What to Plant Under Cherry Trees

Cherry trees are popular additions to many gardens and landscapes. They provide beautiful blooms in the spring and delicious fruit in the summer. However, the space beneath cherry trees can be a challenge to plant due to the tree's shallow roots and dense shade. Here are some ideas for what to plant under cherry trees to add visual interest and functionality to the space.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are excellent choices for planting under cherry trees. They help to suppress weeds while providing a visually appealing carpet of color. Some great groundcovers to plant under cherry trees include:

Creeping thyme

Creeping sedum

Periwinkle

Hostas

Ferns

Ferns thrive in moist soil and shade, making them ideal for planting under cherry trees. They also add lush green foliage to the area. Some ferns to consider planting include:

Ostrich ferns

Lady ferns

Japanese painted ferns

Bulbs

Planting bulbs under cherry trees can provide early spring color before the tree's blooms appear. They are also well-suited to the dappled shade provided by the tree's canopy. Some bulbs to consider planting under cherry trees include:

Crocus

Daffodils

Tulips

Snowdrops

Shade-tolerant Perennials

Several perennials thrive in the shade and can add color and interest to the space under cherry trees. Some examples include:

Astilbe

Bleeding heart

Hostas

Tiarella

Conclusion

With a little creativity and some thoughtful planning, the space beneath cherry trees can become an attractive and functional part of any garden or landscape. Whether you choose groundcovers, ferns, bulbs, or shade-tolerant perennials, there are plenty of options to add beauty and interest to this unique space. Happy planting!