Trees provide shade, shelter from wind, and organic matter that enriches the soil. However, their roots, fallen leaves, and competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients present challenges for other plants growing beneath them. Careful plant selection and management can help create an attractive landscape for shade-loving plants thriving under trees.

Groundcovers and Vines That Tolerate Shady Conditions

Plants that hug the ground or climb up supports, walls, or tree trunks do well under trees. Their lower growth habit allows them to capture available light in shady conditions. Evergreen groundcovers thrive year-round, while deciduous groundcovers and vines contribute seasonal color.

Japanese Spurge

The evergreen Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) handles dry shade under trees, though moist, well-drained soil is preferable. Its uniform height at 6 to 12 inches tall creates a neat appearance. White flower spikes rise above the glossy dark green foliage in spring. Plant it from containers or propagate from rhizome cuttings. Japanese spurge spreads steadily but is not overly aggressive. It’s deer resistant and requires little maintenance except watering during drought.

Sweet Woodruff

A classic shade plant, sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) produces a carpet of bright green leaves from 4 to 8 inches tall. Fine white star flowers bloom in spring, when the fragrant foliage is most abundant. It grows well under deciduous trees before the trees fully leaf out and light becomes limited. Sweet woodruff dies back and goes dormant in summer heat. Well-suited to USDA zones 4-8, it spreads readily by rhizomes and self-seeding. Regular watering is important to prevent dormancy.

English Ivy

English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine that clings to surfaces and climbs trees with aerial rootlets. Mature height ranges from 3 to 50 feet. Solid green or variegated cultivars brighten up shady areas. Avoid planting English ivy where it can damage trees. It benefits from moderate moisture and tolerates poor soil. However, it can be aggressive and considered invasive in some regions. Take care to keep it trimmed and avoid unwanted spread. English ivy handles frost but grows best in USDA zones 5-11.

Clematis Vine

Clematis vines add vertical interest to landscapes. These deciduous perennial vines produce colorful flowers of white, red, purple or pink. Many varieties tolerate partial or full shade, especially the earlier bloomers. Provide clematis with cool roots and train the vines on supports like trellises, walls, fences, or arbors. Popular shade-tolerant species include sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora), virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana) and Alpine clematis (Clematis alpina).

Shade Perennials Offer Color and Texture Contrast

Perennial flowers that bloom in shade provide seasonal interest under tree canopies before the groundcovers take over. Combine them with foliage plants that highlight shape, color and texture differences.

Astilbe

With its fern-like foliage and feathery flower plumes, astilbe adds fine texture contrast in shady gardens. Astilbe blooms in late spring or early summer, with peak timing varying by cultivar. Flower colors include white, pink, purple, salmon and red. Astilbe thrives in moist, organic soil. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall, with a similar spread. Astilbe works well in woodland gardens, rain gardens, perennial borders, and along ponds or streams. Deer tend to leave it alone.

Hosta

Hostas are cherished for their wide range of leaf forms, sizes and variegations. Their spikes of lavender flowers appear in mid to late summer. Use dwarf cultivars under established trees and large hosta varieties in open shade locations. Hostas require moist, organic soils. Add organic matter like compost to planting beds to improve moisture retention. Hostas multiply readily, so divide clumps periodically to control spread. The foliage is susceptible to slug damage.

Coral Bells

Also called alumroot, coral bells (Heuchera) offer evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage. Their leaves display ruffled edges and striking venation over shades of silver, purple, red and green. Spikes of bell-shaped flowers rise above the leaves in spring and early summer. Plant coral bells in groups or along pathways and foundations. Grow them in well-drained, fertile soil. Partial shade is ideal, but they tolerate full shade. Deer tend to avoid coral bells.

Lenten Rose

Lenten rose (Helleborus) blooms in late winter and early spring, providing some of the earliest color in shady gardens. Its cup-shaped flowers persist on the plants for weeks and come in white, pink, burgundy, purple and green tones. Lenten rose thrives in rich, well-drained soil and appreciates supplemental watering during dry periods. The evergreen foliage remains attractive through the growing season. Plant lenten rose beneath deciduous trees to enjoy early spring blooms before the trees leaf out.

Shade-Tolerant Ornamental Grasses Add Movement

Ornamental grasses infuse motion into the landscape with their swaying leaves and limber stems. Their slender profiles contrast boldly with broad hosta leaves and delicate fern fronds. Many varieties withstand moderate to dense shade, though flowering decreases in darker conditions.

Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) provides graceful arching foliage that sways gently in the breeze. Leaves emerge pink, then mature to green with red or purple highlights. Height ranges from 1 to 3 feet tall. It grows well under deciduous trees and near patios or garden paths. Japanese forest grass flowers in fall but the foliage effect is the main attraction. Plant it in moist, well-drained soil. Protect it from intense midday sun in warmer zones.

