Having some beautiful plants growing under the shade of trees is just a gardener’s dream, isn’t it? But, why just a dream when it can be a reality?
In today’s article, I’ll help you find your way around balancing trees and plants together in the garden by taking you through a list of low-maintenance plants that can grow beautifully under trees!
11 Low-Maintenance Plants That Grow Beautifully Under Trees
1: Ferns
Whenever we talk about planting something in a shaded area, ferns are the first thing that comes to my mind. Because they prefer shade and moisture and are generally well-adapted to thrive in low-light conditions, planting ferns under trees makes a lot of sense.
2: Lungworts
This shade-loving perennial does well in both sunny conditions as well as shade. Lungworts are known for their ability to adapt to different lighting and soil conditions and are super easy to maintain. You can freely plant them under trees and not worry about them giving you any trouble whatsoever.
3: Snowdrops
Growers tend to plant snowdrops under trees as these majestic perennials prefer shade and cool conditions for optimal growth and blooming. As the name suggests, these plants start blooming very early and can even be seen glistening amid snow.
4: Cranesbill
Cranesbill, also known as hardy geraniums, can be planted under trees because they generally prefer shade for safe and healthy growth. Too much heat and direct sunlight can burn foliage and lead to poor blooming results.
You can also say that because of their low-growing nature, it makes sense to plant them under trees so they can make the lower extremities of your garden look more aesthetically pleasing.
5: Bluebells
Bluebells are known for thriving in moist, cool conditions where the sun doesn’t shine too bright and there’s plenty of shade to keep the perennials away from direct light. They spread quickly and can beautify your garden with vibrant bell-shaped blooms in no time.
6: Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding hearts can complement trees extremely well. Their pinkish-red heart-shaped blooms will thrive under the shade of trees and give the landscape a bold touch. The perennials typically do well in cool, moist environments, and under a tree is where you get that effect best.
7: Columbines
Columbines are an excellent choice for planting under trees. These vibrant, multi-colored perennials thrive in partial shade and serve as an attraction for natural pollinators like bees and butterflies that can help improve your overall garden ecosystem.
8: Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas have to be one of the most popular perennials out there. They’re shade-loving and can do exceptionally well under the shade of large trees.
Though there can be some mixed opinions regarding the ease of growing hydrangeas, they are still comparatively simpler to care for and maintain compared to other perennials.
9: Viburnum
Not to be confused with “vibranium” from Black Panther and other Marvel movies. Viburnum isn’t some powerful metal but rather a perennial shrub that thrives in shade and can easily be grown in a vast variety of conditions including underneath trees.
10: Hyacinths
Although hyacinths have a reputation for preferring some warmth and sunlight for the best growth, they can still adapt to shade and do relatively well. Generally, it would be a good idea to plant hyacinths underneath your trees if they’re still young and haven’t fully matured yet.
11: Cyclamen
Cyclamen are one of those perennials that need plenty of shade to grow well. Partial shade would be too little in this case. This flowering perennial prefers not to be blasted by intense heat and sunlight whatsoever and needs constant moisture to grow and flower properly.
