"Sue Clotere" wrote in message
om...
We have built a large planter box under a Monteray Pine tree. We used
pressure treated wood since we only are planting ornamentals, and not
edible plants. We get partial sun and good drainage, but everything
seems to die off after a time. Plants we have tried.Jasmine,
Clemats,Azalias,Coreopsis,Lisianthus, Gardenia. The Hibiscus &
Pelargonium seem to be the only ones still living. What will grow good
under the pine tree? Or is the problem the pressure treated wood???
Charlie

Plantings underneath the canopy of any conifer are generally considered dry
shade situations - shade because the canopy screens much of the sun and dry
because the spreading root system of the pine is hogging available soil
moisture as well as nutrients. And if the tree is large, the canopy will
deflect much of the natural rainfall, too. The plants you have chosen are
not those which thrive under these conditions. Give us a clue as to your
location and we can make some suggestions for more suitable plantings.

And I hope the large wooden planter is not too close to the pine nor too
large. Raising the soil level, as in a surrounding planter, around an
established tree is asking for trouble. Even a couple of inches over the
root zone can smother the feeder roots, resulting in the tree's untimely
demise.

pam - gardengal