The bare ground under beautiful trees is anathema to some garden owners, and underplanting is a good remedy. However, the spruce is a flat-rooted tree. So it leaves other plants with limited living space and little moisture.
Spruces can only be planted if their branches do not hang down to the ground
What plants like the soil under spruce trees?
There are quite a few plants that grow well in acidic soil, but when planting under spruce only shade-loving plants that don't grow too tall come into question. Look for grasses and ferns in particular, maybe some smaller perennials to add some color. After all, these plants compete with spruce for water and nutrients in the soil.
How do I underplant spruces?
It is very important that when planting other plants you do not injure the roots of the spruce. So look carefully for these roots and mark the free spots with a small stick that you stick into the ground. Then put a few centimeters of potting soil or leaf compost there.
If necessary, cut or saw off the lower branches of the spruce. Water the plants you intend to use very thoroughly. It is best to swap the root ball under water until no more air bubbles rise to the top. Then put the perennials, ferns and/or grasses in the ground and water everything well again.
A layer of bark compost will better retain moisture in the soil. But pay attention to a suitable pH value or mix in some horn shavings (32.93€). Water the newly planted plants regularly in the first few weeks, the spruce does not leave them much water. If you do not plant until the end of July, then less watering is necessary, since the spruce has then largely completed its growth.
Plants that can grow under the spruce:
- various ferns: peacock wheel fern
- marsh marigold
- lady's slipper
- arnica
- ornamental grasses
- small perennials
- ground cover
- small shrubs: blueberry, cranberry, cherry laurel
tips
Only put plants under your spruce that feel comfortable in the shade.