Big Blue Lilyturf

Also called silver lilyturf, big blue lilyturf (Liriope muscari) produces clumps of upright, arching grassy foliage 18 inches tall. Lavender flower spikes rise just above the foliage in late summer. The clean arching shape contrasts nicely with broad hosta leaves and astilbe plumes. Plant big blue lilyturf in dry shade to part shade. It tolerates clay soil but prefers loamy and sandy soils with good drainage. Foliage browning can occur in too much winter moisture.

Variegated Japanese Sedge

Japanese sedge (Carex morrowii) adapts readily to shade. Its slender green leaves edged in white provide color contrast. Japanese sedge grows in spreading clumps 6 to 12 inches tall. Plant it along walkways or in mass as a living mulch. It thrives in evenly moist soils but also handles periods of drought once established. The fine texture sets off bolder foliage plants and flowers nicely. Cut back foliage before new growth emerges in spring.

Shrubs Fill Space and Provide Structure

Plant compact or dwarf shrubs beneath and around trees to soften their trunks and fill areas where other plants struggle. Many shrubs handle dry conditions and tree root competition quite well. Those that flower provide vertical accents of color.

Azalea

Available in a diverse range of flower colors, deciduous azaleas thrive in dappled shade and well-drained acidic soil. They bloom prolifically in spring before the leaves emerge, with some later bloom on new growth during summer. Azalea foliage turns striking shades of orange and red in fall. Mature size ranges from 2 to 10 feet for dwarfs and mid-sized varieties suitable for growing under trees. Prune Azaleas immediately after flowering.

Boxwood

Boxwood shrubs maintain a neat rounded shape with little pruning. Their evergreen leaves and compact growth habit allow them to thrive beneath trees. Boxwood foliage takes on a bronze hue in winter. Plant them along foundations, as focal points, and to define garden beds in shade. Provide well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Water boxwood during drought as excessive wilting can damage the foliage. Boxwoods grow slowly, only 1 to 3 feet over several years for dwarf cultivars.

Dwarf Conifers

Slow-growing conifers like yew, arborvitae, false cypress and juniper adapt well to partial shade. Select compact cultivars at their mature size to plant beneath trees. Dwarf conifers provide year-round evergreen structure and focal points. They fare best in well-drained, evenly moist soil but tolerate dry periods. Avoid wet soils, which can lead to root rot. Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around dwarf conifers to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Japanese Pieris

Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) thrives in acidic soil and bright shade locations. In spring, the shrubs produce showy chains of small white bell-shaped flowers, followed by light green emerging foliage that matures to deeper green or reddish tones. Compact selections like ‘Katsura’ and ‘Dorothy Wycoff’ work well under trees, reaching just 2 to 4 feet tall at maturity. Provide evenly moist soil to establish pieris, but well-established plants tolerate short dry spells.

Shade-Tolerant Shrubs for Seasonal Interest

The following shrubs adapt readily to partial or full shade locations. They provide multi-season appeal through flowers, fruit, fall color and form.

• Oakleaf hydrangea – White conical flower heads in summer turn rosy pink. Red-purple fall foliage. 4-6 feet tall.
• Sweetshrub – Fragrant white bottlebrush flowers in spring. Purple-red fall foliage. 5-8 feet tall.
• Winter daphne – Sweetly fragrant pink flower clusters in late winter on a compact 3-foot shrub.
• Summersweet – White summer flowers on a 6- to 10-foot shrub. Yellow fall foliage. Good large foundation plant.
• Witch hazel – Delicate yellow strap-like flowers in late fall on a vase-shaped 8- to 15-foot shrub.

Annuals Add Color Through the Growing Season

Annual flowers and foliage fill voids between slower growing perennials and shrubs beneath trees. Buy nursery plants or start seed indoors for transplanting after frost danger passes. Select annuals suited to shade that can withstand tree root competition.

Begonias

Wax begonias and tuberous begonias produce colorful blooms in shade all summer. Begonia flowers come in pink, red, white, orange and yellow. Wax begonias thrive in cool conditions with high humidity. Tuberous begonias prefer drier conditions and filtered sunlight. Both spread up to 12 inches tall and wide. Pinch back stem tips to encourage bushy, compact plants. Remove spent flowers to prolong bloom.

Coleus

The colorful foliage of coleus provides versatility in shade gardens. Leaf colors span green, yellow, pink, red, maroon, cream and orange. Coleus thrives in moist, fertile soil. Pinch back tips periodically to prevent leggy growth. Grow coleus in containers or edging beds where the colors can be appreciated close-up. Mix sun-loving varieties carefully with shade types. Supply afternoon shade in hot, sunny climates.

