It's no secret that the location of your plants in the garden plays an important role in ensuring they thrive. Some plants need less sun, while others need less. But the soil is also important and more specifically the pH value, which makes the areas under conifers a problem zone for plants. Because the needles there ensure an acidic soil. Accordingly, you need plants that like acidic soil. Lime-loving plants are not particularly suitable. In addition, the ground under firs and spruces, but also other coniferous trees and the arborvitae and yews, is relatively dry and the sun usually has difficulty or cannot penetrate through the trees. So that you don't have to take drastic measures and tear out the conifers, we have some ideas about what types of plants can grow underneath them. Remember that even with shade-loving plants, it is always best that at least some sun can penetrate the trees.
As you can imagine, plants that also grow in the forest are of course suitable. These include, for example, forest shrubs and -grasses. The species we would like to name have adapted perfectly to the special properties of the soil. Here are a few ideas and suitable types:
Storchschnabel (Geranium)
The flowers of the cranesbill can have a different shape depending on the subspecies and appear between May and September. The colors are shades of purple or pink. When choosing, make sure you choose a species that can tolerate the shade. Some varieties prefer full sun. The plant is well suited as a ground cover.
Bärenfell-Schwingel(Festuca gautieri)
The bearskin fescue is well suited for this. This type of grass has an attractive spherical shape and a strong color, which makes it impressive both as a single plant and in groups. The plant particularly enjoys the dry soil under conifers. Regular fertilization is important.
Do it
Ferns are becoming increasingly popular, especially in modern garden design. The reason for this is that they are relatively undemanding. For this reason, these plants are also very welcome among conifers.
Waldschmiele(Deschampsia cespitosa)
Like all grasses, this attractive species can be chosen. The flowers have a golden brown color and are pleasing to the eye for a very long time. The plant is hardy and can be cut to size as desired. Otherwise, as a plant under conifers, this type of grass can reach a height of up to 120 cm.
Common plants
Despite the more special requirements, special plants do not have to be used straight away. There are also typical garden plants that are usually planted in other locations, but are still suitable as plants under conifers. Examples include:
BeetroseBonica
This gorgeous rose has large pink flowers that grow in clusters. Since it is very easy to care for, it can also be used for this purpose. With their help, you will undoubtedly get a real eye-catcher in your garden.
Bee friend(Phacelia)
The flower has its name for good reason. Not only does it attract bees, but it is also very popular with other insects such as butterflies and bumblebees. Since this is an annual plant, you can decide every year whether you want to plant it again. The flowers have a pretty light purple color.
Five finger bush(Potentilla fruticosa)
Its pretty yellow flowers instantly make every corner of the garden look prettier. Instead of yellow flowers, you can also choose white ones. A great option is of course to combine both colors together. In shady areas, bright colors such as white and yellow are beneficial as they make the entire atmosphere brighter and friendlier.
Cotoneaster(Cotoneaster)
The cotoneaster is a low shrub that produces pretty, red fruits. There are evergreen species that are often used as ground cover. So if you plant this variety, they will delight you not only with pretty green leaves, but also with red accents.
Bergen(Bergenia)
It is best to combine several colors with this plant. The pretty flower is available in pink, white and red. It should be noted that they must be guaranteed at least partial shade. So a dense shade is not suitable for you because you love the sun very much.
Spiraea (Spiraeachamaedryfolia)
With the spar bush you get the feeling as if there is snow on the branches even in the warm summer months. The reason for this is the pretty, white flowers that grow spherical on the branches. It is best to choose an area near the fence for the location. With a growth height of up to two meters and dense branch growth, it is perfect as a privacy screen in both summer and winter.
dwarf gorse(Chamaecytisus)
The dwarf broom also comes in different colors. Choose between pink, yellow or white flowers. The plant does very well in dry soil, but partial shade is important. Use the hardy and easy-care plants as ground cover.
Succulentsplant
Succulents are known for their undemanding nature, which makes them the perfect plant for beginners. Now it's perhaps no surprise that they also do well as plants under conifers. Of course, the best locations are those that get some sun. In full shade the plants will not die, but they are unlikely to bloom.
Stonecrop(Sedumacre)
When it comes to the stonecrop, it should be noted that, like all other types of succulents, it loves strong and long-term sunlight. For this reason, at least partial shade must be guaranteed. If there is not enough light for them, they lose their pretty colors and their growth also becomes sparser.
Dachwurz(Forever)
The Dachwurz impresses with its pretty rosettes, which gradually spread out. This makes the plant a popular ground cover that also thrives in planters. Partial shade is again preferable when planting. If this very easy-care plant feels good, it will also bloom in the summer.
Alpine plants
You can also plant plants that are used to design the rock garden under conifers. You can particularly plant the front area around the tree with them. At least some sun is an advantage, but not mandatory. With their help you can make the floor pretty, because they are excellent ground cover plants.
