Plant for under a silver birch, in shade?
Plant for under a silver birch, in shade?
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Discussion

rossyl

Original Poster:

1,217 posts

198 months

Friday 18th April 2025
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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

1,116 posts

48 months

Friday 18th April 2025
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Chrisgr31

14,297 posts

286 months

Friday 18th April 2025
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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

Original Poster:

1,217 posts

198 months

Sunday 20th April 2025
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RGG said:
Thanks for this.

ny other suggestions also appreciated.

RGG

1,116 posts

48 months

Sunday 20th April 2025
quotequote all
rossyl said:
RGG said:
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

2,738 posts

85 months

Sunday 20th April 2025
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I like junipers and heathers under birch, gives the area a sort of rugged mountain vibe.

Pheo

3,560 posts

233 months

Monday 21st April 2025
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Rhododendron maybe worth considering. Depends if you have Acid soil.

RustyMX5

9,281 posts

248 months

Monday 21st April 2025
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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

5,086 posts

221 months

Monday 21st April 2025
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Prunus Laurocerasus Otto Luyken
Dark green evergreen glossy leaves, and white flowers.