Understory Planting Tips: Information On Using Understory Plants In The Garden
You create a woodland garden by planting layers of vegetation in the same way it grows in the wild. Trees are the tallest specimens. Underneath grows the understory level of smaller trees and shrubs. The ground level is the place for herbaceous perennials or annuals. You probably already have a few tall trees in your backyard that form the skeleton of the shade garden. Read on for understory planting tips.
Using Understory Plants
The trees in your backyard create the framework for understory planting. Tips about which understory trees and shrubs to use will depend on the size of the large trees already in your yard and the density of their canopies. You must choose types of understory plants that can grow in the amount of light allowed in by the canopy of taller trees. Inspect your backyard to determine how much light will be available for understory trees and shrubs when all the trees presently growing there mature fully. Pockets of light may allow for planting of a few understory specimens that can’t grow in shade. Consider thinning out some younger trees to create more light.
Types of Understory Plants
What is an understory plant? Quite simply, it is a shrub or tree that is small enough and sufficiently shade tolerant to thrive under the canopies of other, taller trees. The types of understory plants that will work in your woodland garden depend on the sun that reaches the floor. If your taller trees allow ample sunlight to reach the ground, as is generally the case with oak, your understory plants can be varied and lush. You might try smaller trees like black cherry or trembling aspen. Alternatively, opt for shrubs like American hazelnut, potentilla for its yellow flowers, or mountain laurel that grows in sun or light shade. Understory trees and shrubs will be more limited if the tall trees already in the garden offer deep shade, like most maple trees. Use types of understory plants that grow in low light. These include small trees like basswood, yellow birch, and Kentucky coffee tree. You might also try using shrubbier understory plants that tolerate shade. Flowering dogwood, serviceberry, viburnum, and hydrangea can all grow in full shade. Azaleas and rhododendrons are good choices too.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
By Teo Spengler
-
6 Fall Lawn Care Tasks To Prioritize Before Winter – Plus When To Make The Last Cut
Use our guide to prepare your lawn for its winter slumber, and it will awaken in spring with lush, verdant grass you can be proud of.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Best Short Bushes For Erosion Control
Erosion is a serious problem that can be solved with the right plants. Read about some low-growing shrubs that can help with erosion control.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Super Hardy Shrubs And Trees For Northern Climates
What are the most cold hardy shrubs and trees for northern climates? Click here to find out.
By Teo Spengler
-
Flowering Shrubs That Like Full Sun And Heat
Some types of flowering shrubs love full sun and summer heat. Read on for full sun shrub suggestions.
By Teo Spengler
-
Types Of Shrubs With Purple Leaves
In a garden full of greens and pastels, many gardeners use purple bushes and shrubs for a touch of drama. Here are our favorites.
By Teo Spengler
-
Flowering Shrubs That Are Deer Resistant
There is almost nothing a deer will not eat if it is hungry enough, but some plants are better than others. Read on for information on flowering deer resistant shrubs.
By Teo Spengler
-
Blooming Invasive Bushes To Avoid
When it comes to pretty flowers on honeysuckle, scotch broom, and butterfly bush, invasiveness hasn’t always mattered. Today, gardeners know better.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Easy To Care For Flowering Bushes
Flowering shrubs are a joy in the landscape, but many gardeners worry about maintenance. Read on for ideas on easy care flowering bushes.
By Teo Spengler
-
Pretty Purple Flowering Shrubs
All flowering shrubs add interest and color to the garden, so why not pick purple? Here are our top recommendations.
By Teo Spengler