What Plants Will Do Well Under a Carrotwood Tree

The carrotwood tree is a beautiful evergreen shade tree that grows up to 40 feet tall and wide. It is a popular landscaping tree because it is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and provides ample shade. One common question that arises when planting a carrotwood tree is what other plants will thrive around it. In this article, we will explore the best plants to grow under a carrotwood tree.

Groundcovers

A great way to landscape underneath a carrotwood tree is to plant groundcovers. Groundcovers will not only add color and texture to the area but will also help conserve moisture and protect the tree's roots. Some great options for groundcovers include:

Creeping thyme: This fragrant herb is low-growing and tolerates drought well. It produces small, pink or purple flowers in the summer months.

Creeping jenny: This vibrant green plant spreads quickly and is perfect for filling in large areas. It is also low-maintenance and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.

Deadnettle: This plant has attractive silver-green leaves and produces small purple or pink flowers in the spring. It is also drought-tolerant and a good choice for low-maintenance landscaping.

Shrubs

Incorporating shrubs into the landscaping around a carrotwood tree can add dimension and height to the area. Shrubs also provide natural privacy and help soften the edges of hardscaping. Some shrubs that will do well under a carrotwood tree include:

Gardenia: This fragrant, evergreen shrub produces showy white flowers in the summer months. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil.

Azalea: This colorful shrub provides vibrant blooms in the spring in shades of pink, red, white or purple. It prefers partial shade and a slightly acidic soil pH.

Camellia: This evergreen shrub produces stunning, showy flowers in the winter and spring months. It prefers partial shade and well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.

Perennials

Perennials are a great way to add pops of color and interest around a carrotwood tree. Unlike annuals, perennials will come back year after year and require less maintenance. Some great options for perennials include:

Daylilies: These hardy plants produce beautiful orange, yellow or red flowers in the summer months. They prefer full to partial sun and well-draining soil.

Lamb's ear: This soft, fuzzy-leaved plant produces spikes of tiny purple or white flowers in the summer months. It prefers full to partial sun and well-draining soil.

Coneflower: This tough, drought-tolerant plant produces showy blooms in shades of pink, purple or white in the summer months. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

In Conclusion

Incorporating the right plants into your landscaping under a carrotwood tree can help add color, texture, and interest to the area while also protecting the tree's roots and conserving moisture. Groundcovers, shrubs, and perennials are all great options for landscaping around a carrotwood tree. Be sure to choose plants that are suited for your climate and soil type, and keep in mind the specific conditions of your carrotwood tree's location, such as the amount of sun and water it receives.