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I've got a dwarf apple tree on my plot, and it's got bare soil around it which dries out quickly in summer and looks boring - could I underplant it with hostas to make it look pretty? Would they have any detrimental effect on the tree?
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He-Pep! -
Hostas like moisture so might not do very well in soil that dries out easily.Another happy Nutter...
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Yes it's the usual story - 'plant x thrives in fertile, moisture retentive yet well drained soil'
He-Pep!Comment
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How dwarf is the tree as some Hostas can get quite large (up to 3ft tall and a wider spread) and they are also greedy feeders so could impact the tree.Comment
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It's small, about 4' tall!He-Pep!Comment
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How about Cyclamen?Comment
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They look good, might be a bit late for this year though.He-Pep!Comment
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Nasturtium or English marigold instead?"Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple
Location....Normandy FranceComment
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I'd like something perennial really? It's in my prennials section...He-Pep!Comment
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Don't hostas attract slugs/snails?
I'd put calendula or some herbs around the tree.Comment
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Maybe if the slugs and snails are on my hostas, they'll leave my edibles alone?
He-Pep!Comment
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Comfrey? Or some kind of herbs. Borage May be a bit big but I think I would also consider calendula/marigold/nasturtiums as Nicos/VC have suggested. They are great ground cover.Last edited by Scarlet; 09-04-2019, 06:28 PM.Comment
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^^^ and they readily self seed so are next best thing to perennials.
Oh....how about oxeye daisies as an alternative?"Nicos, Queen of Gooooogle" and... GYO's own Miss Marple
Location....Normandy FranceComment
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I think your mind is set on hostas isn't it? Go for it - if the tree isn't performing, then pull some, or change tactics
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I heard most fruit trees like herbs. Maybe chives? Pretty and edible?Comment
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