What Shade Plants Will Grow under a Live Oak Tree

If you're lucky enough to have a live oak tree in your garden or backyard, you're probably familiar with the shade it offers. Live oak trees, with their sprawling branches and dense canopies, can provide a significant amount of shade, thereby creating an ideal environment for shade-loving plants. But what shade plants will grow under a live oak tree? Let's find out!

Understanding Live Oak Trees

Before we delve into the type of shade plants that grow under a live oak tree, it's important to understand the tree itself. Live oak trees are native to the Southeastern United States and are known for their longevity, as some can live up to 500 years. They can grow up to 80 feet tall and have a canopy spread of up to 120 feet. The tree provides dense shade due to its evergreen leaves, which remain on the tree all year-round.

Plants That Thrive in Shade

Now let's look at some plants that thrive in shade, making them ideal for growing under a live oak tree. Hostas, for example, are known for their ability to grow in a wide range of soil types and light conditions, making them perfect for the shade created by a live oak tree. Other shade-loving plants include bleeding hearts, impatiens, begonias, and ferns. These plants not only add some much-needed color and texture to the shaded area but also thrive in cooler and moister environments.

Native Plants

While non-native plants can be planted under a live oak tree, it's worth considering native plants as they are already adapted to the soil and climate conditions of the area. Some native plants that grow well in the shade provided by a live oak tree include coral bells, wild columbine, and Virginia bluebells. These plants can also help to support the local ecosystem by providing food and shelter for local wildlife.

Maintaining Your Shade Plants

Once you've chosen the shade plants that you want to grow under your live oak tree, it's important to maintain them so that they can thrive. Keep in mind that the soil under the live oak tree may be nutrient-poor due to the dense canopy, so fertilization may be necessary. Additionally, ensure that your plants receive adequate water as the live oak tree's canopy may prevent rainfall from reaching the ground. Regular pruning of the live oak tree's limbs will also help to provide the necessary amount of light to your shade plants.

Conclusion

Live oak trees can provide a cool and shaded environment that is ideal for growing a variety of plants. Shade-loving plants such as hostas, bleeding hearts, impatiens, begonias, and ferns are just a few examples of plants that can thrive under a live oak tree. Additionally, choosing native plants can further support the local ecosystem. With proper maintenance, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden under your live oak tree.