What plants will grow under an evergreen tree?

Question

I have an area directly under my almost 3-story (40 year old) evergreen tree where nothing seems to grow except for a few weeds. I really would love to have some low growing plants there as it is close to the patio, but do not know of any plants that are compatible with an evergreen. Any ideas at all would be much appreciated. I live in the midwest area of USA, St Louis Missouri to be more specific. The tree and area underneath is a northwest exposure. The branches are cut about 6 to 7 feet high off the ground so it can be walked under, so there is not a problem with it being super shady. Thanks for the advice!

If possible, I would love to plant perennials, but if I have to I will go with annuals.

Answer 1

Plant a perennial like Pachysandra. It is an excellent ground cover for problem areas as it grows in just about any soil and is one of the few ground covers that will grow under pine trees.
http://classygroundcovers.com/cat--PACHYSANDRA-terminalis-Japanese-Spurge--PACHYSANDRA-terminalis

Possibly even Vinca/Periwinkle.
http://classygroundcovers.com/cat----Vinca&affl=overture-vinca-ground-cover

Answer 2

Hey, thanks for your addition to the flag question. Oh, I'm pretty sure the design I mentioned was not intended at all. I also know the original had the union jack. I don't think any one was used officially during the fight for independence. I've also pondered that the union jack in the corner may represent a firey brown iris. Have you ever noticed from a distance that brown eyes glow red? And in some pictures, too. And in some up close there'a a tiny blue ring around the edge of the iris.
Behind all this is an idea I got from a newspaper "funny." It was a picture of military leaders gathered around a conference table with a map and plotting positions. But the marker pieces they used formed a huge funny face looking up at the ceiling.
I've kinda grown to try to "see through" what's on the surface. But I, too am still learning at 41.

Answer 3

Build the soil with compost and get shallow rooted plants for the area.
I think you will just need trial and error. Don't go to a lot of expense until you have found what works there. Look around the neighborhood at similar situations and emulate them.

What grows under my evergreens seems to be whatever the birds drop there, but then I have rich black soil there because the have left what the tree has dropped as well.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Hostas or fern do well in full shade. Ferns will spread and hosta reproduce so even if you don't fill in the space completely it will start to do it on it's own in a few years.

Answer 6

Peppermint will probably do well there. It is a pretty plant and you can use it for cooking and making tea. Or basil, or any other mint plant that does well in shade.

Answer 7

possibly Sweet William

Answer 8

sheman hensley-ur correct for the first part he is george jefferson. he makes his living in el paso texas. of all places huh?
he does do shows. very nice man though he does not to be called george jefferson, he prefers sherman. i hope the little bird does not give you alot of info lol!!!

Answer 9

My suggestion would be acid loving plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas

Answer 10

Hostas and a good assortment of colours.