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Suggestions for plants under Thuja trees?

louise.whittington100louise.whittington100 Posts: 40
in Problem solving
Hi all

At the bottom of our garden there is a row of Thuja trees with a space behind of approximately 4m deep to the back fence where there are some Sycamores (photo attached) and I'd like to create more of a woodland feel there but have no idea what plants (if any) will grow under these conditions??  Suggestions please!?  We do get some dappled shade on a sunny day but the soil is dry and laden with Thuja needles (on Clay soil).  Sycamore seeds however grow really well there! Also a little Ivy and Geraniums near the sunnier entrance/path.  Also at the "garden side" of the Thuja row of trees there is a border where I'd like to plant some bulbs maybe (but not exclusively - all suggestions welcome) but am not sure what might grow there either due to the Thuja and shade - it borders a lawn. This faces South but is quite shady most of the day.  

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited August 2023
    @louise.whittington100 I have worked in a garden with the same problems. If plants such as Euphobia robbiae, Vinca, Phlaris. Geranium Macrorrhizum wood anemones, Japanese Anemones, Euonymous Emerald an Gold, ferns for dry soil won't grow, it is possible that you won't be able to grow anything in such dry shady conditions.
    I wouldn't spend money on this project but beg a few plants and have a go.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    A few large pots strategically placed might work, perhaps with different ferns or hostas.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • louise.whittington100louise.whittington100 Posts: 40
    Hi both, thanks for responding! Much appreciated.  I might try a few old plastic pots to see what happens but have got Ger. Macorrhizum elsewhere in the garden so might try moving some down there.  I also have some big ferns - does anyone know if you can divide/move them easily???
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited September 2023
    Depending on the type of fern, yes they can be divided @louise.whittington100 . This RHS guide should help.  Have a look at the Propagating section:

    growing-guide
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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