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 while preserving the environment, planting beneath trees is an excellent strategy.
While growing plants under trees may seem challenging due to shade and root competition, selecting the right species makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 shade-tolerant plants that thrive under trees, adding beauty, color, and even fruit to your garden.
Whether you want ground covers, flowering plants, or shrubs, these options will help you create a lush and inviting landscape.
1. Snowberry
Why Grow It? This overlooked shrub produces beautiful white flowers in spring and juicy berries in early fall, providing food for birds and pollinators.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in partial to full shade.
- Requires well-drained soil and minimal maintenance.
- Consider Magic Berry Snowberry for magenta-colored fruit.
2. Lamium
Why Grow It? A stunning groundcover with dense green leaves and delicate blooms in pink, purple, or white.
Growing Tips:
- Flourishes in deep shade.
- Provides excellent erosion control.
- Works well in container gardens.
3. Anemone
Why Grow It? A beautiful flower that offers vibrant colors in both fall and spring.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers partial to full shade.
- Grows well in moist, well-drained soil.
- Blooms in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red.
4. Hostas
Why Grow It? These shade-loving perennials are incredibly hardy and available in hundreds of varieties, ranging from small to large-leaved cultivars.
Growing Tips:
- Perform best with occasional watering and well-draining soil.
- Adaptable to different soil types and shade conditions.
- Provide stunning foliage contrast, and some varieties even produce fragrant flowers in summer.
5. Primroses
Why Grow It? One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, brightening any garden with its cheerful colors.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in moist, well-draining soil.
- Prefers partial shade.
- Offers long-lasting blooms in yellow, pink, and purple hues.
6. Foam Flowers
Why Grow It? A low-maintenance perennial that produces delicate blooms and serves as excellent ground cover.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers moist, shaded conditions.
- Cut back after blooming for fresh growth.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
7. Ninebark
Why Grow It? A hardy, multi-season shrub with dark green or red leaves and layers of peeling bark that add texture and interest.
Growing Tips:
- Requires well-draining soil and occasional pruning.
- Grows well in partial shade and full sun.
- Produces small white or pink flowers in late spring.
8. Columbine
Why Grow It? A delicate perennial with vibrant, nectar-rich blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees.
Growing Tips:
- Flourishes in shade to partial sunlight.
- Blooms in a range of colors, from blue and purple to red and yellow.
- Self-seeds easily, making it an excellent naturalizing plant.
9. Bergenia
Why Grow It? A robust plant with glossy green leaves and clusters of pink or purple flowers that add boldness to any garden.
Growing Tips:
- Tolerates poor soil conditions.
- Thrives in both deep shade and partial sun.
- Creates lush ground cover with minimal upkeep.
10. Tree Peony
Why Grow It? Produces stunning, oversized blooms beneath tree canopies, adding a luxurious feel to shaded areas.
Growing Tips:
- Requires partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Hardy in zones 4–9.
- Blooms last longer than herbaceous peonies, providing weeks of color.
11. Alpine Currant
Why Grow It? A fruit-bearing shrub that tolerates extreme cold and shade.
Growing Tips:
- Hardy in USDA zones 3–7.
- Grows well in partial to full shade.
- Produces small edible berries that attract birds.
12. Mountain Laurel
Why Grow It? A broadleaf evergreen that produces stunning pink and white flowers in late spring.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers acidic, well-drained soil.
- Thrives in shade or dappled sunlight.
- Requires occasional pruning to maintain shape.
13. Hens and Chicks
Why Grow It? A unique succulent that thrives in shaded areas and provides ground cover.
Growing Tips:
- Hardy in zones 3–11.
- Requires minimal watering.
- Works well in rock gardens and shaded spaces.
14. Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Why Grow It? These flowering shrubs thrive in acidic, shaded soil and produce stunning blooms in spring.
Growing Tips:
- Require a pH of 4.4–6.
- Need consistent moisture.
- Provide a showy burst of color under trees.
15. Sedum
Why Grow It? A drought-tolerant succulent that serves as an attractive ground cover under trees.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in zones 3–9.
- Requires well-drained soil.
- Available in various colors and textures.
16. Hydrangeas
Why Grow It? Known for their large, vibrant flower clusters that bloom in partial shade.
Growing Tips:
- Require consistently moist soil.
- Thrive in zones 4–9.
- Adjust flower color by changing soil pH.
17. Camellia
Why Grow It? A warm-weather shrub that blooms for an extended season.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in zones 6–9.
- Prefers well-drained acidic soil.
- Produces vibrant red, pink, or white flowers.
18. Pieris Japonica
Why Grow It? A stunning evergreen shrub that produces cascading clusters of bell-shaped flowers in early spring.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers acidic, well-drained soil.
- Thrives in partial to full shade.
- Requires occasional pruning to maintain shape.
19. Impatiens
Why Grow It? One of the best annuals for shaded areas, known for its vibrant, continuous blooms.
Growing Tips:
- Must be replanted annually.
- Thrives in moist, shaded environments.
- Blooms profusely in a variety of colors.
20. Oregon Grape Holly
Why Grow It? A drought-resistant, shade-tolerant evergreen shrub with unique holly-like leaves and yellow flowers.
Growing Tips:
- Hardy in zones 5-9.
- Produces edible blue berries.
- Adds structure to shaded landscapes.
21. Begonias
Why Grow It? These vibrant flowers add stunning color to shaded gardens and bloom throughout the growing season.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
- Thrives in dappled sunlight or full shade.
- Requires regular watering to prevent soil from drying out.
22. Coleus
Why Grow It? One of the most colorful foliage plants, perfect for adding contrast and texture under trees.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in partial to full shade.
- Prefers moist, well-draining soil.
- Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
23. Pansies and Violets
Why Grow It? These delicate flowers provide seasonal color and thrive in cooler, shaded areas.
Growing Tips:
- Best grown in rich, organic soil.
- Requires regular watering, especially in dry conditions.
- Thrives in partial shade and cooler temperatures.
24. Milkweed
Why Grow It? A pollinator-friendly plant that attracts butterflies, especially Monarchs.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers well-drained soil.
- Thrives in partial shade to full sun.
- Tolerant of dry conditions once established.
25. Lysimachia
Why Grow It? This ground cover is known for its vibrant flowers and ability to thrive under shade trees.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
- Thrives in shaded areas with dappled sunlight.
- Provides excellent erosion control.
These 25 stunning plants prove that you can create a lush and colorful garden even in the shade of trees.
With the right selections and care, you’ll enjoy a vibrant under-canopy landscape for years to come!
