What to Plant Under a Magnolia Tree

Magnolia trees are beautiful and majestic trees that can add beauty to any landscape. Their large, fragrant flowers and glossy, dark green leaves are a sight to behold. However, when it comes to planting under a magnolia tree, the options can be limited due to the tree's shallow root system and dense shade. Here are some ideas for what to plant under a magnolia tree:

1. Shade-Tolerant Plants

Since magnolia trees provide dense shade, it's important to choose plants that can thrive in those conditions. Shade-tolerant plants like hostas, ferns, and heucheras are good options. These plants can add color and texture to the landscape while also enduring the tough conditions of growing under a magnolia tree. Other plants to consider include ajuga, bleeding hearts and astilbes.

2. Ground Covers

Ground covers are another excellent option for planting under a magnolia tree. These low-growing plants can help keep weeds at bay while also adding a burst of color to the landscape. Creeping phlox and creeping sedums are popular ground cover plants that can do well in the shade under a magnolia tree. Pachysandra is also a popular choice for underplanting magnolias. It's evergreen and provides coverage in both shady and sunny locations, making it a great choice for planting under a tree that lets filtered light through its canopy.

3. Natural Mulch

Mulching around a magnolia tree not only provides a protective layer for the tree's shallow roots, but it can also help add nutrients to the soil. Natural mulches like pine needles, shredded leaves or wood chips are a great choice for underplanting magnolias. They also add a natural look and feel to the landscape since the material does breakdown further over time it also adds organic matter back to the soil. Note that inorganic mulches like rocks or rubber chips should be avoided because they can limit water and air movement to the tree's roots.

4. Container Gardening

If planting directly in the ground under the magnolia tree proves too difficult, container gardening is another option to explore. Container plants can add a pop of color and texture to the landscape, all while being easy to maintain. Choose planters that complement the style of the home and accentuate the beauty of the magnolia tree. Try trailing ivies, impatiens, begonias or ferns for underplanting in containers.

5. Hardscaping

If all else fails, you can choose to incorporate hardscaping elements into the garden bed under the magnolia tree. Creative paver or stone walkways can lead the eye through the garden bed and help prevent soil compaction around the tree's roots. For a fancier look raised beds made out of natural looking stones or concrete blocks can be a cool idea. You could also add functional elements like benches or a bird bath in the space under the magnolia tree to increase its usability.

When planting under a magnolia tree it's important to remember that its shallow root system and dense shade pose unique challenges to typical garden plantings. Choose plants and materials with care to ensure a successful garden bed and to keep the magnolia tree healthy and thriving.