Ground Cover Ideas for under tree?

8 years ago

Southwest exposure...Zone 8 (Seattle area)... I was leaning towards planting Pachysandra as a ground cover around this tree and up to the retaining wall...however, was wondering if there might be other ideas to do something or plant other items under this tree and retaining wall area other than grass...Pachysandra seems to meet the criteria (practical)...but it almost seems to be a bit too traditional/conventional (boring?)...have enough grass to mow as it is and would like this to have some more "curb appeal" as this is the first side of the house you see as you drive up to it. The area gets a ton of summertime sun too..as the sun sets in the west...also would like the ground covers/plants to have some winter interest as well for year round enjoyment. Am I asking for too much?

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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

8 years ago

What kind of tree? That could make a difference :-)

Pachysandra is an excellent choice but won't tolerate a lot of sun (especially late afternoon sun). If you wan't something a bit more unique, try the variegated form 'Silver Edge'. Otherwise, Vinca minor or ajuga would work also. Or you could go with something like striped liriope, 'Silver Dragon' or Saxifraga 'London Pride'.

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Comments (8)

Youviewer Incognito
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for the suggestions...much appreciated!
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Youviewer Incognito
Original Author
8 years ago
The tree is some kind of flowering variety...but not certain...produces big pink flower petals in the spring.
Cathy Kaufell
8 years ago
Lamium and Vinca work well for me in pt shade. There's a bigger selection for full sun.
Youviewer Incognito thanked Cathy Kaufell
Kyle
8 years ago
I suggest Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific'.
Youviewer Incognito thanked Kyle
laceyvail 6A, WV
8 years ago
Junipers require full sun.
Youviewer Incognito thanked laceyvail 6A, WV
Kyle
8 years ago
Junipers do quite well in partial shade. And high shade/filtered light. For example Juniperus conferta 'Golden Pacific'. I can post more pics of others of mine if you like.
Youviewer Incognito thanked Kyle
Youviewer Incognito
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
UPDATE 1/11/2020: Hello again... It has been nearly a couple years since I first inquired about some ideas for ground cover under my tree. Once again, thank you for those of you that have commented. I procrastinated about another few months or so after posting here to decide to try and plant some Creeping Lamium Maculatum/Shell Pink Lamium. This ground cover seems popular, as after finding a source ...the garden website was temporarily out of stock, but would notify me as soon as stock was available. Finally, in the spring of 2019 I ordered and planted the Lamium...It has taken very well to growing under the tree. If anyone reading this now is interested in trying out this ground cover...I am leaving the web link here for you. http://www.jeeperscreepersusa.com/LAMIUM-maculatum-Shell-Pink_p_43.html

The picture here was taken in January of 2020.