49 Best Plants to Grow Under Trees: A Shade Garden Guide

Enrich root-bound spots with vibrant, low-maintenance greenery that thrives in deep cover.

By Srija Burman

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Enrich root-bound spots with vibrant, low-maintenance greenery that thrives in deep cover.

Transforming the bare earth beneath your trees into a lush, vibrant under-canopy is entirely possible with the right plant selection and a bit of know-how. Explore this comprehensive guide to 49 of the best shade-tolerant plantsâground covers, perennials, annuals, shrubs, and spring bulbsâthat will thrive beneath almost any tree.

Why Plant Under Trees?

Landscaping under trees brings several challenges: dense shade, competition for water and nutrients, and often dry or root-packed soil. But with a thoughtful approach, these shady spaces can be transformed into woodland garden havens rich in color, texture, and biodiversity.

Adds year-round interest to your landscape
Suppresses weeds and conserves soil moisture
Creates natural habitat for pollinators and wildlife
Prevents soil erosion by stabilizing the ground cover

Challenges of Planting Under Trees

Before planting under trees, be aware of the unique environmental constraints:

Reduced Sunlight: Tree canopies block direct sunlight, especially under evergreens.
Root Competition: Tree roots compete aggressively for water and nutrients.
Dry Soil: The ground under trees often dries out quickly, making moisture retention crucial.
Leaf Litter: Fallen leaves in autumn may smother delicate new growth.

Choosing plants native to forest or woodland habitats is the key; these have evolved to cope with competition and shade.

How to Choose Plants for Under Trees

Light Requirements: Opt for true shade or partial-shade lovers. Observe sun patterns throughout the day.
Root Adaptation: Pick shallow-rooted plants that arenât easily crowded out by tree roots.
Moisture Needs: Consider drought-tolerant species if the soil stays dry.
Soil Enrichment: Amend with organic matter to increase fertility and moisture retention.
Low Maintenance: Choose plants that thrive without excessive care.

Best Ground Covers for Under Trees

Ground covers are ideal beneath treesâthey spread to create a lush “carpet,” suppress weeds, and require less maintenance than conventional lawns.

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Fragrant, star-shaped white blooms; spreads by rhizomes.
Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.): Heart-shaped leaves; delicate spring flower clusters.
Lilyturf (Liriope muscari): Grass-like foliage, purple summer flowers.
Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): Rounded leaves; low-growing, aromatic, and deer-resistant.
Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis): Evergreen, drought-tolerant, forms a dense mat.
Canadian Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): Silky leaves and unusual ground-hugging flowers.
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle): Evergreen with purple flowers; prolific spreader.
Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans): Glossy leaves; blue flower spikes in spring.
Ferns (Various species): Ostrich, Maidenhair, and Christmas ferns are classic woodland fillers.
Hostas (Hosta spp.): Tolerates heavy shade; wide variety of foliage colors and textures.

Best Perennials to Plant Under Trees

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Tall spires of spotted blooms; prefers dappled light.
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): Nodding, intricate flowers; attracts hummingbirds.
Heuchera (Coral Bells): Colorful foliage, compact growth, delicate flower wands.
Astilbe: Lacy, fern-like leaves and plumes of pink, white, or red flowers.
Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss): Heart-shaped, silvery leaves, forget-me-not blue blossoms.
Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata): Fragrant blue or white clusters in mid-spring.
Solomonâs Seal (Polygonatum spp.): Graceful stems, dangling white flowers.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria): Spotted foliage and blue-pink flowers in early spring.
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum): Striking silver and burgundy fronds.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): Heart-shaped pendant blossoms; prefers moist, shaded soil.

Spring Bulbs & Early Woodland Flowers

Many spring-flowering bulbs and ephemeral woodland species bloom before the trees leaf out, thriving in the brief window of sun.

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis): Tiny white bells, earliest to bloom.
English Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta): Classic blue carpets for shade under mature trees.
Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis): Golden yellow, buttercup-like flowers.
Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa): Delicate white, pink, or blue blossoms.
Trillium: Woodland favorite, showy three-petaled flowers.
Dutchmanâs Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria): Intriguing “pants-like” blooms in white.

Shade-Tolerant Shrubs for Under Trees

Add height, winter interest, and structure to your shade garden with these adaptable shrubs:

Rhododendron: Evergreen, brilliant spring flowers, tolerates full to partial shade.
Azalea: Related to rhododendrons, adapts well under established trees.
Camellia: Glossy foliage, elegant blooms; prefers acidic, sheltered spots.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis): Winter or early spring blooms, attractive fall color.
Mahonia (Oregon Grape): Evergreen, yellow spring flowers, blue berries; thrives in dense shade.
Hydrangea anomala (Climbing Hydrangea): The climbing species tolerates shade and will twine up trunks or walls, but shrub hydrangeas may struggle to thrive directly under trees due to root competition.

Best Annuals for Spot-Color Under Trees

Impatiens: Classic shade annual, blooms nonstop through summer.
Begonias: Waxy leaves, vivid color selection.
Torenia (Wishbone Flower): Unique color patterns and good for pollinators.
Violas: Cool-season color for spring and fall.

Native Plants and Woodland Wildflowers

Native woodland plants are naturally adapted to the tough conditions beneath trees and boost the local ecosystem:

Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum): Umbrella-like leaves; clusters form natural shade.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum): Exotic woodland wildflower with unique “hooded” flowers.
Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda): Lacy foliage, pearl-like white berries (toxic, best for ornamental only).
Solomonâs Seal: Also popular as a native perennial (see above).

