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Shade loving plants under Laurel

Dilip_UKDilip_UK Posts: 114
in Problem solving
I’ve posted in Garden Design including some pics of a large Laurel tree. I have been given great ideas of shade loving plants. However, Seems plants don’t grow under a Laurel as advised by some folks. I did come across hostas and ferns and planted them under the Laurel, so seems a waste of time. Are there any plants I can try. The Lauren is about 40 foot tall with a wide canopy. Currently the ground under the tree is bare. Considering either heavy trim or removal of the tree

Posts

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    Does the laurel not cover the ground around it? I have a laurel which I cut back from time to time, to contain it - it would like to take over the world - but you cannot see underneath it so there is no need to worry about planting under it.
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    It isn't just shade loving plants you need @dbhattuk, it's plants for a dry area as the laurel roots will be quite large and taking most of the moisture and goodness from the soil under it. I'm sure there are such plants but it's cutting your choices down considerably.
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As @Uff says - it'll be plants for dry shade which will suit best. Vinca will grow and some ferns are fine in that situation. Euphorbias, and some hardy geraniums will also cope, and many spring bulbs.
    This nursery specialises, so it may be worth browsing for ideas
    https://www.plantsforshade.co.uk/

    You'll still need to prepare the area with plenty of organic matter, and be very vigilant with watering until plants establish, because there's a lot of competition there. How well they do will depend on your ongoing care, and whether the end result is worth that effort.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Dilip_UKDilip_UK Posts: 114
    @Posy no it’s completely open, i can walk across the tree from the Center. Yes gonna cut down Laurel. 

    @Fairygirl, thanks for the tip, will prepare the area with organic matter. I need to have a rethink about the plants, is the Laurel stays. I am getting a tree surgeon to see if I should trim or cut down.
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