way.

English ivy can grow up on trees and starve them out as the ivy drowns out sunlight. It can also climb up houses, get into gutters, and into attics which opens up pathways for all types of insect pests.

It’s also very difficult to get rid of English ivy once it starts growing. The roots can grow deep, and often have to be dug up to remove all the ivy. The stems are easily cultivated so care has to be taken to keep them from growing back.

You can learn more about that in our guide on what you should do if you have vines on your oak!

Add Shade Loving Plants In Containers Near Your Oak Tree

To give the area under an oak tree some added vertical visuals you can add shade-loving plants in containers. You can plant shrubs, small trees, or flowers that require more fertilizer and water than is comfortable for oak trees in the containers.

Just use light containers instead of cement and stone containers that will end up compacting the soil underneath them. Another way to lighten the containers is to cover the bottom with something like empty plastic bottles, cut pool noodles, or other lightweight filler.

To solve the problem of water draining out of the bottom of the containers, plant succulents or other plants to absorb the runoff so it doesn’t soak the oak tree roots.

The Best Time To Plant Under Your Oak

Fall, or better yet, late fall is the best time to plant under your oak trees. It’s around this time and during winter when oak trees absorb most of the moisture they need for the year.

This time is also beneficial to the plants because it gives them time to get roots established for next year.

During the dry summer months, oak trees prefer to stay dry, and constant watering of new plants can cause fungal problems in them.

Plant Together When They Are Young

If it’s at all possible, plant oak trees and the plants you want underneath them together. Young oak trees are much more forgiving to environmental changes than older, established trees. It’s not unlike that grumpy grandpa we all know who can’t stand any kind of change to his routine.

You should still add mulch around the tree a few feet wide—be sure it’s not touching the trunk—so that the roots aren’t disturbed. As the tree trunk expands over the years, move the mulch bed out, and move the plants around it to compensate.

Watering Needs For New Plants Underneath Your Oak Tree

New plants need extra watering when they are planted, but you’re trying not to water too much underneath the oak tree because that can be detrimental. What do you do? You can still water new plants as long as you focus on the plants themselves.

Don’t use drip hoses or sprinklers. They will add way too much water to the oak tree which could be an issue.

You’ll have to water your new plants the old fashioned way by either bringing a hose out and only watering the plants themselves or use a watering can.

Another word of advice here is to water infrequently. Most of the plants on this list are drought tolerant and will handle dry periods, so you don’t have to water them every day. It’s best to give them light drinks of water every couple of days in the beginning and during times of extended droughts.

You should be careful when you are watering oaks, as it may promote the growth of moss. For more information, read our article about what to do if you find moss on your oak trees!

Wrapping Up!

To best accentuate the sensitive area underneath oak trees you should seek out native plants if at all possible that are tolerant of shade and dry conditions. Be sure you don’t disturb the oak tree’s roots or water it too much because doing so can be detrimental to the tree.

Using a natural mulch and leaving the leaves underneath the tree at least ten feet from the trunk is a good way to protect the roots. Then plant drought tolerant, shade accepting plants to bring out the natural beauty of your oak tree.

References

Grünwald, Niklaus J., et al. “Emergence of the sudden oak death pathogen Phytophthora ramorum.” Trends in microbiology 20.3 (2012): 131-138.

Pages, Loic. “Growth patterns of the lateral roots of young oak (Quercus robur) tree seedlings Relationship with apical diameter.” New Phytologist 130.4 (1995): 503-509.

Bridge, M. C., and V. Winchester. “An evaluation of standard oak tree growth in Ruislip woods, West London.” Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 134.1-2 (2000): 61-71.

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022

13 Plants Not To Grow Under A Willow Tree

Willow trees make an excellent addition to the landscape. Their wispy branches and narrow leaves make them attractive yard trees. If you’re thinking about planting something under your willow tree, you may wonder what will and will not grow under a willow tree.

Plants that should not be planted under a willow tree include cotoneaster, mums, asparagus, leopard plant, dahlia, lupines, sedum, lilac, sage, peonies, forget-me-not, magnolia bush, and passion flower. These plants will either not grow or will struggle to flower under a willow tree.

Sprucing up the space under a willow tree adds plenty of ornamental value. Below, we’ll go over all the plants you can and can’t grow under a willow tree.

Why Do Some Plants Struggle Under A Willow Tree?

Some plants do fantastic in the landscape, but as soon as you plant them under a willow tree they begin to struggle. What gives?

The conditions under a willow tree are:

Shady
High competition for water
High competition for nutrients
Possibility of flooding
Fast-draining soil

Willow trees are known for being tolerant of flood conditions and they’re also typically located near a stream or river.

