In a past life I had a garden in a really old neighborhood with many walnut trees also known as Juglans Regia. I quickly discovered that there were a number of plants that simply died or started to die as soon as I planted them there; petunias, peonies, roses, impatiens are some of the unfortunate few plants that died. I began to doubt my standing as an A-1 gardener.

After asking around a bit I discovered that walnut trees are considered a gardening challenge because there are a number of plants that simply can not survive under them. This is due to a poisonous substance that leaches from the walnut trees called juglone-I sure would not be eating any veggies or herbs grown near or under a walnut tree( I heard somewhere that it was an ingredient in rat poison many years ago…this might just be a rumour, though). So if you have hanging plants under a giant and elegant tree that keep dying and you do not know why, try looking up to see if that tree is a walnut tree. Your garden problems might be solved if you are dealing with a walnut tree!

Do not start crying! There is hope for those of you who have a giant walnut tree in your garden. A walnut tree is actually something all your neighbors will be envious of because of the beauty and shade it provides. Where could be a nicer place to spend a hot afternoon than underneath a walnut. They are also an abundant source of walnuts-duh.

Here is a pretty thorough list of plants that I have had success growing under my walnut trees:

Annual plants that can grow under a walnut tree:

Pansie

Begonia

Marigold

Morning Glory

Flower Bulbs:

Winter Aconite

Narcissus

Tulip

Blue Scilla

Snow Drop

Perennial plants that can grow beneath a walnut tree:

Aster

Common Milkweed (A Main stay in my garden!)

Hosta

Many ferns, for example Japanese Painted Fern

Coral Bell

Day Lilly

Pachysandra

Black Eyed Susan

Spider Wort

Dutchman’ Breeches

Violet

Bugle Weed

Jack in the Pulpit

Wild Geranium

Joe-Pye Weed

Creeping Phlox

Sedum

Trillium

Bee Balm

Shrubs that can grow beneath a walnut tree:

Boxwood

Oakleaf Hydrangea

This is perhaps not the longest list and I am positive that many more plants would or could do well; these are just the ones I have tried and had success with in the garden’s I take care of and my own garden. Have fun gardening and planting some things that will actually live for a change. And you know, if all else fails under your walnut tree then put some outdoor garden decor, a gazing globe or perhaps a recycled glass bird feeder there to provide the area with some extra visual interest!