If you’re looking for an organic, natural way to beautify your garden while preserving the environment, planting beneath trees is an excellent strategy.
While growing plants under trees may seem challenging due to shade and root competition, selecting the right species makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 shade-tolerant plants that thrive under trees, adding beauty, color, and even fruit to your garden.
Whether you want ground covers, flowering plants, or shrubs, these options will help you create a lush and inviting landscape.
. Snowberry
Why Grow It? This overlooked shrub produces beautiful white flowers in spring and juicy berries in early fall, providing food for birds and pollinators.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in partial to full shade.
- Requires well-drained soil and minimal maintenance.
- Consider Magic Berry Snowberry for magenta-colored fruit.
2. Lamium
Why Grow It? A stunning groundcover with dense green leaves and delicate blooms in pink, purple, or white.
Growing Tips:
- Flourishes in deep shade.
- Provides excellent erosion control.
- Works well in container gardens.
3. Anemone
Why Grow It? A beautiful flower that offers vibrant colors in both fall and spring.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers partial to full shade.
- Grows well in moist, well-drained soil.
- Blooms in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red.
4. Hostas
Why Grow It? These shade-loving perennials are incredibly hardy and available in hundreds of varieties, ranging from small to large-leaved cultivars.
Growing Tips:
- Perform best with occasional watering and well-draining soil.
- Adaptable to different soil types and shade conditions.
- Provide stunning foliage contrast, and some varieties even produce fragrant flowers in summer.
5. Primroses
Why Grow It? One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, brightening any garden with its cheerful colors.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in moist, well-draining soil.
- Prefers partial shade.
- Offers long-lasting blooms in yellow, pink, and purple hues.
6. Foam Flowers
Why Grow It? A low-maintenance perennial that produces delicate blooms and serves as excellent ground cover.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers moist, shaded conditions.
- Cut back after blooming for fresh growth.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
25 Beautiful Plants That Grow Well Under Trees
Here’s what you should know about selecting 25 of those special types and how they will grow under your favorite shade tree!
by Linda Parker
September 29, 2021 – Updated on February 19, 2025
in PLANTS
If you’re looking for an organic, natural way to beautify your garden while preserving the environment, planting beneath trees is an excellent strategy.
While growing plants under trees may seem challenging due to shade and root competition, selecting the right species makes all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore 25 shade-tolerant plants that thrive under trees, adding beauty, color, and even fruit to your garden.
Whether you want ground covers, flowering plants, or shrubs, these options will help you create a lush and inviting landscape.
1. Snowberry
Why Grow It? This overlooked shrub produces beautiful white flowers in spring and juicy berries in early fall, providing food for birds and pollinators.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in partial to full shade.
- Requires well-drained soil and minimal maintenance.
- Consider Magic Berry Snowberry for magenta-colored fruit.
2. Lamium
Why Grow It? A stunning groundcover with dense green leaves and delicate blooms in pink, purple, or white.
Growing Tips:
- Flourishes in deep shade.
- Provides excellent erosion control.
- Works well in container gardens.
3. Anemone
Why Grow It? A beautiful flower that offers vibrant colors in both fall and spring.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers partial to full shade.
- Grows well in moist, well-drained soil.
- Blooms in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red.
4. Hostas
Why Grow It? These shade-loving perennials are incredibly hardy and available in hundreds of varieties, ranging from small to large-leaved cultivars.
Growing Tips:
- Perform best with occasional watering and well-draining soil.
- Adaptable to different soil types and shade conditions.
- Provide stunning foliage contrast, and some varieties even produce fragrant flowers in summer.
5. Primroses
Why Grow It? One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, brightening any garden with its cheerful colors.
Growing Tips:
- Thrives in moist, well-draining soil.
- Prefers partial shade.
- Offers long-lasting blooms in yellow, pink, and purple hues.
6. Foam Flowers
Why Grow It? A low-maintenance perennial that produces delicate blooms and serves as excellent ground cover.
Growing Tips:
- Prefers moist, shaded conditions.
- Cut back after blooming for fresh growth.
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
7. Ninebark
Why Grow It? A hardy, multi-season shrub with dark green or red leaves and layers of peeling bark that add texture and interest.
Growing Tips:
- Requires well-draining soil and occasional pruning.
- Grows well in partial shade and full sun.
- Produces small white or pink flowers in late spring.
8. Columbine
Why Grow It? A delicate perennial with vibrant, nectar-rich blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees.
Growing Tips:
- Flourishes in shade to partial sunlight.
- Blooms in a range of colors, from blue and purple to red and yellow.
- Self-seeds easily, making it an excellent naturalizing plant.
9. Bergenia
Why Grow It? A robust plant with glossy green leaves and clusters of pink or purple flowers that add boldness to any garden.
Growing Tips:
- Tolerates poor soil conditions.
- Thrives in both deep shade and partial sun.
- Creates lush ground cover with minimal upkeep.
10. Tree Peony
Why Grow It? Produces stunning, oversized blooms beneath tree canopies, adding a luxurious feel to shaded areas.
Growing Tips:
- Requires partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Hardy in zones 4–9.
- Blooms last longer than herbaceous peonies, providing weeks of color.
