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Trying to grow plants/flowers underneath a palm tree.

hljdiment-HZZk2nRhljdiment-HZZk2nR Posts: 3
in Problem solving
The soli beneath my palm tree is day and lacks nutrients. The plants I have put beneath it have dies off or look very "tired". I have tried pansy's, lobelia, dahlias, red robin, white lilac, ferns, clematis  and lavender. The only ones that seem to grow well are the lilac lavender and clematis. These are around 5ft from the base of the palm tree, though the clematis is within a foot of the base. Any idea's please
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  • Jac19Jac19 Posts: 496
    I have the same problem, trying to grow in the dappled shade under the tree.  The ground is root logged.

    Adjuga is supposed to be able to do well in the shade.  You have to first dig a hole, taking the roots out as much as possible, and fill it with compost to allow the new plant to get its feet in the ground for a start, and get in there and fight it out from there.

    https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/ajuga-reptans-atropurpurea/classid.218/
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    If you have  only poor, dry soil on offer then you will need to select plants that can cope with those conditions. The only one in your list that does, is lavender, which needs Mediterranean conditions, though even this will need watering well until established. You don't say how much sun they will get, lavender will grow leggy and flower poorly if it doesn't get enough.
    Red robin and lilac grow into large shrubs and will be competing with the palm tree for water and nutrients, so not a suitable choice.
    Dahlias need a rich hearty soil with adequate moisture. Most ferns prefer some shade and a cool, damp situation, as do some clematis, which also need a decent level of nutrients to do well. Pansies are  usually annuals, as are lobelias,  and will struggle without good conditions to help them. Though there some perennial lobelias they require damp soil.
    Other Mediterranean plants include herbs such as rosemary and sage, which also has a purple leaved form. You could try some self seeding annuals like Erigeron karvinskianus or Californian poppies which are able to grow in drier soils. Don't waste your money, check the conditions things need first :)

  • Jac19Jac19 Posts: 496
    edited September 2021
    And I am currently working on getting these shade lovers established.   I have made a kind of raised bed of compost around the tree to let them get their feet in there and get a start.

    Geranium 'Patricia' 
    Geranium 'Orion'
    Geranium phaeum 'Samobor'
    Digitalis grandiflora
    Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae
    Bergenia 'Abendglut'
    Vinca minor 'Bowles Variety'

    dry-shade-plant-combination

    shade-lovers
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    @Buttercupdays has pretty much nailed it.   :)
    The only thing I'd add is, there are so many clematis, so you'd need to state which type you have to get advice. Planting a clematis so close will often result in it failing, even if it seems ok just now, because it depends enormously on the type, as to the care required.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Jac19Jac19 Posts: 496
    edited September 2021
    Lavenders might not flower, though.  They are full sun lovers and they need the sun to flower.  However, some lavenders are good for the foliage itself.

    I have researched and found the above selection to be shade lovers who do flower in dappled shade.  They have got their feet in the ground under my tree already.
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    For the OP.
    Remember this is a public forum, and any person can post, even if they have no experience.
    I would read past history of any poster before you take their advice.
    Any random nutter can pop up on a forum. :)
    Sunny Dundee
  • hljdiment-HZZk2nRhljdiment-HZZk2nR Posts: 3
    Hi Balgay Hill.
    I  understand your point, I have never been called  a "random nutter" before, but this is the first time I have asked a question on any type blog before. My wife started to have the GW magazine delivered several months ago and I have looked to that for some answers, none on palm trees though. I retired in March this year after 40 years in the railway and have always had a liking for gardening. We were given the palm tree by friends we met on holiday 15 years ago. I kept it in a pot until it out grew it, then planted it in the garden, not thinking it would cause issues with other plants. I have attached a photo that I hope explains it in more detail.
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    I'm sorry if you thought i meant you.
    That was not my intention.
    Sunny Dundee
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited September 2021
    Hello @hljdiment-HZZk2nR and welcome to the forum 😊 

    it may help to explain that @Balgay.Hill was talking to you as the OP = Original Poster … not talking about you. 

    Hope that explains. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited September 2021
    Have a look at Epimediums … so pretty and perfect for dry shade 

    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/beautiful-epimediums-to-grow/

    I think they’d look lovely there. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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