Plants with Texture and Color

For a multi-layered, vibrant shade border, combine plants with various leaf shapes, colors, and heights:

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra): Soft, arching leaves, golden-hued cultivars brighten the shade.
Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum): Silver variegation on foliage; pink to purple flowers.
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): Lush foliage, spiky white blooms.
Bishopâs Hat (Epimedium grandiflorum): Noted for unusual flower shapes and tough leaves.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Spreads quickly; use as a living mulch for pops of gold.

Essential Tips for Planting Under Trees

Prep Gently: Avoid harming tree roots. Dig small holes between roots rather than widespread soil disturbance.
Amend Carefully: Mix compost into planting pockets without raising soil around the trunk.
Water Generously: Roots under trees compete for moisture. Deep, thorough watering is vital during establishment.
Mulch Wisely: Use shredded leaf mold or wood chips to keep soil cool and moistâbut don’t pile mulch against the tree trunk.
Right Plant, Right Place: Consider the specific microclimate: eastern exposure, coniferous vs. broadleaf trees, and moisture gradients create distinct shade environments.

Table: 25 Top Plants to Grow Under Trees

Plant Name	Type	Key Feature	Shade Tolerance
Sweet Woodruff	Perennial/Ground cover	Fragrant, soft carpet	Deep
Hosta	Perennial	Showy foliage	Partial to Full
Foxglove	Biennial/Perennial	Vertical flowers	Part
Wild Ginger	Ground cover	Aromatic, low maintenance	Full
Vinca Minor	Ground cover	Purple color, evergreen	Full
Astilbe	Perennial	Feathery plumes	Partial
Columbine	Perennial	Intricate blooms	Partial
Barrenwort	Perennial	Tough foliage, small flowers	Full
Lilyturf	Ground cover	Grass-like	Full
Bleeding Heart	Perennial	Heart blooms	Partial
English Bluebells	Spring Bulb	Blue carpet effect	Partial
Brunnera	Perennial	Silvery leaf, blue flowers	Partial
Impatiens	Annual	Season-long blooms	Full
Torenia	Annual	Pollinator-friendly	Partial
Japanese Painted Fern	Fern	Silver/frond color	Full
Mayapple	Wildflower	Umbrella leaves	Full
Woodland Phlox	Perennial	Fragrant	Partial
Wild Anemone	Wildflower/Bulb	Delicate	Partial
Jack-in-the-Pulpit	Wildflower	Unique shape	Full
Rhododendron	Shrub	Evergreen, flowering	Partial
Camellia	Shrub	Elegant, winter blooms	Partial
Hydrangea anomala	Climbing Shrub	Climbs, white blooms	Partial
Spotted Deadnettle	Ground cover	Silver variegation	Full
Creeping Jenny	Ground cover	Bright gold color	Partial
Mahonia	Shrub	Evergreen, berries	Full

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to plant under established trees?

Gently dig individual holes between roots, plant in groupings, and use compost in the planting hole. Avoid heavy digging or adding thick soil layers directly on top of tree roots, which can suffocate them.

Can I plant hydrangeas under trees?

While hydrangeas love partial shade, most are not well suited for planting under trees, as they will struggle to compete with established root systems for water and nutrients. The climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala) is one exception, tolerating life under tall trees and even climbing trunks for support.

Do I need to water shade plants more often?

Yes, especially when establishing new plants. The canopy often blocks rainfall and the roots of trees can out-compete shade plants for water. Deep, slow watering is recommended, particularly in dry seasons.

Is it possible to grow vegetables under trees?

A few vegetables, such as leafy greens (spinach, lettuce) and root crops (radishes, beets), can tolerate partial shade, but yields may be lower than in sun. Flowering and fruit vegetables like tomatoes or peppers typically need more sunlight.

Should I mulch plants under trees?

Mulch with shredded leaves, wood chips, or pine needles to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the tree trunk and plant stems to prevent rot and disease.

Final Tips for Shady Success

Start with a layer of ground covers for weed suppression and texture.
Mix in spring bulbs and early woodland flowers for seasonal bursts of color.
Group plants in drifts for a more natural and resilient woodland effect.
Observe how light changes through the yearâsome spots get more sun in spring before full leaf-out.
Be patient: Shade gardens fill in over time as plants establish and spread naturally.

Summary List: 49 Top Plants for Under Trees

Sweet Woodruff
Barrenwort
Lilyturf
Wild Ginger
Pachysandra
Canadian Wild Ginger
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Bugleweed (Ajuga)
Ferns: Ostrich, Maidenhair, Christmas, Painted
Hostas
Foxglove
Columbine
Heuchera
Astilbe
Brunnera
Woodland Phlox
Solomonâs Seal
Lungwort
Japanese Painted Fern
Bleeding Heart
Snowdrops
English Bluebells
Winter Aconites
Wood Anemone
Trillium
Dutchmanâs Breeches
Rhododendron
Azalea
Camellia
Witch Hazel
Mahonia
Climbing Hydrangea
Impatiens
Begonia
Torenia
Violas
Mayapple
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Baneberry
Japanese Forest Grass
Spotted Deadnettle
Foamflower
Bishopâs Hat
Creeping Jenny
Lambâs Ear
Siberian Bugloss
Toad Lily
Bloodroot
Virginia Bluebells

With thoughtful plant selection and patient care, your woodland garden will thrive for years, bringing renewed life to those quiet spots beneath your favorite trees.

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