10 Gorgeous Perennials That Thrive Under Trees

Table of Contents

10 Gorgeous Perennials That Thrive Under Trees

Have you ever had difficulty finding the perfect plants for your shady garden area? Worry no more! We have collected 10 stunning perennials that enjoy growing under trees. These plants thrive in low-light settings and can even withstand the intense rivalry of tree roots. From striking blooms to delicate foliage, there is an ideal perennial for every taste.

Soft and Fluffy Blossoms

Astilbe has thousands of tiny flowers that produce light, airy plumes over fern-like foliage. The plant comes in a variety of colors like white, pink, and red. It can reach heights of up to three feet tall and two feet wide.

How to Care for Astilbe

• Astilbe prefers soil that is kept moist.
• Though it will thrive in full or part shade, avoid dry areas.
• Add organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve the soil and retain moisture.
• Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring.
• Keep an eye out for pests such as slugs and snails.

Elegant Foliage

Hosta plants come in various sizes and styles, from miniature ones to those that grow into large clumps. They have wide leaves in vibrant green, blue, or gold hues. Hosta's beauty is all about its lush foliage, which often features interesting textures and patterns.

How to Care for Hosta

• Hostas require moist soil and should be watered regularly.
• They thrive in part or full shade and prefer a shaded spot that receives morning sun but is protected from harsh rays later in the day.
• Amend your soil with organic matter to enhance soil quality.
• Avoid planting hostas in areas where slugs are known to be an issue.
• Use a slow-release fertilizer in spring.

Heart-Shaped Blooms

Bleeding Heart has a romantic reputation, thanks to its show-stopping heart-shaped flowers. It blooms in hues of pink, purple, and white from early spring through summer. The foliage becomes dormant during hot weather.

How to Care for Bleeding Heart

• Bleeding Heart loves rich, moist soil that drains well.
• For best results, plant in part or full shade.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, and refrain from letting it dry out.
• Remove spent flowers as they fade.
• Mulch around the base in colder temperatures.

Variegated Leaves and Flowers

Lungwort is a delightful addition with its patterned and spotted leaves in brilliant shades of green, silver, and white. Their flowers come in blue, pink, or purple hues and attract pollinators. The plant grows up to around one to two feet tall.

How to Care for Lungwort

• Lungwort thrives in moist, loamy soil.
• Plant it in partial or full shade.
• This plant can tolerate some droughts.
• Cut back dead flower stalks to encourage new growth.
• Divide the clumps every two to three years.

Graceful Cascading Foliage

Japanese Forest Grass is one of the top choices for ornamental grasses. It has arching and drooping foliage that enhances the natural feel of any garden bed. These grasses come in shades of ochre, golden green, and purple hues.

How to Care for Japanese Forest Grass

• Partial or full shade works best for this plant.
• Water frequently to ensure its moist soil.
• Mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Apply a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season—You'll need to divide these plants after about three years.

Colorful Bell-Shaped Flowers

Coral bells are one of the colorful perennials that can help brighten up any shady spot in your garden. This plant's bell-shaped flowers come in various shades of pink, coral, red, and white. The foliage also comes in several colors, like lime-green, deep purple, and chocolate brown.

How to Care for Coral Bells

• Coral Bells thrive in fertile, well-draining soil.
• They prefer part shade but will tolerate some sun.
• Remove dead flowers to encourage new blooms.
• During dry spells, water more regularly.
• Cut back their foliage to the ground each winter to promote new growth.

Foamy White Blooms

Foamflowers produce delicate white flowers that resemble foam on a latte. They may also have pink, lavender, or red tones. The plant grows up to one foot tall and one to two feet wide.

How to Care for Foamflower

• Foamflower likes part or full shade and a moist, well-draining soil.
• Deadhead to encourage further blossoms.
• Water when the top inch of the soil becomes dry.
• Divide the clumps every year or two.
• Mulching is also important during harsh winters.

Heart-Shaped Leaves and Delicate Flowers

Barrenwort perks up any shady area with small heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers in shades of red or pink. The plant grows up to one foot tall and four inches wide.

How to Care for Barrenwort

• Rich, slightly acidic, and evenly moist planting soil conditions are best for this plant.
• It flourishes in partial or complete shade but should receive some sunlight for optimal growth.
• Don't allow the soil to dry out completely.
• Apply a slow-release organic fertilizer in spring.
• Divide the clumps every three to four years.

Fragrant Bell-Shaped Flowers

Lily of the Valley is a popular choice for gardeners because of its fragrant and bell-shaped white flowers. These plants enjoy spreading and can fill in spaces quickly, making them an excellent ground cover option.

How to Care for Lily of the Valley

• Lily of the Valley thrives well in moderately moist and well-drained soil.
• Plant it in partial or full shade.
• These are tough plants that can withstand many harsh winters.
• Keep your soil healthy by adding organic matter and occasional fertilizer.
• Divide the clumps every two or three years.

Winter Blooms in Shades of Pink, Green, and White

Hellebores have evergreen foliage that comes in lung-like shapes and beautifully complemented by winter blooms in an array of pinks, green, purples or whites. These plants can reach up to around two feet tall.

How to Care for Hellebore

• Helleborus prefers fertile soil with good drainage.
• Part or full shade planting areas work best.
• Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer in spring.
• Snip spent flowers and damaged foliage in early spring.
• Dividing is only necessary when clumps have gotten too large.

These magnificent perennials demonstrate that you can create a thriving garden under the shade of trees. With the right blend of shade-loving plants, you can create a dynamic and captivating landscape that is sure to impress any guest. Remember to choose varieties that are easy to care for and can tolerate the competition of tree roots for optimum performance. Happy planting!

1. What are the Best Perennials for Growing Under Trees? Ans: Lungwort, Japanese Forest Grass, Astilbe, Hosta, Coral Bells, and Bleeding Heart are some of the top plants for growing under trees.

2. How do I plant under a tree? Ans: It's essential to dig holes for your plants as deep as possible to avoid disturbing shallow tree roots. Also, it's recommended to add compost or other organic matter to help the soil retain moisture and lock in nutrients.

3. Do perennials grow well in the shade? Ans: Yes, several perennials can thrive in the shade because they don't require direct sunlight to grow.

4. Can I plant annuals under trees? Ans: Annual plants can be grown under trees. However, it's best to stay away from aggressive annuals that could take over the area or compete with the roots of your trees.

5. What are some good groundcovers for under trees? Ans: Some of the top ground cover options include Lily of the Valley, Sweet Woodruff, Hosta, Pachysandra, and Periwinkle.

6. Can I mulch under a tree? Ans: Trees benefit from being mulched as it helps keep soil moisture and aids in maintaining an even soil temperature.

7. How often should I water my plants under the tree? Ans: It is advisable to water plants every few days during hot weather, ensuring that their soil stays moist.

8. What kind of soil do I need for plants that grow under trees? Ans: Soil that is nutrient-rich, has good drainage, and stays evenly moist works well for plants growing under trees.

9. How do I prepare the soil before planting under the tree? Ans: It's crucial to add organic material like peat moss or compost to improve soil quality, assist with water retention and suppress weed growth.

10. How do I prevent damage to tree roots when planting under the tree? Ans: Digging the hole for your plant shallowly helps to avoid damaging the roots beneath the soil.