What to Plant at the Base of a Tree

Planting something at the base of a tree can help to spruce up your yard or garden. But selecting the right plant is key to ensuring that your tree remains healthy and continues to thrive over time. Here are some options to consider:

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are an excellent choice for planting at the base of a tree, as they help to control weeds, retain moisture in the soil, and provide a protective layer around the tree's roots. Some popular groundcover options include:

Creeping phlox: This low-growing perennial produces masses of blue, pink, or white flowers in the spring, and is highly resistant to drought, making it a great option for dry climates.

Rockcress: A hardy, low-growing plant that produces small purple, pink or white flowers in the spring. It is well-suited to rock gardens and other areas with poor soil.

English ivy: A fast-growing vine that can be used as a groundcover, English ivy is an excellent erosion control plant and is highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types and sun exposures.

Flowering Perennials

Planting flowering perennials at the base of a tree can add a splash of color to your landscape while supporting the health of your tree. Here are some options to consider:

Columbine: With its distinctive bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, blue, or yellow, columbine is a great choice for the base of a shady tree. It prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Bleeding heart: This perennial produces delicate pink or white heart-shaped flowers on arching stems in the spring. It prefers cool, moist soil and partial shade.

Daylilies: With their bright, bold blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink and red, daylilies can be a show-stopping addition to the base of a tree. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Ferns

Ferns are an excellent choice for planting at the base of a tree, as they prefer the moist, shady conditions that are commonly found there. Here are some options to consider:

Maidenhair fern: This delicate-looking fern produces triangular fronds on wiry stems and prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.

Cinnamon fern: Named for its cinnamon-colored spores, this fern produces large, feathery fronds and prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

Ostrich fern: With its distinctive vase-shaped growth habit and finely divided fronds, the ostrich fern is an attractive choice for the base of a tree. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

Conclusion

Planting something at the base of a tree can add visual interest to your landscape while also providing important benefits to your tree's health. Whether you choose groundcovers, flowering perennials, or ferns, be sure to select plants that are well-suited to the growing conditions in your area and that won't compete with your tree for resources.