Planting Under Cedar Trees: 17 Resilient Species for Shady, Dry Soil

Hardy groundcovers and shrubs flourish in dry, acidic soils beneath dense tree canopies.

By Srija Burman

Created on Sep 2, 2025

Hardy groundcovers and shrubs flourish in dry, acidic soils beneath dense tree canopies.

Planting Under Cedar Trees: Overcoming Unique Challenges

Cedar trees, whether eastern red cedar, western red cedar, or their ornamental relatives, create beautiful garden accents with their evergreen foliage and woodsy aroma. Yet, they present unique challenges to gardeners seeking to plant beneath their dense canopy. Their needle drop, deep shade, and thirsty root system frequently lead to dry, acidic soils where many common plants struggle. Successful planting under cedars requires knowledge of the treeâs impact, wise plant selection, and tailored soil care.

Why Is Planting Under Cedars So Difficult?

Deep Shade: Cedar branches cast dense shade, limiting sunlight for understory plants.
Root Competition: Cedars possess shallow, sprawling roots that aggressively absorb water and nutrients.
Dry, Acidic Soil: Fallen needles acidify the soil, and the canopy blocks rain, creating conditions where the ground is both dry and inhospitable to thirsty, sun-loving species.
Allelopathy (Potential): Some cedars secrete chemicals discouraging growth of competing plants, further limiting options.

Understanding these realities is the first step to transforming barren ground into a lush, attractive garden area beneath your cedar trees.

Best Practices for Planting Under Cedar Trees

Soil Preparation and Watering

Create Planting Holes Carefully: Dig holes for new plants with care, trying to avoid damaging major cedar roots. This ensures plant establishment without weakening the tree.
Add Mulches: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch (e.g., pine needles, shredded bark) after planting to help retain limited soil moisture without smothering cedar roots.
Water Wisely: Irrigate only as necessary to supplement dry spells. Too much water can suffocate cedar roots, leading to disease and decline. Opt for drought-tolerant species best suited to limited watering needs.
Test Soil pH: If concerned about acidity, use a soil test kit and choose acid-tolerant species or apply amendments where appropriate.
Raise the Bed: In extreme cases, consider constructing shallow raised beds or mounded earth to provide better conditions for planting, keeping roots shielded from direct cedar competition.

Plants That Perform Best Under Cedar Trees

Gardeners benefit from choosing groundcovers, hardy shrubs, and certain evergreens that naturally thrive in dry shade and tolerate cedarâs root competition. Below are seventeen recommended species, grouped by category, with their core characteristics and tips for successful integration.

Recommended Groundcovers

Creeping Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens):
- Evergreen matte with dark leaves turning purple in autumn, ideal for zones 3-8.
- Prefers slightly acidic soils and forms a lush carpet under cedars.
- Requires some pruning to contain spread.
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans):
- Fast-growing perennial creating dense mats, tolerates deep shade where other plants often fail.
- Bears attractive blue flowers contrasting with cedarâs green needles.
- Best for low-maintenance groundcover.
Ice Plant (Delosperma cooperi):
- Perennial known for succulent-like foliage and reflective hairs.
- Thrives in warm, dry locations; less suited to cold climates.
- Provides abundance of colorful flowers in sun-dappled areas under cedars.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum):
- Sprawling cover with delicate white flowers, tolerates full shade and acidic soils.
- Moderate water needs and fast spread.
Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis):
- Classic shade groundcover, valued for glossy evergreen leaves.
- Very drought tolerant, excels in crowded, shady soil.
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle):
- Blue-violet blossoms amid evergreen foliage.
- Grows vigorously, even in dry shade.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense):
- Low-growing leaves form a carpet; native to North America.
- Tolerates dry, shady, acidic soils typical beneath mature cedars.
Barren Strawberry (Waldsteinia fragarioides):
- Resilient and low-maintenance, forming matted groundcover with yellow spring flowers.

Shade-Loving Shrubs and Perennials

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia):
- Evergreen, acid-loving shrub with ornate blooms; thrives in dry shade.
Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium):
- Sturdy, evergreen shrub with prickly leaves and yellow flowers.
- Tolerates drought, acidic conditions, and deep root competition.
Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica):
- Deciduous with bright yellow blossoms; grows well in filtered shade.
Azalea & Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.):
- Tolerate acidic soils and partial shade, best selected for the regionâs climate zone.
Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis):
- Dwarf varieties can serve as shade accent plants below cedars.
Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis):
- Flowering perennial, blooms early spring in deep shade.
- Drought tolerant once established, but may want occasional deep watering during dry periods.
Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana):
- Low, arching evergreen shrub, prefers moist, acidic shade; tolerates dry spells.
Spotted Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum):
- Attractive foliage and small blooms; ideal for covering shady spaces where sun never reaches.

