Planting a flower garden requires knowledge and tact, but it becomes more complicated when fruit trees are involved. Fruit trees need nutrition and care to produce bountiful harvests. Planting incompatible flowers near fruit trees can cause both plants to struggle to bloom and flourish long-term.
Here are ten flowers to avoid planting under fruit trees due to various factors that can be harmful to both the trees and flowers. These factors include competition for sustenance, lack of sunlight due to the tree canopy, attraction of pests, and different growing requirements. Read on to discover which flowers to avoid planting near fruit trees and alternative landscaping options.
Roses attract aphids and whiteflies with their fragrant blooms
Roses, while beautiful, are not good companions for fruit trees. The strong fragrances of roses attract aphids, beetles, mites, and thrips, which can be harmful to fruit trees. Roses also require a sunny area with bright light, which can be inhibited by the shade of taller fruit trees. Instead of planting roses near fruit trees, give them their own space away from other plants and buildings. Plant fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage around the roses to attract pollinators without competing for resources.
Hydrangeas compete with trees for water and nutrients
Hydrangeas do not thrive under fruit trees as they may have to compete for resources. Hydrangeas prefer morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon, conditions that may be hard to achieve under a large fruit tree canopy. Plant hydrangeas in well-draining soil alongside other compatible plants like dogwood, geraniums, hostas, and sedums. They prefer balanced fertilizers and can thrive in zones 3 through 9.
Japanese honeysuckle vines have dense growth that can overpower trees
Japanese honeysuckle can grow rapidly and densely, tangling around other plants and trees. It can block sunlight and release chemicals that slow nearby plant growth. Avoid planting Japanese honeysuckle near fruit trees and consider alternatives like Abelia. Abelia is a shade-tolerant plant that is not considered invasive in the United States.
Gardenias don’t thrive when fruit trees begin to ripen
Gardenias should not be planted near fruit trees as the fruits can cause the gardenias to wilt due to competition for resources. Gardenias attract pests like aphids and whiteflies, which can be harmful to fruit trees. Plant gardenias with other compatible plants in neutral to acidic loamy soil in zones 8 through 11.
Wisteria vines climb up trees and smother them
Avoid planting wisteria near fruit trees as they can steal nutrients and block sunlight. Instead, consider planting lavender as a similar purple flowering alternative. Lavender can survive in the canopy of a fruit tree.
Poppies need full sun and attract thrips and aphids
Poppies require full sun and different soil nutrition from fruit trees. Plant them in flower gardens with compatible plants like lavender and baby’s breath. Poppies do well in slightly alkaline and neutral soils in zones 2 through 10.
Creeping Phlox’s growing requirements and growth habits aren’t compatible with fruit trees
Creeping phlox requires full sun and high-phosphorus fertilizer, which may not be suitable for fruit trees. Plant creeping phlox away from fruit trees in acidic to neutral soils in zones 5 through 8.
Sunflowers need full sun and attract dangerous pests
Sunflowers thrive in full sun and can attract pests harmful to fruit trees. Instead of planting sunflowers under fruit trees, consider planting daffodils for early spring blooms.
Springbank clover competes for nutrients and is an overwhelming groundcover species
Springbank clover can compete with fruit trees for nutrients and should be planted away from them. Plant Springbank clover with other compatible plants in full sun with slightly acidic to neutral sandy soil in zones 4 through 8.
Achira flowers are too large and hungry for nutrients to be planted directly beside a fruit tree
Achira flowers struggle when planted near fruit trees due to competition for resources. Plant Achiras with other compatible plants in full sun and various soil types in warmer USDA zones like 8 or higher.
