Plants that will grow under a holly tree?

Question

I have a coworker who says he can't get anything to grow underneath/around his holly tree. He has tried different types of ivy and some other plants, but no luck. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

A holly, like most evergreens is an acidic plant. The leaves drop, decompose and lower the pH of the soil. In addition to that, only shade loving plants will flourish underneath them due to their being evergreens.. (low pH, shade loving plants)
I'm not much of a gardener, but I have dozens of "burning bush" growing from underneath my holley. ( the burning bush is next to it). I live in Boston, MA, feel free to stop by and take some baby burning bush, or for that matter forthysia, I can't seem to kill them either. lol

Answer 2

Different Types Of Holly Trees

Answer 3

I lived in Washington state several years ago. The house I lived in had a Holly tree and underneath was planted Rosemary. I could never get anything else to grow there, but that Rosemary came back year after year!

Answer 4

The best bet for under a tree in a shady area would be a hosta. They love the shade and as long as the area is not overgrown with roots from the tree they will thrive. There are many different sizes and colors available and if you would like more information on the types of hostas that I would recommend feel free to contact me.
Thanks.

Answer 5

The only things I have seen growing under holly would be mosses. These plant grow in extremelly poor soil as it is, and seem to be the only thing that will thrive under a holly.

I must have 2-3 dozen wild hollies in my yard, and moss is the ONLY thing I've seen grow with any consistency.

Your co-worker might want to landscape under the trees and just and decorative mulch or stone to accentuate the appearance of the holly instead of trying to grow a plant...

Answer 6

We have two huge holly trees in our front yard- ironically both covering flower gardens. We have never had a problem; however I hate the damn trees because of their nasty pointy leaves!!! Perhaps his soil is bad? Has he tried fertilizer? Another thought; either try a nursery or hire a arborist- both will be able to give you more direction as far as what to do in the situation. We live in the midwest so our climate is wacky. Still, everything grows!

Answer 7

We live in northwest Oregon, with heavy clay soil under our holly trees. The area gets about an hour to an hour and a half of morning sun.

I grow autumn crocus, astilbe, hosta, deadnettle, and columbine there successfully. I dug in some coarse sawdust on one side about a year before I planted the deadnettle, astilbe, and columbine. The crocus and hosta are in almost straight clay (I think I dug in a trowelfull of compost when I planted them.) The whole works gets a yearly topdressing of compost and bark mulch, and maybe a spoonfull of osmocote if I'm feeling generous. ;-)

Answer 8

Under my holly tree...mostly weeds and more holly springing up. And grass...but you can get...plants and small flowers that will grow and cover the area nicely. Ask at a plant nursery. Or internet under gardening.

Answer 9

Hi,
I found this website
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-609/426-609.html
gives information about planting under trees - more on the ground cover idea - but there are lovely ground covers that will enhance the area in the shade of the tree.

I hope this works for your co-worker.

Answer 10

Iron plants, monkey grass, liriopi, angle trumpets (beautiful), impatients.....just look in the shaded area of the nursery for more ideas. His problem may be water more than shade. Add another 3" of soil and then some mulch. Water well. Goo luck.