Can i underplant a dwarf apple with hostas?

[bario1]

I've got a dwarf apple tree on my plot, and it's got bare soil around it which dries out quickly in summer and looks boring - could I underplant it with hostas to make it look pretty? Would they have any detrimental effect on the tree?

[happyhumph]

Hostas like moisture so might not do very well in soil that dries out easily.

[bario1]

Yes it's the usual story - 'plant x thrives in fertile, moisture retentive yet well drained soil'

[mcdood]

How dwarf is the tree as some Hostas can get quite large (up to 3ft tall and a wider spread) and they are also greedy feeders so could impact the tree.

[bario1]

It's small, about 4' tall!

[mcdood]

How about Cyclamen?

[bario1]

They look good, might be a bit late for this year though.

[Nicos]

Nasturtium or English marigold instead?

[bario1]

I'd like something perennial really? It's in my prennials section...

[veggiechicken]

Don't hostas attract slugs/snails?
I'd put calendula or some herbs around the tree.

[bario1]

Maybe if the slugs and snails are on my hostas, they'll leave my edibles alone?

[Scarlet]

Comfrey? Or some kind of herbs. Borage May be a bit big but I think I would also consider calendula/marigold/nasturtiums as Nicos/VC have suggested. They are great ground cover.

[Nicos]

^^^ and they readily self seed so are next best thing to perennials.
Oh....how about oxeye daisies as an alternative?

[SarrissUK]

I think your mind is set on hostas isn't it? Go for it - if the tree isn't performing, then pull some, or change tactics

[Lady BlackThumb]

I heard most fruit trees like herbs. Maybe chives? Pretty and edible?