What can I plant under these trees?

[ColleenatStar]

This stand of birch trees gets a lot of sun. Hubby says since the rock garden turned out so well, I should do something here. I thought maybe some spring flowering bulbs with a ground cover to keep out the weeds. Anybody have any ideas? It gets slightly shady sun for afternoon. My thanks to anybody that gives me some help.

[Eeyore]

Do you want something with some height? I'd be tempted to go with some shrubs. Maybe something like Burning Bush.

[Sheikea]

me too or a nines bark type or perhaps some lilacs

[Eeyore]

I thought of lilacs too Sheikea but I think there might be too much root competition. Ninebarks would be lovely!

[ColleenatStar]

I looked up ninebarks and it looks like it would be perfect for under the trees. Just have to keep an eye on the nurseries/Cdn t and Walmart for sales. Might soon be unemployed for awhile so gardening costs have to stay down.

[Eeyore]

If you wait until the fall the prices at places like CT and Superstore will drop by about 1/2. Just watch the flyers.

[LeeInEdmonton]

Varigated dogwood bushes would also do well there because they like a fair amount of water as do birch trees so kinda compliment each other. As well...the varigated dogwood has red bark hence add interest to the planting when the leaves are gone & snow is on the ground.

Lee

[ColleenatStar]

Still waiting for sales to happen to put those plants in. Especially since I already placed my fall order for bulbs. That bed is going to be around 100' by 3'.

[murphy]

I grow virginia blue bells, daffs, tulips, crocus, poor mans orchids, lilies, hosta, shasta daisies, day lilies, oriental lilies, golden rod, phlox, astilbe, peony, violets, sedums, just to name a few..under my birch. I don't find the roots to be too much of a problem...and I have found the birch quite forgiving of my digging and adding to the soil around its base. It sounds like you are planning a rather big bed with lots of room for lots of stuff....lucky you.

[ColleenatStar]

I still plan to put the shrubs under these trees. I do have a 100' fence facing the road that is getting prepped this summer for a bulb bed this fall. Hence the bulb order. I ordered a 1/2 bushel of assorted daffodils, asiatic and oriental lilies, another lily that is quite shorter and irises. I will still keep my eye open for those great deals later on in the fall that I read about because I know I will have the room.