Every hobby gardener knows: ATree in the gardenis an absolute eye-catcher. In order to stage it effectively, the area under the tree should also be planted. This proves to be a major challenge because, on the one hand, such areas are in the shade and, on the other hand, the soil there is nutrient-poor and dry. In addition, the area is often difficult to access. In this case, evergreen ground cover plants are ideal as planting partners because they are pleasing to the eye all year round. We give you various ideas about what grows in the deep shade under conifers and which sturdy ground cover plants are particularly suitable for the front garden.
You have a beautiful oneConiferous tree in the garden, but the area below appears empty. This doesn't have to be the case, because with the right type of ground cover you can transform the bare spot into an attractive area. Despite the dense shade and dry and acidic soil, the hobby gardener has several options to choose from.
Plant cranesbills under fir trees
If you have a fir treewant to underplant, then you should choose a cranesbill species. Depending on how large the tree is and how deep the shade is, there are several varieties to choose from. For large fir trees, the Balkan cranesbill or the knotty cranesbill are ideal. The two plants thrive in shady locations and can easily withstand drought. In addition, the two varieties are very fast-growing and can form a carpet around the tree in just one year.
Planting under spruce: Rasenschmiele
The spruce is a true sun worshipper. The tree prefers a location in the sun, but also grows well in partial shade or light shade. The perfect planting partner for the spruce is the raspberry. It grows well in both partial and deep shade. This is very important because the spruce is a fast-growing conifer. Therefore, the lighting conditions will also change over the years. But the turfgrass will do anything as long as the soil is moderately moist. If the heat continues in summer, you should check it regularly and water the plant if necessary.
Underplanting for conifers: Plant the snow marbel under pine trees
The snow marbel is a plant from the genus of grove ledges. Although in this case it is a native grass, it reaches a maximum height of about 40 cm and is therefore slightly ground-covering. The flowering period begins in June. Then the snow marbel produces many white panicle-shaped flowers. A location in light shade or partial shade proves to be optimal. The pine tree grows up to 40 cm per year, making the grass suitable for underplanting in the first few years.
Ground cover for shade: The giant sedge grows under cypress trees
The small-growing varieties of giant sedge grow up to 50 cm high. Because the plant is overhanging, it is perfect as an alternative to lower ground cover plants and is the perfect planting partner for cypresses. The optimal location is in partial shade and on the edge of the trees. In order for the grass to retain its green color all year round, it needs moist soil. Therefore, you should water it all year round.
Ground cover for deep shade under trees: These plants grow well under trees
Only a few plants can withstand the low light and the high root competition. But the next ground cover plants get by with little water and are carpet-forming.
- The fat manis an evergreen ground cover that is ideal for shady locations. It can easily tolerate the root pressure of large trees.
- The evergreen bearberry(also known as bearberry) forms a dense carpet. The plant reaches a height of 25 cm and produces flowers in spring. The evergreen bearberry is very adaptable and thrives in both full sun and partial shade.
Here you can find other hardy ground cover plants for shade.
Ground cover for the front garden
In hard-to-reach corners and in places with little light where a lawn cannot thrive, hard-wearing ground cover can be used as a lawn replacement. They offer an optimal solution for the front garden, which is accessed and driven on every day. Where you can use them: as a connecting element between the wood, garden path and house entrance. This allows you to plant the area around the tread plates.
Walkable evergreen ground cover: The dwarf feathery cushion
The dwarf feather pad reaches a maximum height of 5 cm and quickly forms a carpet. It is a true survivor and feels comfortable in partial shade as well as in the sun. Provided that the soil is permeable and moderately moist. Plant the ground cover at the end of summer so that it can benefit from regular rainfall. The dwarf plumage will then spread throughout the fall and spring.
Trafficable ground cover for shade: Roman carpet chamomile
The Roman carpet chamomile is a resilient and robust ground cover that is ideal as a lawn replacement. The “Treneague” variety is evergreen, hardy and tolerates dry soil well. However, it needs sufficient nutrients so that it can grow and spread quickly. Depending on your needs, you can fertilize them once before the start of the summer season. Otherwise the plant is very easy to care for. Since it has shallow roots, there is no root competition with the trees.
Tough ground cover for shade: star moss
Star moss is a popular option for greening panel joints. The moss thrives in moist and shady areas as well as in dry and shady areas. In summer it produces countless white star-shaped flowers - hence its name “star moss”. The moss is sturdy, hardy and extremely easy to care for.
