HELP!! Non-Oz gardener! What grows under gums?

21 years ago

Hello all

Have been lurking on mainly US forums although I live in Spain, Europe, as climate here is very untypical of most of Europe - basically edge of mediterranean but sub-desert.

Really hope you experts can help with info about euc. Did a search on the entire Oz site to find out about problems of planting under gum trees (I think ours are "ribbon gum" but not entirely sure.) I couldnÂ´t find anything but I think that is maybe because the answers are so obvious to all of you that it is not even an item for discussion! We have about 5 gum trees on one part of our plot (where I am trying to grow things) and another three on the boundary line (and here I have given up entirely!) Locals here said that I would get nothing to grow under these trees but, like a fool, I decided to think that this was an old wiveÂ´s tale. I found a piece on the internet from a very reliable looking (Australian) source - canÂ´t quite remember what, but it was intended for serious agriculturalists - and it said that plenty would grow under these trees and that they did not exude toxins (as people thought) but just created so much litter (bark, leaves, seeds, etc) that they smothered many things. So I thought - "Hey, I can just make sure I keep these beds reasonably clean and tidy....". Ha! The two raised beds that we created in the vicinity of the gums are now known as "The Beds Of Death" as nothing will grow there except things like aptenia cordifolia (which I defy anyone to kill) and lampranthus. Even the lantana (non-invasive here) that I put in a couple of weeks ago, is having a hard time of it. When I go to dig dying plants out for replacement (which is often) I find the raised beds absolutely full of fine, matted roots. What I really need to know from you experts is this; am I dealing with a lack of water problem (the gum trees soaking up, like a sponge, any available water in our hot dry climate or is it indeed because of something secreted by the trees? IÂ´d be very, very grateful for your advice. What do YOU grow under these trees? Or are you too wise to have any in your gardens???

Thanks very much for your time.

Almeria

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Comments (5)

User
21 years ago
I grow lots under my Gum trees, a couple have a Bougainvillea climbing under them, I wont let it go no higher than say 8ft or 2.4 mts, another one has Ferns, Agapanthus, a native orchid, and a climber called Stephanotis Floribunda with a white flower.

Other side of the driveway has a Gum tree with a Allamander climber, it has yellow trumpet flowers, beneath them are more Agapanthus and Gazania,there are also two red/purple coloured Cordyline.

But my favourite Gum under it, it has a White Wisteria, Federation Daisy, Bromeliad, Canna lilys Jonquill,Fressia Begonia, ferns, it is big wide tree, There are also hanging baskets on the lower branches with Zygocactus.

But you have got to water them I gave up on the raised garden beds under the trees, same trouble too many roots so now they are just planted in the soil around the base of the trees and they have about 6ins or 15cms of mulch on them. I live in Brisbane the Capital of Queensland it is sub tropical a bit dry the past few years so a lot of hand watering is needed, So Good Luck with your Gardening.

MM.
alisonoz_gw
21 years ago
Yes toxins are really not the problem in my experience just that they are thirsty and will suck every bit of nutrient and water out of the soil leaving you with fewer alternatives for sub-planting. Other trees don't quite cope with the competition but I've found shaller-rooted things like azalias do OK. Epiphytes and orchids are fine and bulbs. Strangely some of my best ixoras are there and seem to like the afternoon shade maybe they have adapted. Bromeliads love the filtered light, anything that you can happily grow in pots will be OK
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Almeria
Original Author
21 years ago
Wow! Thanks for such helpful and encouraging advice. You both mention some plants that I really like ...so I guess there is hope! Mistymorn - it had never occurred to me that the raised beds would make the problem worse....but I can now see why. DonÂ´t know if I will be able to start again - itÂ´s not so much a raised bed as a wall retaining a sloping bank (that two of the eucs are on) and which I then back filled with loads of (now root-filled!) soil. But I love the idea of trying agapanthus etc. I love stephanotis. Would never have dreamt of trying it in this location! Alison - IÂ´m off to look up Ixoras; theyÂ´re a new one on me! IÂ´glad to know that it is (just!) a problem of watering/feeding and not one of toxins leaching into the soil.
Thanks again to both of you for your kind advice.
Granville44
21 years ago
The bougainvilleas grow well because they don't actually like much water (I've killed one with kindness!).

Ground covers like Running Postman are handy too.
Barb
Almeria
Original Author
21 years ago
Barb - Just looked to see what Running Postman actually is (have never heard of it before!) I think it looks great and just the ticket - I but only located any info about it on Australian forums. Shall keep searching until I find someone who supplies plants/seeds in Europe.
Thanks for the great suggestion
Best wishes
Almeria