Illustrative Examples
Perennials to plant under trees – The following examples showcase perennial plants ideally suited for the challenging conditions beneath trees, demonstrating the visual impact achievable through careful plant selection and combination. These examples highlight the importance of considering leaf texture, flower color, and plant height for creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing understory. Failure to do so can result in a visually chaotic and ultimately unsuccessful planting scheme.
Perennial Plant Examples, Perennials to plant under trees
The visual success of an under-tree planting scheme hinges on the careful selection of plants capable of thriving in low-light conditions. Ignoring this fundamental principle will inevitably lead to disappointing results. Here are three examples of plants well-suited to this purpose.
Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger): This plant boasts heart-shaped, dark green leaves that form a dense groundcover. The leaves themselves provide significant textural interest, creating a rich, earthy backdrop. Its inconspicuous, reddish-brown flowers are hidden amongst the foliage, offering a subtle contrast. The low-growing, spreading habit of Wild Ginger makes it ideal for filling in spaces under trees where other plants struggle.
Hosta spp. (Hostas): Hostas offer a wide variety of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, providing significant design flexibility. From the lanceolate leaves of Hosta ‘Blue Angel’ to the broadly ovate leaves of Hosta ‘Frances Williams’, the range of textures and colors allows for a tailored aesthetic. Their flowering stalks, bearing bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, lavender, or purple, add vertical interest to the planting scheme.
The consistent performance of Hostas, even in shade, makes them a cornerstone of many under-tree plantings.
Epimedium spp. (Barrenwort): Epimedium varieties display a remarkable diversity in foliage, boasting leaves that range from simple heart shapes to intricately divided, fern-like forms. Their flowers, often heart-shaped themselves, appear in a range of colors including yellow, red, and pink, adding splashes of vibrant color to the typically subdued understory. Their ability to spread slowly but surely makes them excellent choices for filling gaps and suppressing weeds.
Planting Combination Examples
Effective planting combinations require careful consideration of color harmony, textural contrast, and plant height. Neglecting these factors can result in a visually unappealing and ultimately unsuccessful design. The following combinations demonstrate the principles of successful under-tree planting.
Combination 1: This combination features the bold, textured leaves of Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’ as a backdrop. The large, heart-shaped leaves provide a strong foundation. The bright yellow flowers of Corydalis lutea spill forth from amongst the Hostas, providing a striking contrast. Finally, the delicate, airy foliage of Tiarella cordifolia adds a fine textural element, softening the overall appearance.
This combination provides a rich tapestry of texture and color.
Combination 2: A predominantly blue and silver combination utilizes the silvery foliage of Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ as a foundation. This is complemented by the blue-green leaves of Pulmonaria ‘Azurea’, providing a cool, calming palette. Adding pops of white from Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’ provides a delicate contrast and adds vertical interest. The resulting planting scheme is both sophisticated and visually calming.
Combination 3: This combination focuses on creating a warm, inviting feel. The deep green foliage of Heuchera ‘Chocolate Ruffles’ forms a rich base. The orange-red flowers of Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ provide a vibrant contrast, while the creamy white flowers of Dicentra spectabilis add a touch of elegance. This combination creates a visually warm and inviting space, perfect for a shady garden corner.
General Inquiries: Perennials To Plant Under Trees
What are the best times of year to plant perennials under trees?
Spring and fall are generally ideal, allowing roots to establish before extreme heat or cold.
How can I prevent weeds from competing with my perennials?
Apply a thick layer of mulch to suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture.
My soil is very compacted under the trees. How can I improve it?
Aerate the soil with a garden fork or tiller and incorporate generous amounts of organic matter like compost.
What should I do if my perennials aren’t blooming well?
Ensure they are receiving adequate sunlight (even dappled shade is often sufficient), water regularly, and fertilize as needed. Consider soil testing to rule out nutrient deficiencies.
Selecting perennials for the dappled shade beneath trees requires careful consideration of light and soil conditions. A good starting point is to think about the visual impact; for instance, the elegant structure of a house plant umbrella tree can inspire choices for groundcover plants that complement its form. Therefore, choosing low-growing perennials that thrive in partial shade will best enhance the overall aesthetic of your garden.