Introduction

Many gardeners struggle with finding the right plants to grow under hemlock trees. While the trees provide a beautiful, shady canopy, they also create a difficult growing environment for other plants. Hemlock trees create dense shade, resulting in areas that remain dry and have poor soil quality. In addition, hemlock trees produce needles and acidic roots that can make it challenging for other plants to thrive. However, with some careful planning and consideration, it is possible to grow a variety of plants that will not only survive, but also thrive under hemlock trees.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are an excellent option for planting under hemlock trees. They are low-growing and require minimal maintenance. Many groundcovers are shade-tolerant and can help suppress weeds around the tree. Some examples of groundcovers that are ideal for planting under hemlock trees include:

Periwinkle

Deadnettle

Allegheny pachysandra

Creeping juniper

Flowering Plants

While it may seem difficult to grow flowering plants under hemlock trees, there are actually several options that can thrive in these conditions. Many flowering plants prefer partial shade, making them an excellent choice for growing under the tree. Some examples of flowering plants that can grow and bloom under hemlock trees include:

Bleeding hearts

Trillium

Lungwort

Columbine

Virginia bluebells

Ferns

Ferns are an excellent option for planting under hemlock trees. They thrive in shady, damp conditions and do not require a lot of sun or water. Not only do ferns look beautiful, they also help to create a natural, woodland garden feel around the tree. Some examples of ferns that do well under hemlock trees include:

Maidenhair fern

Cinnamon fern

Royal fern

New York fern

Conclusion

Planting under hemlock trees may seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of planning, it is possible to create a diverse and beautiful garden around the tree. Whether you choose to plant groundcovers, flowering plants, ferns, or a combination of all three, it is important to choose plants that are adapted to the conditions created by the hemlock tree. Remember to always add organic matter to the soil and water regularly until the plants have taken root.