Introduction

Planting ground covers under trees in the UK is an excellent way to enhance the beauty of your garden. Besides adding aesthetic value, ground covers offer several other benefits, such as preventing soil erosion, reducing weed growth, and conserving moisture. In this article, we will explore the top ground covers suitable for planting under trees in the UK.

1. Hosta

Hosta is a perfect ground cover for shaded areas under trees. This shade-loving plant comes in various colours and sizes, making it an ideal option for different garden types. Hosta grows well in well-drained soils, and it can survive dry spells adequately once it is established. The only downside to growing hosta is that slugs often target it; however, you can easily control them by setting up slug traps and barriers.

2. Lamium

If you are looking for a ground cover that can perform well in dry shade, consider planting Lamium. This low-growing plant comes in different colours and has beautiful foliage that can make your garden look spectacular. Furthermore, Lamium is easy to grow, and it doesn't require much maintenance. You can plant it under the tree's canopy since it thrives in partial or full shade.

3. Vinca

Vinca or periwinkle is a tough plant that can grow well in both sunny and shaded areas. This evergreen low-growing plant forms a dense carpet of foliage that can cover the ground evenly. Vinca has beautiful flowers, ranging from purple, white to blue. This ground cover is easy to propagate using stem cuttings, and once it is established, it can be hard to remove.

4. Pachysandra

Pachysandra is another shade-loving plant that is perfect for planting under trees. This evergreen plant comes in different varieties, and it is known for its glossy, dark-green leaves that form a tight mat. Pachysandra thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate dry spells once it is established. This ground cover requires little maintenance, and it can spread quickly, making it ideal for covering large areas.

5. Ajuga

Ajuga is a fast-growing ground cover that performs well in partial shade. This plant has beautiful foliage that ranges from green to purple, and it produces spikes of blue flowers in the spring. Ajuga thrives in moist soils, and it requires regular watering during dry spells. This plant can spread quickly and become invasive, so it's essential to keep it in check by pruning regularly.

Conclusion

Planting ground covers under trees is an excellent way to enhance the beauty of your garden while providing several other benefits. In this article, we have explored the top ground covers suitable for planting under trees in the UK. Hosta, Lamium, Vinca, Pachysandra, and Ajuga are perfect options that can thrive in different conditions, and they require little maintenance. Consider incorporating one or more of these ground covers in your garden to make it more beautiful and sustainable.