What Plants Grow Well Under Oak Trees

Oak trees are beautiful and majestic, but they can make gardening underneath them a bit of a challenge. The large canopy of an oak tree casts a dense shade that can limit the amount of light and moisture that reaches the plants beneath it. However, with some careful selection and planning, you can create a thriving garden under the shade of an oak tree. Here are some of the best plants that grow well under oak trees:

1. Ferns

Ferns are a great choice for planting under oak trees. They are shade-loving plants that thrive in moist soil. Ferns come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and shades of green. Some of the best ferns for planting under oak trees include Japanese painted fern, lady fern, and Christmas fern.

2. Hostas

Hostas are another shade-loving plant that grows well under oak trees. They have large, lush leaves that come in shades of green, blue, and yellow. Hostas can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, but they do best in moist, well-drained soil. Some of the best hostas for planting under oak trees include Blue Angel, Frances Williams, and Gold Standard.

3. Wildflowers

Wildflowers are a great choice for planting under oak trees because they can tolerate the challenging growing conditions. They are hardy, low-maintenance plants that come in a variety of colors and textures. Wildflowers that grow well under oak trees include columbine, trillium, and bloodroot.

4. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for planting under oak trees because they can tolerate some shade. They have large, showy blooms that come in shades of blue, pink, and white. Hydrangeas do best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Some of the best hydrangeas for planting under oak trees include Endless Summer, Limelight, and Annabelle.

5. Coral Bells

Coral Bells are a colorful and low-maintenance plant that grows well under oak trees. They have distinctive foliage that comes in shades of purple, pink, green, and silver. Coral Bells can tolerate a range of light conditions, but they do best in partial shade. Some of the best Coral Bells for planting under oak trees include Obsidian, Palace Purple, and Peach Melba.

Conclusion

Gardening under a majestic oak tree can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With some careful planning and selection, you can create a lovely garden that thrives under the shade of an oak tree. Ferns, hostas, wildflowers, hydrangeas, and coral bells are just a few of the many plants that can grow well under an oak tree. By choosing the right plants, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that enhances the natural beauty of the oak tree.