If you’re looking for a way to enhance your outdoor space, let us introduce you to the sweet gum tree.
Not only does it provide shade and visual appeal, but it’s the perfect backdrop for growing plants.
But which plants are best suited for under sweet gum trees? We’ve got the answers! In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of sweet gum trees, tips for choosing plants for under them, and the best varieties for your garden.
Read on to learn more about creating a beautiful outdoor space with sweet gums.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Sweet gum trees are typically used as shade trees, and they require plenty of sunlight and moist soil to thrive.
Under their canopy, plants that enjoy partial shade, such as ferns and hostas, will grow well.
Groundcover plants like ivy and pachysandra are also good choices for growing beneath sweet gum trees.
Additionally, flowering plants like astilbe and daylilies can be planted to add color and texture to the area.
Benefits of Sweet Gum Trees
Sweet gum trees are a popular choice for landscaping due to their attractive shape and spectacular fall foliage.
Sweet gum trees can reach heights of up to 90 feet, making them an excellent choice for a shady canopy over your garden.
Additionally, the sweet gums shallow root system makes them easy to transplant and maintain.
Plus, their bark is resistant to damage from insects and other pests.
The sweet gums shallow root system does have one drawback: it can be difficult to achieve successful growth beneath them. The trees block out much of the sunlight and the shallow root system competes with other plants for moisture. However, with the right plants, you can still have a beautiful garden beneath your sweet gum tree. There are a number of plants and shrubs that can thrive in the dappled shade of sweet gum trees. These include hostas, ferns, azaleas, and other shade-tolerant shrubs. Additionally, grass can be difficult to grow under sweet gum trees, but there are certain varieties such as St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia grass that can tolerate the shade and lack of moisture. With the right plants, you can have a beautiful garden beneath your sweet gum tree.
Choosing Plants for Under Sweet Gum Trees
When it comes to choosing plants for under sweet gum trees, it is important to consider the amount of sun and shade the tree will provide, as well as the level of moisture in the soil.
Sweet gum trees provide dappled shade and have a shallow root system, making it difficult for plants to access moisture and nutrients.
For this reason, it is important to choose plants that are tolerant of both shade and dry conditions.
Hostas are a popular choice for planting under sweet gum trees, as they are tolerant of shade and will thrive in moist, well-drained soil.
Ferns are another good choice, as they are also tolerant of shade and partial sun.
Azaleas are also an excellent choice, as they are both shade and drought tolerant.
Other shade-tolerant shrubs such as rhododendron, boxwood, and viburnum can be planted under sweet gum trees with success.
When it comes to grass, it can be difficult to grow grass under sweet gum trees.
Since the trees shallow root system prevents moisture from reaching the soil, grass can struggle to survive.
However, certain varieties such as St.
Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia grass are more tolerant of shade and lack of moisture, making them more suitable for growth under sweet gum trees.
These grass varieties should be planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly to ensure successful growth.
With the right combination of plants, you can have a beautiful and lush garden beneath your sweet gum tree.
By choosing plants that are tolerant of shade and dry conditions, you can ensure that your garden will thrive.
Hostas
Hostas are a great choice for planting beneath sweet gum trees.
These shade-tolerant plants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them a versatile addition to any landscape.
Hostas are hardy and easy to care for, and they thrive in the dappled shade of sweet gum trees.
They can handle varying levels of light, and they dont require frequent watering or fertilizing.
Hostas also have unique foliage that adds texture and interest to a garden, and they come in a variety of colors, including dark green, chartreuse, and blue.
Hostas are a great option for adding color and texture to a space beneath a sweet gum tree.
Ferns
Ferns are a great choice for growing underneath sweet gum trees because they are well-suited to the dappled shade and lack of moisture common to this environment.
The most popular ferns for this area are the Christmas fern, the Southern maidenhair fern, and the sword fern.
All three of these varieties are hardy and low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.
They can also be grown in containers to make it easier to move them around or keep them in a better position.
Ferns are also great for adding texture and depth to a garden, as their delicate fronds provide a unique contrast to the bold shapes of other plants.
Ferns do require some maintenance, but with regular pruning and watering, they can thrive beneath sweet gum trees.
Azaleas
Azaleas are a perfect choice for landscaping beneath sweet gum trees due to their ability to thrive in the dappled shade.
These flowering shrubs come in a wide range of colors, from pink and white to purple and yellow, and can add a beautiful splash of color to your garden.
Azaleas also require less maintenance than other plants, making them a great choice if you dont have a lot of time to devote to gardening.
When planting azaleas beneath sweet gum trees, its important to choose varieties that are shade-tolerant and to ensure that they get enough water and fertilizer.
With proper care, your azaleas will look beautiful and add a pop of color to your garden.
Shade-Tolerant Shrubs
When it comes to selecting plants to grow beneath a sweet gum tree, there are a variety of shade-tolerant shrubs that can thrive in the dappled shade provided by the trees canopy.
Azaleas, for example, are a popular choice due to their vivid colors and low maintenance care.
Hostas, with their large, lush leaves, are also a great choice for adding texture and color to your landscaping.
Additionally, ferns are a great option for adding greenery and color to your garden.
They are also relatively low maintenance and require minimal pruning or fertilization.
Each of these shrubs can provide a beautiful, colorful display beneath your sweet gum tree and can add a touch of elegance to your landscape.
Grass Varieties for Sweet Gums
When it comes to growing grass beneath a sweet gum tree, there are certain varieties that are better suited for this task than others.
St.
Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia grasses are all good choices for this situation.
St.
Augustine grass is a popular choice due to its thick, lush blades and its ability to handle the shade and lack of moisture that is found beneath sweet gum trees.
Bermuda grass is another good option as it is drought-tolerant and can handle the lack of water beneath sweet gum trees.
Lastly, Zoysia grass is a great option as it is known for its durability and ability to withstand the shade.
It is also known for its ability to crowd out weeds, making it a great choice for sweet gum tree landscaping.
When planting these grasses, it is important to ensure that they get the adequate amount of water and light that they need to thrive.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the grass is mowed regularly in order to maintain it.
With the right grass variety, you can have a healthy and beautiful lawn beneath your sweet gum tree.
Final Thoughts
Sweet gum trees are a great addition to any landscape.
Not only do they add beauty, but they also provide shade.
With the right plants, you can have a beautiful garden beneath your sweet gum tree.
Hostas, ferns, azaleas, and other shade-tolerant shrubs are all excellent choices for planting beneath a sweet gum tree.
Additionally, certain grass varieties like St.
Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia grass can also tolerate the shade and lack of moisture.
So, if you have a sweet gum tree in your yard, consider these plants and grasses to create a vibrant and lush garden.