These 10 plants will thrive under trees

The most troublesome area in your home is probably the area under evergreen or shade trees. These areas are problematic for a few reasons. First, the area under a tree rarely receives enough sunlight to grow grass well. And if grass does grow there, accessing it with a lawn mower can be difficult if the tree has low-lying branches. The canopy of the tree tends to prevent rainfall from reaching the ground. Also, the tree’s roots compete with other plants for water and nutrients.

If you’ve given up on growing plants under trees and opted for the landscape fabric and mulch solution, read on. In this article, we’ve included suggestions on how to plant under trees, along with ten plants that not only grow, but thrive, in the difficult growing conditions found there.

    1. AZALEAS & RHODONEDRONS

Azaleas and rhododendrons are the perfect under-tree plants because they love the shade. Growing best in USDA zones 6-9, these shade loving shrubs look amazing but they do need constant moisture so make sure to water regularly!

2. OREGON GRAPE HOLLY

A tough, drought resistant plant, the Oregon grape holly can grow almost anywhere and looks very attractive underneath trees. You can purchase them as an upright shrub or in a trailing form.

3. ALPINE CURRANT

A suitable choice for cold weather gardens, this tough plant can grow as far as USDA zone 3. Growing in both sun and shade, the alpine currant makes for an attractive garden pal.

4. HYDRANGEAS

Like azaleas, hydrangeas need constant moisture, but they also prefer the shade, making them the perfect under-tree partners. You can find different types of hydrangeas depending on your zone.

5. WILD COLUMBINE

These beautiful and delicate flowers love wooded areas, so the more trees the better. Once established, they’re very drought resistant.

6. WILD GINGER

Wild ginger looks beautiful, but it will need lots of water. It is also a shade loving plant, and likes to spread quickly.

7. VINCA

Vinca is a rapid-growing plant that can tolerate both sun and shade, and moisture and drought. Too much moisture though and it can become invasive.

8. HOSTA

These plants come in hundreds of varieties, and are somewhat drought tolerant. Group them in masses underneath trees.

9. IMPATIENTS

These are the classic under-tree plants because they look absolutely stunning! Water them regularly and fertilize for amazing growth.

10. PANSIES AND VIOLETS

Pansies and violets prefer full sun, but they can also grow very well under the shade, especially in the hot, summer months.