What to Plant Around Weeping Spruce Trees

Weeping spruce trees provide unique and striking focal points to any garden or landscape with their droopy branches and elegantly shaped form. However, planting around them can be tricky as their shallow roots and sensitive nature require that the surrounding vegetation be carefully selected. In this article, we explore some of the best plants and design ideas to enhance the beauty of your weeping spruce trees while also protecting them from harm.

1. Ground Covers

Weeping spruce trees can benefit from having a ground cover that helps retain moisture while also preventing weeds from growing. Some excellent ground cover options that work well around weeping spruce trees include:

Periwinkle: This is a low-growing evergreen with blue flowers that is ideal for shady areas.

Coral Bells: These come in a range of colors and are great for adding variety and texture to the area.

Creeping Thyme: This fragrant herb is a great option for sunny locations and can be used in cooking, too!

2. Annuals and Perennials

Add a splash of color to your weeping spruce tree garden with some beautiful annual and perennial flowers. Here are some great options to try:

Hostas: These leafy perennials are available in a range of sizes and colors and are ideal for partial shade.

Hydrangeas: These shrubs produce beautiful blooms in shades of pink, blue, and white and are perfect for shaded areas.

Impatiens: These annuals are available in a range of bright colors and do well in shaded areas with moist soil.

New Guinea Impatiens: These colorful annuals are slightly larger than regular impatiens and come in a range of stunning colors.

Astilbes: These perennials produce soft, feathery plumes in shades of pink, red, and white and are ideal for shady areas.

3. Avoid These Plants

While there are many plants that thrive around weeping spruce trees, there are also some that can harm them. Avoid planting the following around your weeping spruce tree:

Grasses: These can compete with the shallow roots of your weeping spruce tree for nutrients and water, making it difficult for it to thrive.

Climbing Plants: These can wrap around the tree trunk and branches, causing damage to the bark and potentially killing the tree.

Plants That Attract Pests: Plants like roses, lilacs, and fruit trees can attract pests that can damage your weeping spruce tree, so it's best to avoid planting these nearby.

4. Design Ideas

When it comes to designing your garden around your weeping spruce tree, there are many different options to choose from depending on your style and preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Monochromatic Palette: Stick to one color family, such as shades of green or white, to create a cohesive and calming look.

Contrasting Colors: Choose plants that have complementary colors, such as pink and green or blue and yellow, to create a bold and eye-catching display.

Seasonal Interest: Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year so that your weeping spruce tree garden always has something interesting to offer.

Textural Variety: Mix and match different plants with varying textures, such as spiky grasses and soft ferns, to add depth and dimension to the area.

Conclusion

With a little planning and consideration, planting around your weeping spruce tree can enhance its beauty while also protecting it from potential harm. Ground covers, annuals, and perennials are all great options to choose from, while grasses, climbing plants, and pest-attracting plants should be avoided. Experiment with different design ideas to create a garden that reflects your style and preferences and enjoy the beauty of your weeping spruce tree for years to come!