Hydrangea's Dying under Tree Flower Bed
#1
05-21-10, 07:24 AM
Hydrangea's Dying under Tree Flower Bed
I have a very very large tree in my backyard, which I created a circular flower bed around about 2 feet deep'ish.
Well, I have three hosta's which are thriving (these are super hardy).
I have another room for 3 decently sized plants, so I decided to buy three Hydrangeas and plant them. It's rich soil as well.
Now, these were planted about 1 month and every other day I go outside at night they wilt almost look 90% dead. I water them and within 2 hours they are back from the dead and look GREAT again. Now, is it mainly because it's under a tree and the rain isn't getting down to them?????? They get part sun (not a ton), but some throughout the day. I'm afraid that I made an unwise decision buying Hydrangeas for under a tree.
Any tips or suggestions or should I plant these somewhere else and go with some other type of shade/hardy plant like a hosta, which I don't have to baby year round? And if that's the case, any suggestions for a hardy plant which flowers in the summer (if that exists) ? I live in NE PA (Zone 5b).
Well, I have three hosta's which are thriving (these are super hardy).
I have another room for 3 decently sized plants, so I decided to buy three Hydrangeas and plant them. It's rich soil as well.
Now, these were planted about 1 month and every other day I go outside at night they wilt almost look 90% dead. I water them and within 2 hours they are back from the dead and look GREAT again. Now, is it mainly because it's under a tree and the rain isn't getting down to them?????? They get part sun (not a ton), but some throughout the day. I'm afraid that I made an unwise decision buying Hydrangeas for under a tree.
Any tips or suggestions or should I plant these somewhere else and go with some other type of shade/hardy plant like a hosta, which I don't have to baby year round? And if that's the case, any suggestions for a hardy plant which flowers in the summer (if that exists) ? I live in NE PA (Zone 5b).
#2
05-25-10, 12:58 PM
Group Moderator
I have a raised flower bed under/around several trees. I have to provide almost all the water for the plants. The trees prevent most rain from reaching the ground. Then, the tree roots found out there was new, fresh soil getting watered so they sent their roots into the flower bed and suck it dry. Every spring I dig up the bed as deep as I can and cut the tree roots and plant new flowers. As summer progresses I can tell the tree roots are coming back by my flowers' watering needs.
Liriope is an ornamental grass that is almost impossible to kill. I've planted it throughout my forest and it survives with no attention.
Liriope is an ornamental grass that is almost impossible to kill. I've planted it throughout my forest and it survives with no attention.
