What to Put Around Palm Trees? (Complete Information)

Last Modified

March 13, 2023 by Hirah Ehsan

Palm trees are another addition that you can make to your yards to give them a tropical feel. They are known for providing a shady environment where ever they grow. The area underneath can be utilized for growing shade-loving plants such as hibiscus, asparagus, jasmine, golden shrimp, bromeliads, etc.

Generally, the environment around and under the palm trees is very shady. Most of the plants will not grow due to a lack of sunlight. However, nature provides a range of plants that grow best in shady and cool environments.

Such plants are utilized to cover up the space below palm trees and to beautify your surroundings. Moreover, there are plenty of flowering and non-flowering plants that you can grow in the palm tree’s shade.

Here, I shall be talking about the best plants that you can opt for adorning your backyards, lawns, and even farmhouses. So, stay tuned for greener and fresher information coming your way!

Plants to Put Underneath a Palm Tree

Palm trees have become the staple of yards and gardens. These are the most suitable plants for people living in tropical zones. They provide a beachy look to your surroundings and bloom brightly in the green areas of your place.

Alongside this, many people choose to brighten up their yards even more by adding colors in the form of different shady plants in palm trees’ shade. You can also select plants that produce colored leaves and fascinating flowers to make your home look captivating.

Below is a brief explanation of five exciting plants to put around your palm trees.

Tropical Hibiscus

Hibiscus can be grown either as a tree or a shrub. They produce eye-catching flowers that come in a range of bright colors. Plus, the maximum size to which it grows is 5 feet. This makes it a suitable choice to be grown under tall palm trees.

Furthermore, their growth conditions are the same as that of palm trees. So, both plants can grow side by side. However, hibiscus produces a smaller number of flowers in shade than in sunlight. So, placing it in a place where sunlight reaches the most under your palm tree is highly preferable.

Alongside this, it is semi-drought tolerant but prefers to grow in moist soils. Also, the leaves must be kept dry to prevent mildew. Moreover, the flowers bloom year-round but remain on the plant for a few days only.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a famous grass that grows as a fern. They are evergreen perennials that produce lush green leaves throughout the year. They are not showy as they produce small but fragrant flowers.

This plant is very tolerable even under drought and shade. Therefore, it can survive well with palm trees. You can also pair it with a hibiscus plant as both require similar growing conditions.

Further, you need to place it in the brightest spot under your palm tree. Also, it needs lesser water. But, you need to increase its water supply if the leaves start turning yellow. The flowers are produced from spring to fall.

Besides, you can grow it underneath medium to tall palm trees.

Asiatic Jasmine

The name indicates that it may be some type of jasmine but it is not. It is a tropical creeping vine that remains evergreen throughout the year. The plant can withstand salt, drought, shade, and poor soil conditions.

In addition, it can expand up to 3 feet wide and can grow 6-10 inches. It may be noted that nothing can grow under this plant, not even grass.

Jasmine does not need water when first planted. Moreover, it can thrive in deep sunlight to full shade. Plus, the plant remains green throughout the year, and it produces inconspicuous flowers from July to August.

Golden Shrimp Plant

The name itself is catchy enough to opt for this plant underneath your palm trees. The green leaves with gold and white blooms. Also, they reach a height of 3 feet so they settle best below a palm tree.

One of the darker sides of this plant is that it can look sparse underneath a palm tree. Therefore, a ground cover is recommended to fix this issue. In addition, these plants prefer moist soil for optimum growth. They must not be dried between the watering cycles.

When talking about the sunshine requirement, they can thrive well in full sun to partially shady places. So, it is best to choose a place under your palm tree where sunlight reaches for a few hours of the daytime.

In tropical areas, they produce flowers throughout the year. On the other hand, if grown in sub-tropical regions, they bloom only in summer.

Bromeliads

Bromeliads are a family of 2500 different species of plants. They are known for their epiphytic nature i.e. they grow on tree trunks. Several varieties include Aechmea, Neoregalia, Nidularium, Canistropsis, Vriesea, and Pitcairnea, etc.

All these varieties have brightly vibrant flowers to attract pollinators. Besides, they add colors to the area under your palm trees and make it even more attractive.

Usually, bromeliads fulfill their water requirements from tree trunks or rocks on which they grow. Hence, they preferably grow in areas with high humidity indices. Nonetheless, overwatering can disturb their sitting in the soil.

Additionally, the sunlight requirements vary from species to species. On a general note, they can survive in partial to full shade. Alongside this, the bloom time can range from weeks to months depending on the type of each species.

Since they are epiphytes, the height of the palm tree is not an issue in this case. They can be easily paired with palm trees having thinner tree trunks.

Final Thoughts

Having a landscape underneath your palm trees can enhance, beautify, and boost the uniqueness of your yard. Yet, the plants you put around a palm tree need to be tolerant of nutrient stress, water deficiency, and a shady environment.

The aforementioned plants can be the best choice for you. However, you can also go for golden shrimp plants, crotons, birds of paradise plants, blue ginger, moth orchid, etc.

A correct choice can add to the freshness and serenity of your gardens!