What Can I Plant Under Apple Trees

Apple trees are a delightful addition to any garden, providing not only delicious fruit but also a striking visual element. If you're wondering what plants you can grow under apple trees, the good news is that several options are available.

1. Groundcovers

Groundcovers are ideal choices for planting under apple trees that can help control erosion, reduce weed growth and retain moisture. Some popular groundcovers to consider include creeping thyme, vinca minor, and ajuga.

Creeping thyme is particularly good for underplanting apple trees as it can withstand light foot traffic, and its roots are shallow enough that they won't interfere with the tree's roots. Meanwhile, vinca minor and ajuga both have attractive foliage and vibrant flowers, making them a colorful choice to add to the understory of an apple tree.

2. Herbs

Herbs are another excellent option for planting under apple trees that can serve a dual purpose - adding foliage and flowers while also offering a bounty of fresh herbs for cooking or baking. Some good choices include chives, lemon balm, and mint.

Chives are particularly easy to grow under apple trees as they thrive in full sun and can tolerate drought, making them less trouble to maintain. Additionally, lemon balm and mint require rich soil and regular watering, but they too offer a fragrant and flavorful addition to any garden that's well worth the effort.

3. Annual Flowers

If you're looking for a more colorful display under your apple tree, consider planting annual flowers such as impatiens, petunias or marigolds. These plants bloom profusely throughout the growing season and can add a vibrant pop of color to your apple orchard.

While annual flowers require a bit more work to maintain than some other options, their fleeting beauty can make it more than worthwhile. Just be sure to choose varieties that aren't susceptible to disease or pests, which can quickly spread to your apple tree.

4. Bulbs

Finally, bulbs are an excellent choice for planting under apple trees as they offer early-season color before the apple tree's leaves emerge. Daffodils, crocuses, and snowdrops are all fantastic bulbs to consider, and they require minimal maintenance once planted.

Of course, you'll need to time your planting to ensure that the bulbs don't interfere with the apple tree's growth, but with careful planning, you can enjoy a lovely and colorful garden display for years to come.

Ultimately, the choices for what to plant under an apple tree are limited only by your imagination and the growing conditions of your orchard. Whether you opt for groundcovers, herbs, annuals, or bulbs, planting under apple trees can add beauty and function to any garden.