problem with planting in very shady area

QuestionsHow to growTrees and ShrubsChoosing trees and shrubsproblem with planting in very shady area
Rose-Ann Mc Kinney asked 13 years ago
I have large evergreen trees growing at the end of my garden. I cut the lower branches two years ago and have since put compost and grass seeds down several times but the grass only came back around the edge of the bare area. Could you please give me some advice as to what to plant? Its really shady and dry in patches.

1 Answers

Gerry Daly Staff answered 6 years ago
It is difficult to get anything to grow under cypresses because they leave the soil dry and shaded.

In this case, your best bet is probably to remove some more low branches, or indeed to take out the cypress trees altogether as they will continue to reach out over the area.

There are various plants that tolerate some shade, such as epimedium, hellebore, hardy geranium and stinking iris, but they need lots of watering to get going, and there is space where these would be in the way and you need grass.

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