Bloomin Designs NurseryAnswer
Apr 09, 2023 - 06:17 PM
Good questions –
First - growing tiarellas under Japanese Maples and American Beech trees?
Tiarellas under Japanese Maples should do well together. Tiarellas under a huge greedy American Beech is not an easy accomplishment. There are two reasons why it is hard to grow anything beneath the tree. First, Beech tree leaves usually block sunlight and keep the ground constantly in shade, which is not detrimental to Tiarellas, but they do prefer some filtered sun light.
As you have learned, the second reason is because the Beech has a shallow root system that grows over the ground's surface and uses any moisture that may reach the ground. Tiarella are low maintenance plants and can remain undivided for years in the garden without losing vigor. However, Tiarella root systems are horizontally spreading rhizomes that form clonal colonies. So… if you really want tiarellas under the Beech, I recommend growing Tiarella containers under the tree, even digging a hole for the containers, if you can. They like well drained potting mixes without a lot of fertilizer. Keep the pots well-watered in the summer but do not overwater in the winter.
There are not many plants that compete with Beech trees. Mondo is a choice, but the best contender might be liriope spicata.
Question #2 - can the plugs go straight into the ground, or should I pot them up and grow them on for a month or two?
The thirty (30) count flat (or tray) of tiarella plugs have a root system measurements of 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide. With good soil preparation, they can be planted in the ground after the last frost. Potting them in a well-drained potting mix will probably have faster results in developing a strong root system and top growth.
Thanks for asking and let us know if you have any more questions,