Evergreens and Ornamental Selections

Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii):
- Low, grassy mounds; tolerant of deep dry shade and root competition.
Epimedium (Epimedium grandiflorum):
- Known as barrenwort; heart-shaped leaves and delicate star-shaped flowers.
- Tolerates severe dry shade and soil acidity, ideal for under cedars.
Solomonâs Seal (Polygonatum biflorum):
- Graceful stems with dangling bell flowers, adapted for deep woodland shade.

How to Design an Attractive Cedar Understory

Successful cedar understory gardening balances aesthetics, practicality, and ecological compatibility. Consider grouping similar plants in clusters to create cohesive visual blocks or layering groundcovers with taller perennials for vertical interest. Mulch areas to suppress weeds and maintain moisture, and experiment with stonework or natural wood borders to compartmentalize dry soil patches.

Tips for Maximizing Plant Health and Longevity

Choose species native to your region for best adaptation to soil, temperature, and cedar allelopathy.
Avoid thirsty or nutrient-demanding plants; instead, select those marked âdrought-tolerantâ or âshade-lovingâ.
Monitor for stunted growth or leaf yellowing, which may indicate root competition or excessive acidity. Adjust planting zones as required.
Supplement soil amendments sparingly; over-fertilization may disrupt cedar roots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Under Cedars

Overwatering: Many gardeners compensate for dry shade by heavy irrigation, risking root rot and tree decline. Always match water input to plant needs and soil drainage.
Planting Hungry Shrubs: Azaleas and other non-native shrubs may fail or languish unless highly adapted varieties are chosen.
Avoiding Acid-Loving Plants: Planting species that prefer neutral or alkaline soils will result in poor growth and eventual die-off. Always check your plantâs preferred pH.

Table: Quick-Reference Guide to Top Plants for Cedar Understories

Plant Name	Type	USDA Zone	Key Features
Creeping Wintergreen	Evergreen Groundcover	3-8	Purple autumn leaves, acid tolerant
Bugleweed	Perennial Groundcover	3-10	Blue flowers, fast-growing, deep shade lover
Pachysandra	Evergreen Groundcover	5-9	Drought tolerant, spreads easily
Mountain Laurel	Flowering Shrub	4-9	Showy blooms, acidic soil lover
Japanese Sedge	Grass	5-9	Clumping, dry shade tolerant
Leucothoe	Shrub	5-8	Evergreen, adapts to dry spells
Epimedium	Perennial	4-9	Drought tolerant, heart-shaped leaves
Vinca Minor	Groundcover	4-9	Blue blooms, low maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will planting under cedar trees harm the tree?

No, if planting holes are prepared carefully and plants are chosen to share limited available water, cedar trees are not harmed. Avoid aggressive digging which may disrupt major roots or excessive irrigation leading to root suffocation.

Q: Can vegetables be grown under cedars?

Most vegetables require more sun and moisture than cedar understories offer, but leafy greens such as chard and spinach may succeed in lightly shaded and well-amended patches during cool weather.

Q: How do I improve soil under cedar trees?

Minimize disruption to roots, use acidic organic mulch, and top-dress with compost in areas not directly against the trunk. Consider shallow raised beds for easier soil improvement.

Q: Why do some plants die quickly when planted near cedar trees?

Likely causes include lack of sunlight, root competition for water, and soil acidity incompatible with the plantâs requirements. Switch to drought- and shade-tolerant, acid-loving species for better results.

Q: Do cedar trees release chemicals that prevent plant growth?

Some cedar species exhibit mild allelopathy, meaning they slow the growth of competing plants. This effect is strongest in dry, shaded soils where weak species cannot compete.

Summary Tips for Success Under Cedars

Assess soil shade, moisture, and pH prior to planting.
Select acid-loving, drought-tolerant plants adapted for deep shade.
Mulch thinly; water carefully and monitor for stunted growth.
Cluster plantings for stronger visual impact.
Patience is key; new plants may take longer establishing beneath established cedars.

References

Author

Srija Burman

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

Read full bio of Srija Burman