What to plant around my tree this year

I have a tree I believe some kind of maple and it get sun from 12 to sunset so western side of house. I am in zone 6a. Was wondering what suggestions to plant around to give it some added eye appeal. I was thinking hostas but already have them in other parts of the garden & wanted to do something different.

 

May I suggest that you get two or three attractive containers and put plants in those? A tree sucks up a lot of water and nutrients from the soil, and smaller plants have a hard time competing. Let us know what the "under tree" area gets in sunlight, and we may be able to give you some ideas.

 

I tried planting flowers/plants around my trees but too many roots that were up high right beneath the soil line from the tree. So I gave up the idea because I didn't want to take the chance of stressing the trees. I have mostly Maples. I have enough containers in my yard so I just gave up the idea of planting in those and putting them beneath the trees. Good Luck and let us know what you decide to plant.

 

I would say 5-6 hours of sun

 

I like hostas under trees.you can do that if the tree roots aren't too close to the soil

 

I have ferns under my maple tree mixed in with hosta and Husker Red Penstomon and Iris near the edges. I have peonies near the edges that actually bloom.

 

Great yard piano lady

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I need to identify that tree of mine and get a real idea of sunlight too. Then I'll be ready to launch my plan of attack.

 

If you post a photo here someone might be able to help you to identify that tree. If not there are arboriculture sites where they'll easily help you, though those sites probably won't hold much interest for you beyond the tree identification.

 

Hellebores love being under deciduous trees and flower really early. They look great with a mix of ferns, heuchera, bleeding hearts and hostas. There is even a varigated clumping grass that mixes well with these.




Have fun finding the perfect plants and be sure and post photos

 

Awesome!

 

Brisbane I went to the arbor society one but can't remember all the detail about the leaf they asked. I'll have wait for spring. This is the only pic I have right now - it shows the blooms before the leaves come out.

tree ( photo / image / picture from Clay_22's Garden )

Nice pics Jewell

 

I am very impressed with your gardens Jewel & Piano Lady! I have had trouble growing plants under maple trees, the roots tend to be so shallow.