What Can I Plant Under a Redbud Tree?

Redbud trees have striking purple-pink blooms in the spring and beautiful heart-shaped foliage that turns yellow in the fall.

However, many gardeners face the problem of finding the right plants that can thrive under a redbud tree's shade and compete with the tree's roots for nutrients and moisture.

Here are several plant options that can complement and coexist with redbud trees:

1. Ferns

Ferns are excellent shade plants that prefer moist soil. They add soft green foliage and texture to any landscape design underneath a redbud tree. Some popular fern varieties include ostrich ferns and maidenhair ferns.

2. Hostas

Hostas are a common choice for planting underneath trees as they prefer shady and moist environments. They come in various sizes and shapes, providing a delightful range of options for any garden design.

3. Heuchera

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, are shade-loving perennials that enhance the beauty of a redbud tree by adding colorful and attractive foliage. With their unique leaves in shades of green, purple, pink, and silver, they provide a beautiful accent to any garden.

4. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts produce delicate heart-shaped flowers that hang gracefully on arching stems. These timeless perennials prefer shady environments and moist soil. They make an excellent addition to any garden, especially when planted under a redbud tree.

5. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass or hakone grass is a shade-loving plant that complements the beauty of a redbud tree. With its variegated yellow and green leaves, it brings a bright and refreshing look to the garden. As it is a grass, it does not compete with the redbud's roots for nutrients and moisture.

6. Lungwort

Lungwort is a low-growing plant with striking foliage that thrives in shady areas. Its unique leaves are speckled with silver or white spots, making it an attractive plant that stands out under a redbud tree. Lungwort also produces clusters of delicate purple or pink flowers in the spring, adding more color to the garden.

Redbud trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, but planting underneath them can be tricky. By selecting plants that prefer shade, moist soil, and can coexist with the redbud's roots, your garden can be a beautiful oasis of color and texture.