Impatiens

Impatiens produce abundant blooms from spring until fall frost in shady beds and borders. Flower colors include white, pink, coral, purple, yellow and red. Impatiens grow 6 to 24 inches tall depending on the species. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart. Avoid wet sites prone to Phytophthora fungus diseases. Provide even moisture and fertilize monthly. Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering.

Caladium

Grown for their dramatic foliage, caladiums thrive in evenly moist, organically enriched soil. Their leaves display red, pink, white and green variegations and interesting veining patterns. Caladiums grow 1 to 2 feet tall. Plant tubers in spring after the soil warms. Provide shade from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates. Foliage dies back with fall frosts. Dig up tubers and store them over winter.

Ferns Bring Texture and Natural Appeal

Incorporating native ferns creates an inviting woodland environment beneath trees. Many types of fern prefer shady spots and moist, rich soil. Their graceful fronds make excellent companions to hostas, astilbe and other shade perennials. Consider the following easy-care ferns for planting under trees:

• Christmas fern – Evergreen fronds stay green through winter. Grows 18 inches tall.
• Lady fern – Lacy green fronds on 2-foot tall clumps. Spreads readily.
• Cinnamon fern – Grows in vase-shaped clumps up to 3 feet tall.
• Ostrich fern – Bold plume-like fronds reach 4 to 6 feet tall. Requires wet soil.
• Japanese painted fern – Tiers of fronds display silver and red tones. Grows 12 to 18 inches tall.

Mulching Controls Weeds and Conserves Moisture

Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch like shredded bark around plantings under trees. Mulching conserves soil moisture and moderates soil temperature. It also keeps down weeds that compete with desirable plants for water and nutrients. Replenish mulch annually as needed. Avoid piling mulch against tree trunks and the stems of woody shrubs and perennials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Plants Under Trees

Consult the following tips to successfully grow flowers, ferns, shrubs and groundcovers in shade garden areas beneath trees.

What type of soil do plants need to grow under trees?

Rich, fertile, well-drained soil provides the best conditions for growing plants under trees. Incorporate several inches of compost or other organic material when preparing beds to improve moisture retention and nutrition. Avoid soils that stay soggy, which can lead to root rot.

How much sun do under-tree plants need?

Shade plants thrive with just 2 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Morning sun is preferable to hot afternoon sun. Dappled shade under a high tree canopy creates ideal light conditions. But even dense, deep shade sustains plants like hostas and ferns.

Should competing sod be eliminated under trees?

Remove sod grass and weeds, which compete vigorously for moisture and nutrients. Dig out unwanted vegetation thoroughly. Cover the soil with cardboard or landscape fabric to prevent regrowth. Then apply a deep layer of mulch over plantings to further suppress weeds.

How often should plants under trees be watered?

Water thoroughly after planting and during the first year to establish roots. Mature plantings appreciate weekly watering during drought but can tolerate some dry periods. Ferns and other moisture-lovers may need more frequent watering in dry weather. Avoid constant moisture on foliage.

What kinds of fertilizer should be used?

Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring and midsummer. Look for slow-release, granular formulas ideal for trees and shrubs, or use compost tea. Follow label directions to avoid over-fertilizing. Excess nitrogen harms plant roots and soil organisms.

How can plants be kept healthy under trees?

Promote plant health with proper planting, mulching, watering and fertilizing. Monitor for signs of disease and treat problems promptly. Divide overcrowded plants and remove dying foliage and stems. Prune woody plants to improve air circulation. Rake up fallen leaves before they smother groundcovers.

Achieve an Attractive Landscape Beneath Trees

Trees present challenges for growing plants in their root zones and shaded canopy. But with smart plant choices suited to shade along with proper care and maintenance, it’s possible to cultivate beautiful gardens that thrive under trees. Pay attention to plant attributes like height, texture and spread when designing the under-tree landscape. Group those with similar needs for moisture and fertility. Mulch carefully and provide supplemental water during dry spells. With thoughtful planning and care, shady areas under trees can be transformed into lush, relaxing retreats.

Conclusion

Trees and plants can coexist in harmony with careful selection of shade-tolerant species and attentive care. Japanese spurge, hostas, astilbe, dwarf conifers, and other plants highlighted here thrive under the cool, sheltered conditions provided by tree canopies. With the right plants, soil preparation, mulching, watering and maintenance, gardens can flourish in shady spots beneath trees. Knowledge of plants’ individual preferences and growth habits leads to creative combinations and attractive landscape designs.