Introduction

Eucalyptus trees, also known as gum trees, are a common sight in many parts of the world. They are fast-growing and highly adaptable, making them well-suited to a range of different environments. One question that many people have is what kind of plants can grow under eucalyptus trees. In this article, we'll explore some of the options.

Understanding Eucalyptus Trees

To understand what plants can grow under eucalyptus trees, it's important to first have a basic understanding of the trees themselves. Eucalyptus trees have a reputation for being highly competitive with other plants, due to their ability to extract large amounts of water from the soil. They also produce a lot of leaf litter, which can create a challenging growing environment. This means that not all plants will thrive in close proximity to eucalyptus trees.

Plants That Can Grow Under Eucalyptus Trees

Despite the challenges posed by eucalyptus trees, there are still a variety of plants that can grow successfully under them. Some examples include:

Native Groundcovers

Native groundcover plants are a great choice for growing under eucalyptus trees. They are often adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, meaning they can tolerate the challenging growing environment that is common around eucalyptus trees. Some examples of native groundcovers that can grow under eucalyptus trees include pigface, creeping boobialla, and bower spinach.

Ferns

If you're looking for a plant that can tolerate the shade that eucalyptus trees provide, ferns are a great choice. They also tend to prefer moist soil, which can be a challenge to find under eucalyptus trees. However, there are ferns that can grow in these conditions, including maidenhair fern, holly fern, and cinnamon fern.

Succulents

Another type of plant that can tolerate the dry conditions around eucalyptus trees is succulents. These plants store water in their leaves or stems, making them more drought-resistant than other types of plants. Some examples of succulents that can grow under eucalyptus trees include jade plant, aloe vera, and prickly pear cactus.

Non-Native Plants

While native plants are generally the best choice for growing under eucalyptus trees, there are also non-native plants that can be successful in this environment. Some examples include English ivy, wandering jew, and vinca minor. However, it's important to note that non-native plants can sometimes become invasive and outcompete native plants, so they should be used with caution.

Conclusion

In summary, there are a variety of plants that can grow successfully under eucalyptus trees. Native groundcover plants, ferns, succulents, and some non-native plants can all be successful in this challenging growing environment. By carefully selecting the right plants, it's possible to create a beautiful and thriving garden under eucalyptus trees.