What to Plant Under a Peach Tree: Tips and Suggestions

If you have a peach tree in your garden, you may be wondering what plants you can grow under it. Fortunately, there are many options that can thrive in the shade of the tree and complement its beauty. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you decide what to plant under your peach tree.

Tips for Planting Under a Peach Tree

Before you start planting, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Consider the amount of shade. Peach trees can create a dense canopy that blocks sunlight, so you will want to choose plants that can tolerate shade.

Think about competition for nutrients. Fruit trees like peach trees require a lot of nutrients, so you will want to avoid planting anything that will compete with the tree for resources.

Consider the root system. Peach tree roots can be shallow and sensitive, so you will want to avoid planting anything with an aggressive root system that could damage the tree's roots.

With these considerations in mind, here are some plants that can thrive under a peach tree:

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are a great option for planting under a peach tree, as they can tolerate shade and compete well with the tree for nutrients. Here are some groundcovers to consider:

Hosta: Hostas are shade-loving plants that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They can thrive under a peach tree and add color and texture to the landscape.

Creeping jenny: This low-growing plant has a bright green color and can spread quickly to cover the ground. It is also tolerant of shade and can compete well with the tree for nutrients.

Periwinkle: Periwinkle is a hardy groundcover that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including shade. It has small, blue flowers that add a pop of color to the landscape.

Flowering Plants

Adding some flowering plants under your peach tree can help create a beautiful and colorful landscape. Here are some plants to consider:

Impatiens: Impatiens are shade-loving plants that come in a variety of colors. They are easy to grow, bloom all season long, and can add a pop of color to your landscape.

Astilbe: Astilbe is a shade-loving plant that has feathery plumes of flowers that can add texture and color to your landscape.

Ferns: Ferns are shade-loving plants that can add a lush, tropical feel to your landscape. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.

Fruit and Vegetable Plants

You can also consider planting some fruit and vegetable plants under your peach tree. Here are some options:

Blueberries: Blueberries are a great fruit to plant under a peach tree, as they also require acidic soil and can benefit from the shade of the tree.

Lettuce: Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can thrive in the shade of a peach tree. It is also easy to grow and can add some fresh greens to your diet.

Cucumbers: Cucumbers can benefit from the shade of a peach tree and require consistent moisture. They can be trained to climb a trellis or allowed to sprawl on the ground.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right plants to grow under your peach tree can help create a beautiful and functional landscape. By considering the amount of shade, competition for nutrients, and the root system of your peach tree, you can select plants that will thrive and complement the beauty of your tree. Whether you choose groundcovers, flowering plants, or fruit and vegetable plants, planting under your peach tree can be a rewarding experience.