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What can I grow a border under a tree.
I have a very large Copper Beech tree and would like suggestions on what plants I can grow in a border around it. It gets sun only after 2 pm. I have perenial poppies, hardy geraniums and Crocosmia growing there. There are large roots obviously and I can dig planting pockets between them. I have added lots of compost and spare soil to raise the depth of soil but still it's only about a foot deep. I'm desperate to fill this border with plants and would be grateful for any ideas.
Last edited: 28 July 2016 20:34:08
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Brunnera, Ajuga, Vinca - major and minor, are a few you could try. Do not pile too much soil over the root area of the tree as it can be detrimental to the tree.
I've been considering heuchera for a shady spot in our garden - would that work for you? Lots of great colour in the foliage
Thanks Ladybird and Claire for these suggestions. I have some Vinca minor in a pot, some Ajuga and several Heucheras in another border which I can split and transplant. I suppose it's trial and error really to see what will be happy there. We raised the crown of the Beech last year to allow more light into this area of the garden. I've started Hollyhock, Lupin, and Delphinium seed for next year. Do you think some of these would be suitable there. I shall keep them in the cold greenhouse over the winter.
No, they all require a greater depth of soil than is likely under the tree and far more light. I'd certainly try the heuchera. Then there are epimediums and several different ferns and hostas, but they'll need a good start to get established. Once they're going, though, they'll be entirely fitting for the situation, cope well with the drier conditions and the hostas shouldn't get 'slugged'.
H-C
It will depend very much on how dry the soil is, I should think. I have a shady border with a beech hedge behind and some smaller trees and shrubs and grow pulmoneria, hellebores, aconitum, lily of the valley, aruncus, as well as many of the things mentioned above. The sunnier parts will support lupins, and delphiniums and even a paeony (spelling?) although the slugs are a problem, but the real issue is moisture. My clay soil supplies the hedge and the plants but sandy soil might not.
Thanks Hortum and Posy, great suggestions. I have Hostas that I want to split and move, I will transplant some of the Heucheras. I will buy some hardy ferns and I like epimediums. I now have quite a shopping list!! But I am grate
?I am grateful for your help.
Last edited: 29 July 2016 08:07:05