Can You Plant Small Plants Near a Russian Olive Tree?

Russian olive trees are popular among garden enthusiasts due to their attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements. However, many beginners in gardening are unsure about the kind of plants that can grow in close vicinity to a Russian olive tree. In this article, we'll explore whether you can plant small plants near a Russian olive tree or not, and what to keep in mind while doing it.

The Advantages of Planting Small Plants Near a Russian Olive Tree

Planting small plants near a Russian olive tree can have a number of advantages. For instance:

Small plants can provide ground cover that keeps weeds at bay and retains moisture in the soil.

Planting small flowering plants can add a pop of color to the area around the tree.

Plants such as herbs and shrubs can improve the soil quality by fixing nitrogen and providing organic matter.

Small plants can help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the soil.

What Should You Keep in Mind While Planting Small Plants Near a Russian Olive Tree?

While planting small plants near a Russian olive tree, it's crucial to keep in mind that:

The Russian olive tree has a deep root system that can absorb most of the nutrients and water in the soil. Hence, the plants planted near it should be able to withstand competition and have a shallow root system.

Some plants may have allelopathic effects on the Russian olive tree. This means that they release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of other plants. Hence, it's important to choose plants that are compatible with a Russian olive tree.

Make sure that the plants you choose don't require a lot of sunlight. Russian olive trees have a thick canopy that can obstruct the sunlight, making it difficult for other plants to grow.

Don't overcrowd the area around the Russian olive tree. As the tree grows, it may become difficult for other plants to thrive due to the shade and competition for nutrients.

What are Some Small Plants That You Can Plant Near a Russian Olive Tree?

There are plenty of small plants that can grow near a Russian olive tree. Some of them are:

Creeping juniper, which is a groundcover plant that can tolerate drought and cold conditions.

Blue fescue, which is a small, clump-forming plant with blue-gray foliage that can grow in well-drained soil.

Barberry, which is a shrub with colorful foliage that can add a pop of color to the area around the tree.

Chives, which is an herb that can grow in partial shade and has a shallow root system.

There are plenty of other plants that can grow near a Russian olive tree, depending on the growing conditions and the climate in your area. You can consult a local nursery or a gardening expert to get more ideas.

The Bottom Line

Planting small plants near a Russian olive tree is possible and can add a lot of value to your garden. However, it's crucial to choose the right plants that can thrive under the tree's growing conditions. You should also keep in mind that the area around the tree may become overcrowded as the tree grows. Hence, it's important to monitor the area periodically and remove plants if necessary. With the right plants and care, your Russian olive tree can become the centerpiece of a beautiful and vibrant garden!