What Plants Grow Well Around a Tree

When it comes to landscaping, a tree can be an excellent focal point. Whether it's a mature tree or a young sapling, it can add beauty, shade, and texture to your yard. However, the area around the tree trunk can often be difficult to plant. The shade, root competition, and soil conditions can make it challenging to grow plants. But, with the right selection, there are many plants that can thrive in this challenging environment. In this article, we will explore what plants grow well around a tree.

Shade-loving Plants

One of the main challenges when planting around a tree is the lack of sunlight. But, there are plants that thrive in shade. These plants often have lush, dark green foliage and delicate blooms. Some common examples of shade-loving plants include:

Hostas: These plants have thick, attractive foliage that comes in a range of colors and textures. They are a great choice for planting around the base of a tree.

Coral Bells: Also known as Heuchera, these plants have colorful leaves and delicate flowers. They are an excellent choice for planting in the shade.

Ferns: Ferns are a classic choice for adding texture and greenery to a shady area. There are many varieties to choose from, including Boston Ferns and Maidenhair Ferns.

Groundcovers

Another option for planting around a tree is to use groundcovers. These plants are low-growing and spread quickly, making them an excellent choice for filling in bare areas. Some popular groundcover options include:

Creeping Thyme: This fragrant groundcover has tiny leaves and produces small pink or purple flowers. It is a great choice for planting around the base of a smaller tree.

Ajuga: Also known as Bugleweed, this plant is a low-growing groundcover with attractive purple foliage and blue flowers.

Dead Nettle: This plant has attractive foliage that ranges from silver to green, and it produces delicate blooms. It is an excellent groundcover for shaded areas.

Perennials

Perennials are plants that come back year after year, making them a great choice for a low-maintenance garden. There are many perennials that can thrive around a tree, including:

Daylilies: These plants produce showy flowers in a range of colors and are very hardy. They are a great choice for planting around a larger tree that gets more sun.

Bleeding Heart: This plant produces delicate pink or white heart-shaped flowers and attractive green foliage. They are a great choice for planting in a more shaded area around a tree.

Coneflower: Also known as Echinacea, this plant produces bold, daisy-like flowers in a range of colors. It is a great choice for adding height to a garden around a tree.

Final Thoughts

When selecting plants to grow around a tree, it's important to consider the amount of sunlight the area gets and the soil conditions. Additionally, it's important to choose plants that are not too aggressive and won't compete with the tree's roots. With the right selection, you can create a beautiful and lush garden around your tree that will be the envy of your neighbors!