I'm trying to find something I can plant under a long of stand of areca palms which forms a "fence" with our neighbors. The arecas are about 30 to 40 ft tall. I've put various bromeliads under them but the broms aren't happy. I'm looking for a small shrub type plant w/nice flowers?? I have elephant ears which do okay under the arecas and also swamp iris there, which does okay but not great. Are arecas unfriendly to other plants?
what to plant under areca palms
Gee Whiz Mom,
I was looking for something else and came across your inquiry. I have macho fern growing right out of the base of the areca clump. Don't know how it got there, but when I clean all the seedlings and frons away, I leave the fern alone. I like it. Grass won't even grow in the soil right now at the base.
Unfortunately, I haven't even addressed that growing area yet, but it's on the planning chart (chart huh, in my mind).
The macho ferns do not flower, but they might add some texture in the flower bed and I'm sure they won't have any trouble growing and multiplying.
For a flowering shrub, you might try Plumbagos. They have a pretty blue flower and are easy to grow and have a long flowering season. They would add some texture and color for you.
Check it out here: http://www.floridata.com/ref/p/plumbago.cfm
I hope this helps.....now what was that I was looking for?..........
:^)))
Molly