What to Plant Under Redbud Trees

Redbud trees are beautiful ornamental trees that are popular for their stunning pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring. These trees can be the focal point of any landscape, but often the area under and around them can be a tricky spot to plant. The soil under the dense canopy of the redbud tree can be dry, root-infested, and lacking in nutrients, making it a tough place for most plants to survive. However, there are some plants that can tolerate the unique conditions under redbud trees and add beauty to the area. Here are some ideas of what to plant under redbud trees.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are the perfect solution for planting beneath redbud trees. They can spread out over the dry soil, form a dense mat of foliage, and help shade their own roots, conserving moisture. Some good choices for this area include:

Periwinkle (Vinca minor): This fast-spreading groundcover has evergreen leaves and a profusion of purple-blue flowers in the spring.

Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens): This low-growing, evergreen perennial produces masses of white flowers in the spring.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): This mat-forming evergreen perennial has masses of colorful flowers in the spring and makes a great groundcover.

Shade-Tolerant Perennials

If you are looking for some colorful plants to perk up the shaded area under your redbud tree, try planting some shade-tolerant perennials. These plants are great for providing a splash of color and diversity to the area. Some good options include:

Hosta (Hosta spp.): These plants have attractive foliage and add a range of colors and textures to the area. They are known for their shade tolerance and are easy to care for.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spp.): This delicate-looking plant has attractive flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer. They prefer shade and moist soil, making them an excellent choice for planting under redbud trees.

Astilbe: (Astilbe spp.): These plants produce tall spires of delicate flowers that come in a variety of colors. They prefer shady, moist conditions and do well under the canopy of a redbud tree.

Evergreen Shrubs

If you are looking for something that will add year-round interest to your landscape and help fill in the space under your redbud tree, consider planting some evergreen shrubs. These plants can provide a backdrop for other plants and help create structure in the area. Some good options to consider include:

Boxwood (Buxus spp.): These evergreen shrubs are easy to care for, slow-growing, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They add structure and formal interest to any landscape.

Holly (Ilex spp.): These evergreen shrubs have attractive foliage and berries that add interest to the landscape. They are tough, drought-tolerant, and shade-loving.

Yew (Taxus spp.): These evergreen shrubs are slow-growing, drought-tolerant, and shade-loving. They are also versatile and can be used in a wide range of landscape designs.

The area under a redbud tree can be a challenge to plant, but with the right plants and some careful planning, it can become a beautiful and functional part of your landscape. When choosing plants, be sure to consider the unique conditions in this area, such as poor soil, dry conditions, and shade. With a little creativity and some trial and error, you can create a colorful and thriving garden under your redbud tree.