Here’s what you should know about selecting 25 of those special types and how they will grow under your favorite shade tree!
If you’re looking for an organic, natural way to beautify your garden and preserve the environment around it- look no further.
You’re not alone if you find it difficult to garden beneath a tree. The shade from these giant plants can make things tough for smaller beings, and their roots often end up blocking pathways that would otherwise be clear of obstacles- but there are ways around this!
When it comes to gardening beneath trees, the key is in growing plants that are uniquely suited for such an environment.
Here’s what you should know about selecting 25 of those special types and how they will grow under your favorite shade tree!
Plants to Grow Under Trees
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your yard with some new plants or if there’s an area of lawn that needs more attention, these stunning plants are sure to provide attractive shade. All have flowers and fruit in addition!
1. Snowberry
The snowberry shrub is an overlooked plant that produces beautiful white flowers in the spring, and juicy globular berries during early fall. It’s a great choice for planting underneath trees because it provides food you want when other plants don’t fruit.
There’s also Magic Berry Snowberry which produces magenta-colored fruit instead! Both varieties make great choices when planting beneath trees whether you’re looking to create an area filled with something unique!
2. Lamium
Lamium is an excellent groundcover choice for planting beneath trees. With dense green leaves and delicate blooms in colors like pink, purple or white, it can be used as both vertical space-saving element of your garden design plan, and as floral border around any container garden too!
3. Anemone
The anemone is not just a beautiful flower, but it also produces colors both in the fall and spring. It’s perfect for those who love flowers that change with seasons!
4. Hostas
I love hostas. They’re the perfect plant for beginners because they’re easy to grow and have a hardy nature! The hosta is a versatile plant with hundreds of different varieties. It does perform better when watered on occasion!
5. Primroses
The native primrose is one of the first flowers to appear in spring and it blooms with cheerful yellow petals. The plant will add beauty for months under a tree because its beautiful colors show up so well against green leaves!
6. Foam Flowers
Foam flowers are the perfect addition to any garden. These delicate plants produce beautiful colorings and will grow well for years without slowing down, but if you want them back they can just be trimmed!
7. Ninebark
Ninebark is a hardy, vine-like shrub that has dark green or red leaves. It gets its name due to how it looks when you peel off the bark in layers – just like an old timer might do!
The Nine Barks of Autumn make this tree extra stunning and perfect for any garden lover who wants some color around their property without having anything too large taking over space.
8. Columbine
Columbine is a delicate flower that has the power to make your garden look beautiful. With different colors available, you’ll be able to find one for any occasion or mood!
For those who want their outdoor space filled with life-like flowers but lack green thumb skills (or time), consider planting Columbines underneath trees in order get all sorts of bold blooms each season.
9. Bergenia
The growth pattern of this plant is impressive. It’s usually grown to be used as a groundcover and can liven up an area with its gorgeous green leaves, colorful flowers, or clumpy growth pattern that will make your backyard come alive!
10. Tree Peony
The tree peony is an eye-catching shrub that grows well beneath the shade of a tall tree. The extra large flowers are sure to catch your attention and they’re even hardy enough for zones four through nine!
This versatile plant can survive winters without leaves but still has woody stems hanging on in spite of it all – making this perfect addition to any yard (or garden!)
11. Alpine Currant
The alpine currant is a unique, fruit-bearing shrub that can be grown in extremely cold climates (as cold as USDA zone three) and has the potential for growth under trees. This makes it one of best candidates when growing beneath your favorite tree!
12. Mountain Laurel
The mountain laurel is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that thrives in zones four through nine. It has multiple flower colors, including pink and white blooms with late spring birth dates!
13. Hens and Chicks
The hens and chicks are known for their ability to thrive in shaded areas, they’re one of the few succulent species that falls into this category. Hardy in zones 3-11 these plants make any garden beneath a tree perfect!
14. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Azaleas and rhododendrons are closely related, which is why they’re often lumped together. Both shrubs love acidic soils to grow beneath trees; requiring a pH between 4.4 – 6 with consistent moisture in order to produce their colorful foliage!
15. Sedum
Sedum, or stonecrop is another succulent plant that grows well beneath a tree. It can be found growing low and usually as an over-ground cover but there are more than 600 different species available for you to choose from! You’re sure to find your perfect match!
16. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are known for their beautiful flowers, but did you know they’re also quite easy to grow? Hydrangeas like being kept consistently moist and will do best if planted beneath a tree or in partial shade.
They don’t require much sunlight because it is meant more specifically towards warmer zones (zones four through nine). For my personal favorite variety of hydrangea I recommend checking out the PennyMac!
17. Camellia
Camelia is a beautiful, warm-weather flowering shrub that has an extra long blooming season and grows well in zones six through nine.
18. Pieris Japonica
The Pieris Japonica shrub is a beautiful plant that can be found growing wild in the mountains of Japan, China and Taiwan. It prefers full sun but will grow well with light shade too! It’s hardy from zones 5 through 8.
19. Impatiens
Impatiens are excellent plants for planting under trees. Annuals, they must be replanted annually but have a voracious appetite and can tolerate deep shade well in hot weather as long you water them on occasion with love from their masters!
20. Oregon Grape Holly
Oregon grape holly is a drought-resistant, attractive plant that can be grown in an upright or trailing fashion. Both types of growth are appealing when grown beneath trees and make great additions to any landscape!
21. Begonias
The begonia is a favorite of gardeners who want to add some eye-catching color during winter. This flower typically comes in all kinds of colors, including yellow, pink or white among others with orange being the most popular option for those living outside zones 7 through 11 where it can be grown as an annual plant.
22. Coleus
The coleus plant is one of the most vibrant and colorful plants you can grow. These flowers, only found in zones 11-12, have a neon green ,or deep purple stem that blooms all through summer with small white petals surrounded by darker color patterns, such as reds, browns, oranges, yellow greens, etc..
The leaves on this annual variety are also coated to make them appear greener than they really are which means there’s no need for watering at night!
23. Pansies and Violets
You can grow both pansies and violets in the shade as well, just be sure to give them plenty of sun when they bloom. It’s best if you keep plant them under trees during springtime so that way their colors will show up before or after tree leaves come out!
24. Milkweed
Milkweed is the ideal plant if you’re hoping to attract pollinators. In fact, this flowering herb provides crucial habitat for monarch butterfly larvae and offers both a beautiful splash of color as well as heavenly scent that visitors (both human or wildlife!) can enjoy!
25. Lysimachia
The ground cover plant is often known for its beautiful flowers. You can find various types that range from a single color or they might have different colors on each petal, such as yellow and blue stripes.
