Evergreen to grow in between/up through beech trees

[Early_bird]

Hi everyone,
New to the forum. Just looking for some advice from experienced gardeners. I have a row of beech trees, about 10 years old. They are beautiful in the summer, but look very bare in winter. Ideally I would like more cover in winter, but would prefer not to remove the trees. Is there anything evergreen that would grow 'around/up through them?? One suggestion was Holly.... would this work? Bamboo was also suggested to me. Any ideas anyone.

I am based in UK and the trees are south facing....

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Steve @ Celtic Farm]

Planting evergreen hollies could indeed work; they are hardy and can grow in the understory of your beech trees, providing winter interest and cover. Bamboo might be an option, but it's invasive and could take over your garden if not carefully managed. You could also consider evergreen climbers like ivy, which can grow up the trees without harming them. Just ensure whatever you plant is suitable for UK climate and doesn't out-compete your beeches.

 

[Tetters]

Escallonia -

Photinia -

Variegated privet -

Escallonia -

Hypericum hidcote

 

[Tetters]

Ceanothus -

Eleagnus ebbingei

(wonderful scent around Christmas time)

 

[Tetters]

My own mixed hedges also include deciduous plants that peep through the evergreen stuff. Aim for something to be in flower all year round. The list is never ending. Clematis of all kinds can also be useful. They like good deep soil with roots in the shade and lots of sun to encourage flowers. There are also several shrubs that could be included with colourful berries for the birds during the autumn time. Oh I nearly forgot, welcome to the forums @Early_bird
PS I would forget the bamboo if I were you - they can be very invasive and hard to get rid of.

 

[NigelJ]

To me they look more like silver birch rather than beech.

 

[Tetters]

Beech

Birch

 

[Early_bird]

Thanks everyone for the advise. Looks like I have a number of options. Bamboo was in my mind also, so good to get opinions on that. I think I might stay away from it!
I'm thinking now maybe a mix of Holly and Eleanor ebbignei, which seems to be quite shade tolerant... would be nice to have the winter flowering too.
Any other ideas, please do share them!

 

[Early_bird]

View attachment 100546Beech View attachment 100547Birch

Hmm. You could be right. I never realised the leaves are so similar. I'll have to take a closer look next summer.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

The bark is a good guide, they do look like birch, lots of fine twigs. Tetters' photo shows silver birch, they are not always white like that.
Welcome to the forum.