What Plants Grow Well Under Trees

Shaded areas in your yard can present a gardening challenge, but there are many plants that thrive in the cool, damp conditions under trees. Here are some plants that grow well under trees:

Perennials

Perennial plants are a great choice for shaded gardens since they come back year after year. Some popular perennial plants that grow well under trees include:

Hostas – These leafy plants come in a variety of sizes and colors and prefer the cool, moist soil found under trees.

Bleeding Hearts – These plants produce heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white and red and thrive in the dappled shade provided by trees.

Ferns – Many ferns are shade-loving and will grow well under trees. Their delicate fronds add a soft, lush look to the garden.

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are plants that spread and grow close to the ground, making them a great choice for planting under trees. Some popular groundcovers that thrive in shaded areas include:

Creeping Jenny – This low-growing plant has bright green leaves and spreads quickly, creating a dense carpet of foliage under trees.

Lily of the Valley – These fragrant plants produce small, bell-shaped flowers in the spring and prefer the shade of trees.

Ajuga – Also known as bugleweed, this groundcover has colorful foliage in shades of green, bronze and purple and produces spikes of blue or pink flowers.

Bulbs and Annuals

Bulbs and annuals are a great way to add color to the shaded areas of your garden. Some bulbs and annuals that grow well under trees include:

Daffodils – These cheerful flowers bloom in early spring and will naturalize if left undisturbed, creating a carpet of sunshine-yellow blooms under trees.

Impatiens – These shade-loving annuals come in a variety of colors and produce flowers all summer long, making them a great choice for adding color to the garden.

Snowdrops – These delicate flowers are one of the first signs of spring and will naturalize in the shade of trees, creating a blanket of white blooms.

When planting under trees, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Be sure to avoid damaging tree roots when planting, and choose plants that don't require a lot of direct sunlight. Watering may also be an issue in shaded areas, so be sure to choose plants that don't need a lot of water once established.

With the right plants and a little planning, you can create a beautiful garden in even the shadiest spots of your yard.