When it comes to planting under a crab apple tree, there are several low-growing plants that can complement the beauty of the tree while adding color and texture to your garden. Here are some excellent choices that I have personally used and found success with:
1. Periwinkle (Vinca minor): This evergreen ground cover is a great option for planting under crab apple trees. It forms a dense mat of glossy green foliage and produces delicate blue or white flowers in spring. Periwinkle is low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for planting under trees.
2. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus): Mondo grass is a versatile plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its dark green, grass-like leaves create a beautiful contrast against the crab apple tree’s foliage. Mondo grass also produces small spikes of purple or white flowers in summer, adding further interest to the area. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate shade and requires minimal care once established.
3. Liriope: Liriope, also known as Lilyturf, is another excellent choice for underplanting crab apple trees. This low-growing perennial features grass-like foliage and produces spikes of purple or white flowers in late summer. Liriope is a tough plant that can withstand various growing conditions, including shade and dry soil. It forms dense clumps, creating a visually appealing ground cover beneath the tree.
4. Small Violas: Violas are charming little flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including purple, yellow, white, and blue. They are perfect for planting under crab apple trees as their small size allows them to fit seamlessly into the existing landscape. Violas bloom profusely in spring and fall, adding vibrant pops of color to the area. They prefer well-drained soil and appreciate regular watering.
5. Creeping Veronica: Creeping Veronica, also known as Speedwell, is a low-growing perennial that forms beautiful mats of foliage adorned with delicate blue or purple flowers. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate shade and is relatively low-maintenance. Creeping Veronica adds a splash of color to the area under the crab apple tree and provides a lovely contrast to its flowers.
6. Creeping Phlox: Creeping Phlox is a stunning ground cover that produces masses of small, colorful flowers in spring. It comes in a variety of shades, including pink, purple, white, and blue, allowing you to create captivating color combinations under your crab apple tree. Creeping Phlox prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is a showstopper when in bloom and attracts pollinators to your garden.
I have personally used a combination of these plants under my own crab apple tree, and the results have been truly delightful. The varying foliage textures and colors, as well as the abundance of flowers, create a picturesque and visually appealing underplanting.
Remember to provide adequate spacing between the plants to allow them to grow and thrive without competing for resources. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, and occasional fertilization will help ensure the health and vitality of your underplanted garden.
By carefully selecting and combining these low-growing plants, you can create a beautiful underplanting for your crab apple tree that enhances its natural beauty and adds interest to your garden throughout the seasons.
