Top 10 ‘toughies’ to grow under trees
2022-03-14T09:43:43+11:00
Growing plants under trees can be challenging. Steve Falcioni reveals 10 solid understorey performers.
Sprawling roots deprive neighbouring plants of water and nutrients, making the soil dry, even barren. And a canopy can cast deep shade, making it hard for plants underneath to photosynthesise and grow. So, what can you do? How about turning to plants that have adapted naturally to growing in these difficult conditions.
1. Bromeliads There are hundreds of bromeliads to choose from, including tiny earth stars (Cryptanthus spp.), right up to the giant Alcantarea species. Many grow as understorey plants in the wild. Billbergia, Vriesea, Aechmea, Neoregelia and Alcantarea species will also cope with cold conditions.
2. Bird’s-nest fern (Asplenium nidus, A. australasicum) A native epiphyte that adds elegance and a lush tropical vibe. Leaves on the cultivars ‘Crispy Wave’ and ‘Victoria’ have attractive ruffled edges. Best in shade or semi-shade.
3. Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) Impossible to kill, and loved for its large green leaves. It grows up to 60cm tall and 50cm wide, but it’s slow to spread, so buy extra plants to fill the area faster.
4. Clivia (Clivia miniata) This is one of the all-time classics for growing in dry shade. This bulbous plant with fleshy roots laughs at these conditions, and it rewards gardeners with brilliant orange and yellow flowers in spring.
5. Clumping plants Dianella, lomandra, liriope and mondo grass are commonly used by landscapers and councils in parks and commercial developments because they are tough customers. They also happen to look great, so add them to your list!
6. Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ This plant is indestructible, and has tough aerial roots. It will grow under trees in shady and sunny positions, but it looks best when protected from hot afternoon sun. Slowly grows to 1m high and wide.
7. Pigface (Carpobrotus spp.) This wonderful succulent groundcover will handle very poor soils and extended dry conditions. It produces large, daisy-like flowers in pink, purple, white or yellow. Best for full sun or semi-shade.
8. Silver plectranthus (Coleus argentatus) This native shrub (formerly, Plectranthus argentatus) has lovely silvery foliage to about 1m high and wide. Best in bright shade and milder climates.
9. Succulents Many sedums, crassulas, echeverias and gasterias can be found in the wild growing in bright shade at the bases of large cacti and trees, or between boulders. While they thrive in sunny pockets of the garden, they also grow well in semi-shade.
10. Vireya rhododendron (Vireya spp.) Semi-epiphytic, these aren’t bothered by root competition. Available in a range of flower colours, some fragrant. They grow to 2m tall; best in bright to semi-shade.
| WHAT ABOUT VEGIES? |
|---|
| A word of warning if you’re trying to grow vegies close to large trees: even if the area’s bathed in sunlight, you may find that you’re constantly battling hungry tree roots that find their way into the patch. Vegies need plenty of moisture and nutrients to thrive, and tree roots are drawn to both in the blink of an eye. It’s best to position your patch further away, or, if you have limited space, grow your vegies in wicking beds that are sealed at the base. That way, there’s no chance of invading tree roots |
Photo by iStock
