UACES Facebook Cleyera


(April 2010)

QuestionAre there shrubs (besides azalea, rhododendron, and camellia)that will grow well under pine trees?

AnswerPines tend to have a high enough canopy that most shade and partial shade tolerant shrubs do well. Cleyera, aucuba, fatsia, hollies and boxwoods are all possible choices, but there are numerous others. Soil acidity can be a long-term concern under pines, but most of these plants are pretty tolerant.

(November 2005)

QuestionWhen the leaves fall from our many trees, a neighbor's storage building becomes visible. I would like to plant several tall evergreen bushes or trees so that the building would be screened from our view. I considered a berm, but it would have to be really tall for us not to see the building when in our home. Please suggest evergreen bushes or trees that would survive as under story plantings. Someone suggested a Mahoney, but I have been unable to locate these bushes.

AnswerI think you are referring to Mahonia. It would not grow tall enough to serve your purpose. What about Illicium - Florida anise, Cleyera, Wax Myrtle or Cherry Laurel? Depending on ultimate height, cherry laurel may be your best bet, since it does grow the tallest of the three, but all will do well as an under story plant.


