Low growing cover under trees.

whollydavesmith · September 2021

I have two large sycamores at the bottom of the garden, and the soil underneath is very dry. there were bluebells there when we first moved in, and I have planted lots of other spring bulbs. It looks great for a couple of months, but then dies down and looks very bare from about June. I tried grass, but it was far too tall for the crocuses and snowdrops, and it's too dry for moss. What can I grow as low ground cover that allows the bulbs to come through, and still looks good after they die back?

Nanny Beach · September 2021

Can we have a picture. Dry shade is notoriously difficult
Bluebells bring wood land plants prefer damp shade. The only thing I have managed to grow in these conditions is hardy geraniums.

Pianoplayer · September 2021

Hi - some of the native ferns are OK under trees. Here are some examples:
https://www.plantsforshade.co.uk/acatalog/Ferns_Suitable_for_Dry_Shade.html

As Nanny says, some of the woodland hardy geraniums are also possible:
https://hardygeraniumnursery.co.uk/2019/09/08/geraniums-for-shade/

Fairygirl · September 2021

Geraniums and suitable ferns are the best solution. Some saxifrages will also grow - S. x urbium [London Pride] will cope if you get it established.

Low growing cover under trees.

Posts