What to Plant Under Palm Trees

Palm trees are a popular choice for landscaping in many parts of the world. Their tall, graceful trunks and large, tropical fronds create a striking silhouette in any landscape. However, many people struggle with what to plant under their palm trees. Here are some plants that are compatible with palm trees and can create an attractive, low-maintenance underplanting.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are plants that grow low to the ground and spread to form a dense mat. They can help to prevent weeds, protect the soil from erosion, and add a splash of color to your landscape. Some good ground covers that grow well under palm trees include:

Liriope: Also known as lilyturf, this plant has spiky, grass-like leaves that stay green year-round. It can grow in sun or shade and produces small, purple flowers in the summer.

Asian Jasmine: This creeping vine has glossy, dark green leaves and produces small, white flowers in the spring. It can tolerate heat, humidity, and drought, making it a good choice for most climates.

Creeping Fig: This vine can climb up walls, but it also makes a good ground cover when allowed to grow horizontally. It has small, leathery leaves and produces small, green figs. It prefers partial shade and moderate moisture.

Blue Star Creeper: This fast-spreading ground cover produces tiny, star-shaped blue flowers on a carpet of green foliage. It does best in a sunny location with moist soil.

Shrubs

Shrubs are a good choice for adding structure and height to your underplanting. They can provide a backdrop to lower-growing plants, add seasonal interest with flowers or berries, and help to create a cohesive design. Some shrubs that grow well under palm trees include:

Indian Hawthorn: This compact shrub has glossy, evergreen leaves and produces clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring. It prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Agapanthus: Also known as Lily of the Nile, this hardy plant produces tall spikes of blue or white flowers in the summer. It does well in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate drought once established.

Variegated Ginger: This tropical-looking shrub has large, variegated leaves that add texture and color to your underplanting. It produces small, white flowers and can tolerate shade and moderate moisture.

Juniper: This drought-tolerant evergreen shrub comes in many different sizes and shapes, making it a versatile choice for your underplanting. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Perennials

Perennials are plants that come back year after year, providing a reliable source of color and interest to your landscape. They can be used to fill gaps between shrubs or ground covers, or planted in drifts for a more naturalistic look. Some perennials that grow well under palm trees include:

Daylily: This hardy perennial produces a profusion of flowers in a wide range of colors, from yellow and orange to pink and purple. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Coreopsis: This low-growing plant has bright, cheerful yellow flowers and fine, feathery foliage. It does best in full sun and well-draining soil.

Canna Lily: This tropical-looking plant produces large, showy flowers in shades of orange, pink, red, and yellow. It prefers full sun and moderate moisture.

Copper Plant: This shrubby perennial has attractive copper-colored foliage that adds interest and texture to your underplanting. It prefers a sunny location with well-draining soil.

When deciding what to plant under your palm trees, it's important to consider the amount of sunlight, moisture, and soil type in your landscape. By selecting plants that are compatible with your palm trees and your growing conditions, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance underplanting that complements your palm trees and adds color and interest to your landscape.