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Planting
under established trees can be difficult. Some trees exude chemicals
designed to prevent other plants growing under their canopies, so as to
reduce competition for water and nutrients. The soil is often dry and
packed hard with tree roots. No-dig raised beds may be a solution
but locate these close to the trunk of the trees and do not cover the
whole area. Many trees react badly to having their root zone covered by
soil. (Remember that the majority of important functioning tree roots
are in the top 10cm of soil where access to water and especially oxygen
is best.) Any garden beds built near to trees will eventually be invaded
by tree roots. A collection of pots and hanging baskets is an option.
Large rocks and stumps could form the basis for a collection of
epiphytic plants that draw their sustenance from air, water and leaf
litter so do not have to compete with plant roots. Shade tolerance is a
major requirement. Some plants are better than others at competing with
tree roots. Here are some worth considering.
Tough Plants for Under Trees
Nandina domestica - graceful shrub, to 2.5m (native to China and Japan); fern-like foliage colours in winter, white spring flowers; red berries if cross-pollinated. Muehlenbeckia complexa - wiry, twining Australian vine to 5m; tiny, rounded leaves; tiny whitish-green flowers in summer; can be clipped to form a screen
Epiphytic Plants Monstera deliciosa (Fruit Salad Plant) - Mexican evergreen climbing plant to 5m (16ft); very large, dark green, lobed and perforated leaves; aerial roots; edible fruits, needs a strong support
Illustrations from top to bottom:
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Dietes
iridioides - clump forming South African perennial to 80cm; stiff,
dark green linear leaves; iris-like white, lavender and yellow flowers
for much of the year.
Clivia
miniata or C. nobilis - clump-forming South African
perennials to 80cm; dark green strappy foliage; showy umbels of deep
apricot flowers mainly in late winter and spring.
Amaryllis
belladonna (Belladonna Lily) - summer-dormant South African bulb to
80cm; green strap-like leaves from late autumn through winter; beautiful
pink trumpet flowers on naked stems in late summer or autumn.
Acanthus
mollis (Oyster Plant) - handsome Mediterranean foliage plant;
blackish green glossy foliage; prickly purple and white flower spikes in
summer; very durable and persistent (it is extremely difficult to remove
once established).
Aechmea
fasciata (Vase Plant) - Brazilian bromeliad to 30cm; large stiff
succulent leaves with horizontal whitish stripes that form a
water-filled "vase"; spectacular spiky pink and lavender
flowers in late summer/ early autumn.