The Hardy Perennial Ground Cover Plant That Can Work Perfectly Under A Tree

There are many benefits to planting ground cover plants in your yard from protecting the topsoil and preventing it from being washed away during rains, to suppressing weeds, and even providing visual appeal. Ground cover plants are popular with many homeowners looking for drought-resistant grass alternatives for backyards. If you are looking for a good ground cover to plant under your trees, there are many plants to choose from, including easy-to-grow ground cover plants that thrive around tree roots. 

One stand-out choice that works perfectly under trees and adds color to your yard in the fall and winter is hardy cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium). Hardy cyclamen is a native of Mediterranean areas such as Israel, Greece, and Italy, featuring delicate pink and white flowers on long stems with silver green foliage. You can find more than 20 different species of cyclamen, but the easiest to grow is hardy cyclamen. 

The area under your trees can sometimes be a difficult place to grow grass due to the shade caused by the leaves and branches of the trees. But landscaping those areas can make your yard look really attractive. Hardy cyclamen is a great option in these areas because it doesn't need a lot of direct sunlight. This lovely perennial blooms in the autumn and winter and is frost hardy. Hardy cyclamen goes dormant and the foliage disappears by late spring or early summer. The plant returns in the fall.

Plant your hardy cyclamen plants in the fall in an area without too much direct sunlight. Dappled or partial shade, beneath a tree or shrub for instance, is best. The soil should be fairly fertile, rich with compost or humus, and well-draining so it does not stay too moist. There are several common mistakes to avoid when watering your garden and with hardy cyclamen plants, the problem is typically overwatering. Finding that sweet spot when it comes to watering your plants can be nerve wracking, especially for new gardeners, but if you let the soil dry out a little bit in between your watering sessions the plants should do just fine. Reduce the amount you water during the summertime when hardy cyclamen plants enter their dormant phase. 

Cyclamen is susceptible to root rot and bacterial soft rot, mostly caused by too much water. If your cyclamen are cramped or don't have good airflow, you may notice powdery mildew or forms of wilt so make sure you prevent this by not overcrowding when you plant them. Pests that might go after your cyclamen include aphids and cyclamen mites. If you notice pests bothering your plants you can get rid of them by using neem oil or a mixture of Castile soap and water in a spray bottle. Hardy cyclamen is considered toxic to horses, dogs, and cats, so take care to keep your animals away from your cyclamen plants.