Plant for under a silver birch, in shade?

[rossyl]

Hi

Looking for a plant
- with dense foliage,
- grows to 3-4ft
- in shade
- below a silver birch (so limited area for its roots)

That won't grow like wild fire!

Any recommendations, thanks

[RGG]

Fatsia Japonica - Castor Oil Plant


https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7147/fatsia-japonica...

[Chrisgr31]

How old is the Silver Birch? In my experience they are not trees with a long life span, so planting something underneath it might be a pain in a few years when it blows over.

[rossyl]

RGG said:

Fatsia Japonica - Castor Oil Plant


https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7147/fatsia-japonica...

Thanks for this.

ny other suggestions also appreciated.

[RGG]

rossyl said:

RGG said:

Fatsia Japonica - Castor Oil Plant


https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/7147/fatsia-japonica...

Thanks for this.

ny other suggestions also appreciated.

It's a stand out choice - and from experience - I've looked and there's nothing else I would personally choose. Try and get one that's a decent size if possible and plant with 50/50 soil and compost then water well to keep the roots moist whilst establishing.

[Desiderata]

I like junipers and heathers under birch, gives the area a sort of rugged mountain vibe.

[Pheo]

Rhododendron maybe worth considering. Depends if you have Acid soil.

[RustyMX5]

Leptospermum (Tea Tree / Manuka tree) RHS Link
Coronilla RHS Link
Salvia (Sage bush) RHS Link

And if you fancy eating what you grow, you could try a Rosemary bush

[paulw123]

Prunus Laurocerasus Otto Luyken
Dark green evergreen glossy leaves, and white flowers.