What shrubs can I plant under mature ash?

Hi, we have a couple of large mature ash trees in the garden. Underneath it now is scrub and cow parsley. We would like to pretty it up a little so looking for guidance on what will grow under them. We are thinking hydrangea and conifer type things but we'd also like roses, honeysuckle (to grow up trees if possible) tree peonies etc to colour it up.

Guidance really appreciated! We are in the Cotswolds for location.

Thanks.

 

I've sent a honeysuckle (now about 5m) up mine, which works rather well as the variety of honeysuckle blooms now, well before it would be obscured by the ash leaves (first few just appearing).

The best shrub that's ever grown beneath it has been Mahonia.

 

Ferns would do well too and Scrungees honeysuckle sounds lovely

 

Hi
Tree peonies would hate it , they may grow but you woudnt get any flowers I grow these myself can take some shade but not under trees save yourself some £££

Ferns would be ideal , Euphorbia , hardy Geraniums some will do realy well if you pick the right variety, Helebors is another lots of choice.

To get roses and honeysuckle off to a good start under trees is getting the corect variety you want somthing that has the stamina to climb , Rambling Rector is a good choice of rose, Wisteria looks good as well plus with the late leaf of ash woudnt hide the flowers.

And realy preapre the ground a good 4 feet by 4 feet as much compost and horse muck and anything rotted in the compost heap all goes in , plant in the Autumn so the roots may establish them selves rather than waiting till spring keep well waterd .

Spruce

 

That's great. Thanks for the guidance. Overall I'm reading this as just treat it as "shade" and so shade tolerant plants is the thing I'm looking for. Think that's right?

 

Shade and plants that will cope with the dryness too

 

Thank you!

 

Don't forget hardy gerainiums too they're a good do'er

 

Hey you that was my idea

Spruce