The ground under tall plants usually looks bare. You should think about underplanting there. A selection of plants and tips for planting can be found here.
Especially under trees, hedges, large shrubs and also some high-growing plants, the soil does not always look so nice or bare. However, you can visually enhance this significantly if you underplant the soil. It looks nice and you also avoid the roots becoming visible at some point, shadowed areas becoming covered with moss and unsightly weeds forming.
Basically, you should know that underplanting with shallow-rooted plants (e.g. hazelnut bushes, birches, etc.) is more difficult than with deep-rooted plants. Nevertheless, it is possible to plant flat roots underneath, which in turn means more moisture for the host plant.
Small selection of plants
Shade plants and robust ground covers are primarily suitable for underplanting. However, the variety of plants now available in specialist shops ensures far more scope for creating a pretty arrangement between the individual plants. Depending on the soil conditions and host plant, the following underplantings are suitable:
- In the shade of expansive treetops, you can use lilies of the valley, lady's mantle, spars, ferns, toad lilies, hostas, etc. for underplanting.
- If it is a light penumbra, you can also use begonias and fuchsias for effective underplanting.
- Damp soil conditions ensure underplanting with e.g. star umbels or ragwort.
- The well-known heralds of spring such as snowdrops, crocuses, small daffodils and grape hyacinths are suitable for planting under almost all trees and shrubs. But also autumn crocus, golden nettle and squill can find a place here.
- You can also use ivy for the underplanting, which will meander up the tree trunk at the same time.
- You can also pair almost all ground covers with light small shrubs, depending on their compatibility. Looks prettyan arrangement of different flowering groundcovers, which offer a harmonious picture at the same time as the flowering of rhododendrons, for example.
Planting tips
Tip 1 - Underplant trees:
If you are underplanting trees that naturally develop very strong roots, you should plant the small plants either in rotting pots or in small wooden boxes so that they cannot be crushed by the root pressure of the host plant.
Tip 2 - plant potted plants under:
You can also easily plant potted plants that grow upwards, such as rose trees. For example, mallow or gypsophila are suitable as underplanting. But even citrus trees, which are often housed in quite large planters, easily tolerate horned violets and the like next to them in the pot.
Tip 3 - fertilizing/watering:
You should also note that the plants used for underplanting must also be supplied with sufficient nutrients. With trees, you can easily use the falling leaves, which rot over the winter months and allow the plants to sprout with renewed vigour. On top of that, you don't have to rake up the leaves.
Important: Don't forget to water during longer periods of drought!