Question
We have a three hundred year old house with big trees, not a large garden. I cannot get anything to grow under the trees which are a mixture of pine sycamore and cherry blossom. they are protected so cannot or would want to cut down. I have tried rhoderdendriums but not looking very good.

Answer
Hello Julie, plants find it very much harder to get established when planted under the canopy of any tree due to root competition, light shortage and even poison that is released by some trees. Pine trees release a resin (pine resin) that is designed to kill off any plants growing directly underneath their canopy.

The initial hole you dig must be at least three times the size of the vase that the plant arrives in. It must have a layer of compost laid in the bottom of the hole to retain moisture. It must have a thick (5 inch) layer of compost laid over the surface once the plant/tree has been planted- this will retain moisture. Copious watering will get the plant through the first year and planting in the autumn will give the plant an added bonus.

Rhododenrons should not have great problems in growing under a pine tree as they appreciate the acid pine resin that falls, as will camelias, acers and other acid-loving plant. Try an Aucuba japonica for evergreen shape and structure or Viburnum tinus- they are good under trees, as is skimmia japonica and Acanthus mollis.

Good luck... mulch and water is the message!
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