What to Plant Under Oak Tree

Oak trees are incredibly iconic and majestic trees that are often considered the crown jewels of the forest. If you have an oak tree in your garden, you know how breathtakingly beautiful it can be. However, it can be quite challenging to find plants that can thrive under an oak tree's shade and soil conditions. Let's explore some of the best plants that you can grow under an oak tree.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are some of the most popular plants to grow under oak trees. They not only provide an attractive ground cover but also help prevent soil erosion. Some excellent options for groundcovers include:

Ajuga- A low-growing and trailing plant with purplish-blue foliage that can thrive well in the dry shade under oak trees.

Pachysandra- This evergreen groundcover can be a great option under oak trees. It has leathery leaves and spreads easily.

Hosta- Hosta plants are excellent under oak trees as they are shade-tolerant and can provide beautiful foliage and colorful flowers.

Bearberry - This is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that produces attractive red berries. It can tolerate dry soil and sandy conditions.

Flowers

Flowers can add a pop of color to the dull shade of oak trees. Here are some great flowering plants that can grow well under oak trees:

Astilbe- Astilbe is a lovely plant with fern-like foliage and pink, white or red blooms that thrive in shady areas.

Ferns- Ferns are incredibly hardy plants that can flourish under oak trees. They provide beautiful foliage and come in various varieties, including the Maidenhair fern and the Christmas fern.

Trillium- This plant produces beautiful white, pink or red flowers in the spring and can tolerate dry soil conditions under oak trees.

Wild Ginger - This plant produces attractive, heart-shaped leaves and helps to deter pests like deer and rabbits. It can also be used as a natural groundcover.

Shrubs

Shrubs can provide a great backdrop against the trunk of the oak tree or around the edges of the garden bed. Some excellent options for shrubs include:

Hydrangea- This plant produces beautiful flowers that can add color and texture to your garden. Depending on the variety, hydrangea can thrive in sunny or shady areas.

Euonymus- This plant can grow well in the shade and provide evergreen foliage. Some varieties produce colorful berries that can add interest to the garden.

Japonica- This plant is a type of camellia that produces beautiful flowers in winter, providing a lovely contrast to oak trees' dark foliage.

Rhododendron - These plants come in various sizes and produce beautiful flowers that can add vibrancy to your garden. They love shade and acidic soil conditions.

In conclusion, planting under oak trees can be tricky. The key to success is to find plants that are shade-tolerant, can withstand dry soil conditions and any acidity the oak tree may create. With the options we have discussed, you can transform the space under your oak tree into a beautiful and vibrant garden area.