Introduction

Crabapple trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, with their delicate spring blossoms and colorful fruit. But what can you plant under a crabapple tree to add even more interest and beauty to your yard? This article will explore some great options for underplanting your crabapple tree.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are a great option for planting under a crabapple tree, as they can create a lush, low-growing carpet of foliage that won't compete with the tree's shallow roots. Some great groundcover options for under a crabapple tree include:

Creeping phlox: This low-growing, evergreen groundcover is perfect for sunny spots under a crabapple tree, and produces masses of colorful flowers in the spring.

Ajuga: Also known as bugleweed, this spreading groundcover produces spikes of blue or purple flowers in the spring, and can tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions.

Deadnettle: This shade-loving groundcover produces soft, silvery leaves and spikes of pink, purple, or white flowers in the spring.

Perennials

Perennial plants are a great way to add color and interest to the area under your crabapple tree, and many perennials thrive in the dappled shade provided by the tree's canopy. Some great options for underplanting with perennials include:

Lungwort: This shade-loving perennial produces clusters of pink, purple, or blue flowers in the spring, and has interesting, speckled foliage throughout the growing season.

Bleeding heart: With its delicate, heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems, bleeding heart is a classic choice for underplanting a crabapple tree. It prefers partial to full shade and moist soil.

Hosta: Available in a huge range of sizes, colors, and textures, hostas are a fantastic choice for underplanting a crabapple tree. They prefer partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil.

Bulbs

Planting bulbs under your crabapple tree can provide early season interest, with flowers blooming long before the tree's leaves begin to appear. Some great bulb options for under a crabapple tree include:

Crocus: These small, brightly colored bulbs are some of the first plants to bloom in the spring, and look great when planted in large drifts under a crabapple tree.

Daffodils: With their cheerful yellow, white, and orange flowers, daffodils add a burst of color to the area under a crabapple tree, and provide a good source of spring nectar for pollinators.

Grape hyacinth: These low-growing, easy-to-grow bulbs produce clusters of blue, purple or white flowers in the spring, and naturalize well under a crabapple tree.

Conclusion

Planting under a crabapple tree can be a bit challenging due to the tree's shallow roots and dense canopy, but with a little planning and the right plants, you can create a beautiful and interesting landscape. Whether you choose groundcovers, perennials, or bulbs (or a combination of all three!), the key is to choose plants that can tolerate partial shade and shallow soil, and that won't compete with the tree for water and nutrients. Happy planting!