Introduction

When it comes to landscaping, spruce trees are popular for their natural beauty and value. These trees offer shade, shelter, and a stunning backdrop. However, in many cases, the space under spruce trees can be challenging to landscape. The dense shade, acid soil, and competition from the tree's roots can make it challenging to grow plants. In this article, we will explore what plants can grow under spruce trees.

What to consider before planting under spruce trees

Before you start planting, it is essential to consider several factors that may impact your plants' growth. Firstly, conifers like spruce trees naturally produce acidic soil because of their needles' decomposition. Therefore, you need to choose plants that can tolerate acidic soil. Secondly, the space under the spruce tree is often densely shaded. Hence, you need to look for shade-tolerant plants. Lastly, the roots of the spruce tree can be quite extensive and take up water and nutrients, so it is best to choose plants that can compete with the roots or grow in another soil layer.

Plants that can grow under spruce trees

After carefully considering the conditions, you can use the following plants to landscape under your spruce trees:

1. Ferns

Ferns not only tolerate shade, but they also love the acidic soil conditions that spruce trees create. Some popular ferns to consider for under spruce trees landscaping are maidenhair ferns, Christmas ferns, and ostrich ferns. These ferns are available in a variety of sizes and textures, adding a dramatic touch to your garden bed.

2. Hostas

Hostas prefer partial shade and moist soils, making them perfect for growing under spruce trees. These plants are an excellent option for filling larger spaces, giving color and texture to the garden bed. Hostas come in a wide range of sizes, colors, and textures that complement the color of the spruce trees' needles.

3. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding Hearts are beautiful, shade-loving perennials that thrive in moist, well-drained soil. These plants have unique heart-shaped flowers that dangle from a stem, producing an eye-catching display. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, and white, adding a pop of color under the spruce tree.

4. Astilbe

Astilbe is another excellent option for planting under spruce trees. These beautiful perennials come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white, and bloom in late spring or early summer. They prefer moist soil and partial shade, making them best for growing under the spruce tree canopy.

Conclusion

In summary, you may have thought that landscaping under spruce trees is challenging, but with the right plants, it is possible to create a beautiful garden bed. Remember to choose plants that tolerate shade, acidic soil, and root competition from the spruce tree. Choosing several species of plants adds texture and color to your garden bed. With the plants mentioned in this article, you can successfully landscape under your spruce trees and create a beautiful outdoor space.