Top 10 Plants for Under Gum Trees
Being Australia we all have or have had a lovely towering Eucalyptus tree in our garden and have found almost nothing grows under it. Countless times we’re told nothing will grow there causing frustration as we stare at this boring bare patch in the garden. Is the only solution to cut the gum tree down? In a lot of situations this isn’t possible. It might be a home to some beautiful wildlife, a heritage listed tree (yes, we have these too!) or it provides some much needed shade in the summer time.
Well not to worry! The gossip isn’t true, you CAN plant under gum trees! Just like any situation you have to find the right plant for the right spot.
Eucalyptus trees tend to shade out a lot of plants despite their height and branches forming quite high up the trunk. They’re an evergreen meaning they will be providing this shade year around and shed bark and leaves that contain the ever famous Eucalyptus oil. This can suppress the growth of some softer plants but still, once broken down, provides a rich top soil.
The key to planting under gum trees is to pick plants that have a shallow root system and that can survive in a shady position in dry acidic soil. You don’t want them competing with the gum tree because they won’t win!
With these factors in mind we have chosen 10 of our favourite tried and tested plants that are sure to survive under your gum trees.
Top 10 Plants for Under Gum Trees
- Geranium
- Hebe
- Brachyscome
- Agapanthus
- Ligularia ‘Pandora’
- Hardenbergia
- Heuchera
- Polygala ‘Sweet Pea’
- Dianella
- Lomandra ‘Tanika’
Honourable mentions…
We had so many beautiful plants to choose from to underplant Eucalyptus trees it made it very difficult to choose only 10! Those listed below can also be grown under gum trees. For best results cultivate the soil with compost and mulch, building it up to a nutrient rich garden bed and water well.
- Petunia
- Diosma
- Fescue
- Patersonia occidentalis
- Kennedia
- Hibbertia
- Marguerite Daisy
- Protea
- Leucadendron
1. Geranium
Geraniums and pelargonium are tough little buggers so it’s no wonder that they can handle the incredibly tough growing conditions under gum trees. You may find them spreading out, creating a loose even 80cm-1m tall ground covering and not growing as tightly knitted when planted in full direct sunlight.
2. Hebe
Suitable as a box hedging plant or as a flowering feature, Hebe are incredibly versatile and have very shallow roots despite the mass of foliage on top! Hebe tolerate frost, drought, dry soils and part shade making them an ideal choice for underplanting Eucalyptus trees.
3. Brachyscome
A cute native mounding daisy that are used in rockeries, borders, pots and for mass planting. This highly versatile plant tolerates the harsh Australian conditions and makes the garden around Eucalyptus trees look lush and colourful. Brachyscome come in purple, pink and white.
4. Agapanthus
A dense, clumping strappy foliage plant suitable for edging and mass planting. Agapanthus come in a range of sizes and colours and are sure to withstand gum trees having one of the toughest shallow root systems around. Agapanthus will gradually spread out within the garden bed,
5. Ligularia ‘Pandora’
Despite other Ligularia such as the luscious Tractor Seat Plant being sensitive to the hot and dry, this variety can tolerate the dry and still look fabulous. Not only does it have broad, deep purple foliage that grows low to the ground but it also blooms vibrant yellow flowers that sit atop the contrasting foliage. Shallow rooted and perfect for under your gum trees.
6. Hardenbergia
A stunning groundcover and climber, Hardenbergia are a indigenous native to Victoria and much of Australia. It comes in white, pink and purple with robust evergreen leaves. Hardenbergia naturally grows on the forest floor making it an ideal choice for underplanting Eucalyptus.
7. Heuchera
Known for its tolerance of dry shady spaces, this colourful low growing shrub does wonders to brighten the area around gum trees. Heuchera come in oranges, reds, purples and greens and prefer a well drained position.
8. Polygala ‘Sweet Pea’
This hardy little shrub has cute purple pea-like flowers and tolerates poor soils, drought and frost. What better to plant under a nutrient hog of a gum tree! Polygala can be used as a feature shrub or as an alternate flowering box hedging or topiary plant.
9. Dianella
It’s no surprise a native grass will grow perfectly well under a native tree. Native grasses are shallow rooted, very tolerant of poor soils and the heat of the Australian climate. When mass planted they create a soft, textured effect and rarely require trimming or maintenance.
10. Lomandra ‘Tanika’
Just like Dianella this hybridized native tolerates all sorts of environmental conditions. Lomandra‘s are quite often used in council plantings as they can be planted and then left to grow. ‘Tanika’ has soft, slender blades of lime green and create a wonderful effect when mass planted line borders. As does Lomandra ‘Little Con’, ‘Little Lime’ and ‘Crackerjack‘.
