I want to plant a new shrub / flower (perennial) in a place there used to be a tree.Which is the best?

Question

TWould root of the newplant grow normally? The tree stump has been grinded only one feet below ground level.

Answer 1

Either plant the new shrub or perennial slightly to the side or raise the soil where the stump was and create a raised bed to plant in. Remember to add some compost and/or fertilizer because the soil around the tree will be rather poor and lack nutrients because of a tree's hungry appetite.

Answer 2

I love rhododendrums. They are a hardy plant and are beautiful in the Spring. Plant the rhododendrum around the area where the tree stump is. Do not plant it directly over the stump. It will eventually cover the old stump. Just dig enough space for the roots to grow. There is another hardy plant called the buddleia (better known as the butterly plant. It puts colorful blooms out in late summer and fall. You can get this in yellow or purple. I have two of them. Hummingbirds and butterflies love them. Crepe Myrtles are beautiful plant that can grow into a tree if cut properly. But be prepared for their colorful blooms to drop on the ground in the spring and summer. How about a rose bush?

Answer 3

How about a bridal wreath spirea? It's a shrub that grows about 4-5 feet high with long arching (weeping) branches with little leaves and produce 'bouquets' of tiny white flowers all down the branches in the spring.

I agree with mykidsRmylife, butterfly bushes (buddleia) are lovely and benefit the environment.

Hmmm, you're going want something that will grow fast because with only a foot of planting space you're not going to be able to plant anything very large (purchase size) and you definitely don't want anything that develops a tap root. If the stump was very wide, then perhaps you should plant bulbs over that spot.

Answer 4

I planted a Burning Bush in a spot such as that. You will have to dig down further and destroy some of the roots of the tree, then put some good potting soil with nutrients in it , put your bush in and cover around the bottom up to the crown with soil and pack down. Then water with at least 3 qts. water. My bush is doing fine. I take nutrients out to it every couple of months. I had to spray my bushes and flowers this summer because the spiders were so bad, now they look good. IF THE NEIGHBOR CHILDREN DON'T KILL THEM OFF WITH THEIR TOYS, i think they will be okay. Also, i would think a patch of impatients would do okay.

Answer 5

You may want to plant the new shrub slightly off to 1 side for maximum root depth.

Answer 6

if the stump was recently ground remove the mulch this will leach nitrogen from the soil, add organic matter cant tell u wat type of plant with out the situation of the site, sun shade etc, the old roots wont harm tne new shrub

Answer 7

A WILD ROSE BUSH. They are beautiful and grow fast and huge.

Answer 8

Butterfly bush. Beautiful and attracts ...