I have a medium sized 10 yr. old oak tree in my back yard that I'm having problems growing plants under. I've planted a few azaleas 2 yrs. ago, but they have grown very slow and haven't bloomed yet. I've planted several gardenia's but they die every year in the winter. I spoke with Brent Willson and he seems to think that the oak tree is sucking up all the nutrients which is starving the plants.
I have two photos uploaded in My Garden called "Bank Under Oak Tree". I have selected some plants in my garden that I'm interested in, but nothing is set in stone. I'm open to any suggestions on what plants can withstand living under this tree. The camera is pointed toward the West and the left side of the picture is South. The plants get morning sun and afternoon shade. I'd guess the plants would get around ~5-6 hrs of sun. I have clay based soil and there isn't much nutrients in the ground. The pine straw area is about 18ft x 16ft with a ~2ft slope.
Will the plants I've selected work? Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Ryan