The reason willows love being near water is that their roots are shallow and spreading as opposed to those that penetrate deep into the soil. This makes it easier for the tree to obtain water and nutrients.

Water and nutrients aren’t the only determining factor of willow tree success. A study reported in the Journal of Environmental Management found that soil texture was the main factor when determining the success of black willow tree growth along stream banks.

Specifically, willow trees grow BEST in sandy soils that are gritty and well-draining. They do the worst in silt and clay soils that stay wet.

If a plant requires full sun, is a heavy feeder, requires a lot of water, or prefers to sit in constantly-wet soil, it will not do well under a willow tree.

Plants You Shouldn’t Grow Beneath A Willow Tree

According to Oregon State University, North America is home to about 90 different types of willow trees.

Each willow has its preference for soil, moisture level, and nutrient requirements. For the most part, willow trees prefer to grow near water in sandy soil and prefer full sun conditions.

Plants that are heavy feeders, require full sun, and/or prefer wet soil should not be planted under a willow tree.

Let’s check out all the plants you can cross off your list of what to grow under a willow tree.

Depending on what type of willow you have, you may want to choose different plants. Read more about this in our article about the differences between willows and weeping willows.

Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster is a shrub that should not be planted under a willow tree. Though it is pretty when it blooms and beneficial to wildlife, this evergreen is not meant to be paired with a willow tree.

Cotoneaster shrubs prefer full sun and do not do well in flooding conditions. We mention flooding conditions because many willow trees grow best in areas that occasionally flood.

In addition to sun and water requirements, cotoneaster grows too large to fit under a willow tree. According to North Carolina State University, cotoneaster will grow between 6 and 10 feet tall.

Chrysanthemum

When fall comes around and every other plant seems to be wilting away, mums bring in a flash of bright color to cheer us up.

With a height of only 1 to 3 feet tall, mums would fit perfectly under a willow tree. Unfortunately, there are a few obstacles that make mums a poor companion to willow trees.

Mums prefer full sun and will struggle in the shade of a willow tree. Besides their sun requirements, mums are also heavy feeders, meaning they require a lot of nutrients to thrive.

Being a heavy feeder means that mums will struggle when trying to compete with a full-grown willow tree for nutrients. They may also steal vital nutrients that would otherwise be used by the willow.

Annual mums could potentially survive under a willow tree for a single fall season but if you plan to make them perennials, they just won’t make it.

Asparagus

If you have a willow tree planted near your garden, there are a few vegetable plants that are going to struggle. Asparagus is one of them.

For how small asparagus is in stores, the plant is quite large. According to the University of New Hampshire, asparagus roots can reach down as far as 15 feet! For this reason alone, asparagus cannot grow well under or near a willow tree.

In addition to its deep root system, asparagus also requires full sun, at least 8 hours a day. Asparagus are also heavy feeders and will struggle when competing against a willow tree for nutrients.

Leopard Plant

Ligularia przewalskii plant is often grown near water

Also known as ligularia, leopard plants have shiny, attractive foliage and produce yellow flowers in the fall.

This evergreen perennial can survive in partial shade and will struggle if given too much sun. While it’s not too picky about soil PH, leopard plants must be grown in consistently moist soil.

Willow trees may prefer to live near water sources, but they do not enjoy being consistently moist. For this reason, leopard plants are not a good fit for under a willow tree.

Dahlia

Dahlias are perennial flowering plants that produce beautiful big flowers in a range of colors in the summer and fall.

These eye-catching plants check off almost all the requirements to be planted under a willow tree. They prefer sandy, well-drained soil. They’re the appropriate height growing between 1 and 6 feet and they’re low-maintenance.

Unfortunately, dahlia’s prefer full sun and do best when they get at least 6 hours per day. That being said, dahlias would be a good choice to plant around a willow tree if it is far enough away to receive full sun.

Lupine

Lupines are adored by gardeners and homeowners for their unique shape and colorful flowers. They can be grown as annuals or perennials and will bloom at different times depending on the species.

Lupines prefer coarse-textured soils similar to willow trees, but they require full sun to thrive. Lupines are also heavy feeders that will compete with your willow tree for nutrients.

Another thing to note about lupines is that they will not tolerate alkaline soils (high PH). This makes them a bit tricky to plant unless you are willing to perform a soil test.

Sedum

Sedum is a groundcover plant that is often mistaken for a stone crop because it grows readily in rocky and stony areas.

According to North Carolina State University, sedum is a perennial that requires full sun, making it a poor companion plant to a willow tree. Sedum also has a low tolerance for flooding and wet conditions, which can happen often around a willow tree.

