No question: the lilac is one of the most popular ornamental trees in the garden. However, due to the numerous fine roots running just below the surface, it is not so easy to plant under the otherwise bare root disk.
Young plants should also be underplanted
Why underplanting lilacs is difficult
Every gardener advises you to use drought-tolerant plants for underplanting a lilac. Strictly speaking, the lack of moisture is not the main problem, but the very dense and wide-ranging root felt of the lilac. These dense fine roots, located just below the surface, will strangle any other plant - which of course makes underplanting difficult. But difficult does not mean impossible, because with a few tricks you can create a colorful oasis under the lilac instead of a bare area.
Underplant young lilacs and avoid root pressure
These tricks include, for example, underplanting young lilacs. Young plants have not yet developed a dense root felt, which is why other plants can establish themselves there more easily. However, make sure that the underplanting does not compete with the young lilac for light, air, water and nutrients, otherwise with a bit of bad luck you may die of all plants.
Suitable plant species for underplanting the lilac
Onion plants such as
- Crocuses (Crocus)
- Daffodils (Narcissus)
- Tulips (Tulipa)
- Hyacinths (Hyacinthus)
- ornamental onion (Allium)
- Squill (Scilla)
- Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis)
- Irises (irises)
The bulbs of these spring bloomers can easily be planted between the lilac roots and usually withstand the increasing root pressure with each passing year. With older lilacs, planting is particularly successful with a special bulb planter, which can also be used for plants with deeper roots. With this tool you punch a hole in the soil, removing some of the soil and the root felt that is in it. Furthermore, some annual summer flowers, herbs and ground cover are also suitable for underplanting:
- Rockrose (Helianthemum)
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
- Cranesbill (Geranium)
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
- Perennial poppy / Turkish poppy (Papaver orientale)
- Gypsophila (Gypsophila)
- Marigolds (Calendula officinalis)
- Damsel in the Green (Nigella damascena)
- Violet (Viola)
- Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
- Christmas roses (Helleborus)
- Autumn asters (Symphyotrichum)
- Jewelry Basket (Cosmea)
- Foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia)
- Candytuft (Iberis)
tips
Older lilacs can be underplanted with this trick: fill the root disc with a thick layer of topsoil and compost, on which you in turn place the underplanting.