What to Plant at Base of Crabapple Tree

Crabapple trees are a stunning addition to any yard, offering showy blossoms in the spring and attractive foliage throughout the summer and fall. If you have a crabapple tree in your yard, you might be wondering what to plant at its base to further enhance its beauty and create a more complete landscape design. Below are some options to consider.

1. Ground Covers

Ground covers are low-growing plants that spread rapidly and form a dense mat of foliage. They help prevent erosion, retain moisture in the soil, and serve as a living mulch to suppress weeds. There are many ground cover options to choose from, including:

Creeping thyme

Creeping phlox

Creeping Jenny

Periwinkle

Dead nettle

These plants are all relatively low-maintenance and will create a colorful carpet at the base of your crabapple tree. Be sure to choose a ground cover that can tolerate the amount of sunlight and moisture levels in your yard.

2. Ferns

If your crabapple tree receives a lot of shade, ferns may be the perfect choice for planting at its base. Ferns are low-maintenance and thrive in moist, shady environments. Some ferns to consider include:

Ostrich fern

Cinnamon fern

Lady fern

Maidenhair fern

Japanese painted fern

These ferns will add a lush, green backdrop to your crabapple tree and provide a sense of tranquility and calmness to your yard.

3. Bulbs

If you're looking for an option that will add bursts of color to your yard in the spring, consider planting bulbs at the base of your crabapple tree. Bulbs are relatively low-maintenance and require little attention once planted. Some bulbs to consider include:

Tulips

Daffodils

Crocuses

Alliums

Hyacinths

These bulbs will create a dramatic display of color in the spring, complementing the blooms on your crabapple tree and creating a harmonious design.

4. Hostas

Hostas are a popular choice for planting in shady areas and will add an attractive and lush foliage display to your yard. They come in many different varieties, each with its own unique leaf texture and color. Some hostas to consider include:

Giant hosta

Blue hosta

Yellow hosta

Variegated hosta

Fragrant hosta

Hostas are relatively low-maintenance and require little watering or pruning. They will complement the height and shape of your crabapple tree and create a well-rounded landscape design.

Conclusion

There are many options to consider when deciding what to plant at the base of your crabapple tree. Ground covers, ferns, bulbs, and hostas are all great choices that will enhance the beauty of your tree and create a more complete landscape design in your yard. Be sure to consider the amount of sunlight and moisture levels in your yard when selecting your plants, and choose options that will work well with the existing foliage and design elements in your yard.