Introduction

Cedar trees are beautiful evergreen trees that are popular in landscaping. They provide shade, prevent soil erosion, and add aesthetic appeal to a property. However, as lovely as they are, cedar trees can also pose some challenges to gardening enthusiasts. The main challenge is that they create an acidic environment that inhibits plant growth. Despite this, there are still some plants that thrive under cedar trees. In this article, we will take a closer look at what plants grow best under cedar trees.

Plants that Grow Well Under Cedar Trees

1. Ferns - Ferns are excellent plants for the shaded areas under cedar trees. They are available in a wide range of species, and each species has its ideal growing conditions. However, they all require moist soil and moderate shade. Ferns are ideal for planting under cedar trees because they can withstand the acidic environment.

2. Hostas - Hostas are another popular plant that thrives under cedar trees. They are known for their lush foliage and attractive flowers. Hostas thrive in shade, making them an ideal choice for planting under cedar trees. Furthermore, hostas can tolerate acidic soil, making them a great choice for those looking for a plant that can survive under cedar trees.

3. Bleeding Hearts - Bleeding hearts are a beautiful plant that adds elegance to any garden. They are ideal for planting under cedar trees because they prefer partial shade and can grow in acidic soil. Bleeding hearts are available in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and red.

4. Christmas Fern - Christmas ferns are another fern species that thrives under cedar trees. They are evergreen and can tolerate the acidic environment created by cedar trees. Christmas ferns prefer partial shade and require moist soil to thrive.

5. Astilbes - Astilbes are perennials that grow best in shade or partial shade. They are available in a range of colors, from white to red, making them an excellent choice for a colorful garden. Astilbes also prefer acidic soil, making them an ideal plant for growing under cedar trees.

Plants to Avoid Planting Under Cedar Trees

While there are some plants that thrive under cedar trees, there are others that struggle to grow. Some plants cannot tolerate the acidic environment, making them unsuitable for growing under cedar trees. These include:

1. Azaleas - Azaleas are a popular plant, but they are not suitable for growing under cedar trees. They require acidic soil to grow, but cedar trees create an environment that is too acidic even for azaleas.

2. Rhododendrons - Rhododendrons are another popular plant that requires acidic soil to grow. However, they cannot tolerate the acidic environment created by cedar trees, making them unsuitable for planting underneath them.

3. Blueberries - Blueberries require acidic soil to grow, but they cannot tolerate the amount of acidity found under cedar trees. They need a pH level between 4.0 and 5.5, which is much lower than the pH level found under cedar trees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting under cedar trees can be challenging, but there are still some plants that can thrive in this environment. Ferns, hostas, bleeding hearts, Christmas ferns, and astilbes are all excellent choices for planting under cedar trees. However, it's important to note that azaleas, rhododendrons, and blueberries are unsuitable for growing under cedar trees. By choosing the right plants for your garden, you can make the most of the shade and beauty that cedar trees provide while still having a thriving garden.