Sedum has a lot of positive attributes that make it an attractive plant for the landscape. It blooms yellow flowers in late spring to early summer and requires very little soil.

Sedum requires little nutrients and water and only grows to about 9 inches in height, making it a great plant to fit in tight spaces.

Lilac

Good old lilacs have been around for years and are a favorite in the landscape for their fragrant flowers of pastel pinks, purples, and whites.

Lilacs are shrubs that can grow up to 15 feet tall if left unmaintained. Their height makes them a poor companion to a willow tree.

In addition to their height, lilacs prefer full sun conditions. If they are planted in shade or partial shade they can develop powdery mildew.

Lilacs are better used as large border plants or hedge plants for a natural privacy fence.

Sage

Even though sage is an herb, it can be grown as a flower if you don’t plan on using it as a spice. If allowed to flower, sage produces purple-blue flowers.

According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, sage does best in a sunny location and will struggle if placed in the shade.

Peonies

Peonies are perennial plants that produce gorgeous flowers of red, white, yellow, pink, and purple. Peonies are long-lived and come back year after year.

There are a few reasons why peonies will not do well under a willow tree. One important fact is that peonies may not flower if they have to compete against willow roots for space, water, and nutrients.

An article in the New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science found that after just 9 months, willow tree roots can grow up to 18 feet laterally. With such fast growth, it’s no wonder they outcompete peonies and a host of other plants!

Additionally, peonies do BEST in full sun conditions. They can tolerate light shade, but will not bloom as many flowers and will struggle beneath the shade of a willow tree.

Forget-Me-Not

They’re named ‘forget-me-not’ for a reason! These short-lived perennials produce attractive pastel-blue flowers that you won’t soon forget.

Forget-me-nots can also be planted as an annual. They grow to about a foot, making them the right size to fit under a tree. However, these flowering plants will not thrive under a willow tree.

While forget-me-nots can survive with as little as 2 hours of sun per day, they prefer full sun and will not bloom as well when planted in the shade. Forget-me-nots also prefer consistently moist soil, which can be a problem when willow tree roots will suck up all the water.

Magnolia Bush

Magnolia is a large group encompassing over 100 different species. Some are trees while others are bushes.

Here, we’ll be talking about the magnolia bush. This deciduous plant blooms in late winter and early spring, producing beautiful star-shaped flowers.

According to North Carolina State University, the magnolia bush prefers full sun and does best with consistently moist soils.

Magnolia bushes will not survive under a willow tree if the tree is subject to flooding. Magnolia cannot tolerate flooding or extreme drought, making it a poor choice to plant under a willow tree.

Besides its inability to adapt to flood conditions, magnolia bushes can also grow over 20 feet tall. Unless you are dedicated to pruning it every year, it is too tall to fit under a willow tree.

Passion Flower

Passion flowers will give any landscape a tropical feel. Though these plants are native to Florida, they can grow in hardiness zones 6 through 11, which overlap with some of the willow tree’s territory.

These perennial vining flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making them a perfect plant for a butterfly garden.

While passion flowers are tolerant of many different conditions and are considered easy to grow, they will struggle under a willow tree. They may even be harmful.

Passion flowers are vines that will grow as tall and wide as the object they are growing on. If planted under a willow tree, they may climb up the tree, which can stunt growth and choke out smaller branches.

If you are willing to commit to constant pruning, passion flowers can be planted near willow trees as they are low-maintenance and can tolerate both shade and drought/flood conditions.

What Plants Can Live Under A Willow Tree?

Now that we know what can’t grow under a willow tree, let’s talk a little bit about what can grow under these stately trees.

Plants that grow under a willow tree will need to be low-maintenance, shade-tolerant, flood-tolerant, and adaptable to different soil types.

Some of the plants that will thrive under a willow tree include:

Solomon’s seal
Daffodils
Laminium
Lily of the valley
Lamb’s Ear
Sword Ferns
Hosta
Viola
Jack in the pulpit
Ajuga
Feverfew
Pulmonaria
Gooseneck loosetrife
Foxglove

These plants are low-maintenance and shade tolerant. Some are tolerant of flood conditions if your willow tree is planted on or near an area that sees occasional floods.

How To Help Plants Thrive Under A Willow Tree

The environment under a willow tree is too harsh for most plants, but there are quite a few exceptions!

Shade-tolerant plants that are low-maintenance and require little water will thrive under a willow tree and will not over-compete for nutrients.

However, life is still rough trying to thrive beneath a tree. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your willow tree AND your plants stay happy and healthy:

Give plants enough water: Willow trees use A LOT of water per day. When you place another plant under a weeping willow, it may use some of the water your willow tree needs. Be sure to water your tree and new landscape plants frequently.

Apply fertilizer when necessary: Established willow trees do not need to be fertilized, but if you notice your tree looking a little droopy, it may be competing for nutrients with the plants you put beneath it.

Apply a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer to spruce up your willow tree and landscape plants.

Choose the right location: If the plant you’ve chosen does best in dense shade, pick a spot that receives the least sun. If it needs only partial shade, pick the place beneath your willow that receives the most sun.

You may also want to keep wildlife away from these plants and your tree. Specifically, snakes love willow trees. You can learn more about keeping snakes away from your willow tree here!

Alternative Options For Under A Willow Tree

If you’re not so sure about planting flowers beneath your willow tree, you have other options to make the space underneath look super nice yet remain low-maintenance.

Plant Grass Under Willow Trees

Willow tree by the Pond with the mirroring on the surface

One option is to simply plant grass under your willow tree. A shade tolerant blend like Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Dense Shade Mix comes in a 7-lb bag. The seeds will sprout with just 3 hours of sun per day and will cover up to 1,750 square feet.

The same brand comes in a smaller 3-lb bag in case you only have a small area to cover under your willow tree.

One negative thing with grass is that it can attract snakes. If you are having this problem, you should give our article on 4 ways to keeps snakes away from willows a read.

Use Landscape Fabric And Decorative Stones

Another option is to strip away the existing grass under your willow tree and create a rocky landscape instead of a flower-themed landscape.

Place landscape fabric around the willow tree, making sure not to get too close to the trunk. ECOgardener’s Premium 5oz Pro Garden Weed Barrier Landscape Fabric comes in a 3’ x 50’ roll that can be cut to fit the shape under your willow tree.

Make sure to strip away the existing grass first so you can start with a blank slate. Once you place the fabric down, search for some decorative stones or pebbles that will look nice beneath your willow tree.

Midwest Hearth Natural Decorative Polished White Stones are an excellent choice. The soft white color will blend naturally with the environment while at the same time stand out as a stunning piece of landscape artwork!

For a more natural look, go with smooth river rocks in shades of brown, black, and grey. River rocks also go with the willow tree theme as they are found in or near water sources.

Mulch Around Your Willow Tree

Mulch can be beneficial to have around your landscape trees and plants. It helps keep plants warm in the winter and will retain moisture to prevent trees from drying out.

Instead of worrying about flowers, landscape fabric, or grass, you can simply mulch the area around your willow tree.

Keep the mulch at least 6 inches away from the trunk to avoid over-moisturizing the trunk, which can promote rot and cause fungus to develop.

Mulching will help keep weeds down for a season or two, but eventually, weeds will pop up between the mulching. You can prevent this by laying down landscape fabric under the mulch.

That’s All For Now!

Willow trees are amazing landscape specimens that thrive near waterways. Whether you have a massive weeping willow or a small Bebb willow, they certainly catch the eyes of all who pass!

Planting beneath a willow tree can be tricky. Plants that prefer full sun, are heavy feeders, or require lots of water will struggle under the dense shade of a willow tree.

Now, for a quick recap:

The plants you should not grow under a willow tree include:

Cotoneaster
Mums
Asparagus
Leopard plant
Dahlia
Lupine
Sedum
Lilac
Sage
Peonies
Forget-me-not
Magnolia bush
Passion Flower

All of these will struggle if planted under a willow tree. Instead, you’ll want to look for lower-maintenance plants that don’t mind sitting in the shade.

Best of luck on your willow tree journey!

References

Cao, Y., Repo, T., Silvennoinen, R., Lehto, T., & Pelkonen, P. (2011, January). Analysis of the willow root system by electrical impedance spectroscopy. Journal of Experimental Botany, 62(1), 351-358.

Doffo, G. N., Monteoliva, S. E., Rodriguez, M. E., & Luquez, V. M.C. (2016, October 03). Physiological responses to alternative flooding and drought stress episodes in two willows (Salix spp.) clones. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 47(2), 174-182.

Larsen, M., & Trapp, S. (2006, February 07). Uptake of Iron Cyanide Complexes into Willow Trees. Journal of Environmental Science Technology, 40(6), 1956-1961.

Phillips, C.J., Marden, M. & Suzanne, L.M. Observations of root growth of young poplar and willow planting types. N.Z. j. of For. Sci. 44, 15 (2014).

Schaff, S. D., Pezeshki, S. R., & Shields Jr., F. D. (2003). Effects of Soil Condition on Survival and Growth of Black Willow Cuttings. Environmental Management, 31, 748-763. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00267-002-2909-y

By Zack DeAngelis
August 29, 2022