Plants for Under Trees: Best Shade Plants for Dry, Root-Filled Ground

• Original Blooming Lucky guide
• Practical, beginner friendly
• Tree-safe planting advice

Why planting under trees is difficult

Under a tree, several limits stack on top of each other. The canopy reduces light, sometimes to deep shade in summer. The roots take moisture and nutrients from the soil before smaller plants can reach them. The soil itself can be dry, compacted, or full of woody roots that block a trowel. Leaf litter or pine needles change the surface, and the type of tree, evergreen or deciduous, decides whether spring light reaches the ground at all. New plants need help until they establish, which usually means watering through their first one or two seasons.

This is why two gardens with the same plant list can look completely different. The plant did not fail because it was a bad choice; it failed because the real conditions were different.

Best plants for under trees at a glance

This summary table is a quick reference. The cards further down explain each plant in more detail and show what the conditions look like in practice.

Best ground cover under trees

Ground covers are useful under trees because they cover bare soil, soften the root zone, reduce weeds, and create a calm woodland look. The best ground cover depends on whether the shade is dry, damp, evergreen, or seasonal. There is no single best plant for every situation.

• 

  Epimedium

  Epimedium spp.

  Best for

  Dry to average shade under deciduous or evergreen trees.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Dry once established

  Spread

  Slow to moderate clump

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. One of the most reliable dry-shade ground covers; tough, evergreen or semi-evergreen, and rarely bothered by tree roots.

  Beginner note. Buy small plants, plant in autumn or spring, and keep watered through the first dry summer.

• 

  Hardy geranium

  Geranium spp.

  Best for

  Light to part shade with average moisture.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Spreading clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Easy spreader that flowers for weeks and softens edges between roots.

  Beginner note. Choose a shade-tolerant variety such as Geranium macrorrhizum for dry root-filled spots.

• 

  Carex

  Carex spp.

  Best for

  Edges, drifts, and gaps between tree roots.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Slow clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Evergreen sedges add gentle texture and cope with dry shade and needle litter.

  Beginner note. Mix two or three varieties for a natural woodland feel.

• 

  Liriope

  Liriope muscari

  Best for

  Borders, paths, and under-tree edges.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Clumping or running depending on type

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Tough strap-like leaves and late summer flower spikes in dry shade.

  Beginner note. Choose the clumping form if you do not want it to spread widely.

• 

  Tiarella

  Tiarella spp.

  Best for

  Woodland edges and damp-ish shade.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Slow ground cover

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Soft white flower spikes in spring and attractive maple-shaped leaves.

  Beginner note. Tiarella prefers soil that does not dry out completely, so help it through hot weeks.

• 

  Wild ginger

  Asarum spp.

  Best for

  Shaded woodland-style ground cover.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Slow spreading mat

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Quiet, low, glossy ground cover that suits naturalistic under-tree planting.

  Beginner note. Choose a species suited to your region for the best results.

• 

  Lamium

  Lamium maculatum

  Best for

  Shaded edges and gentle ground cover.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Light spreading mat

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Bright variegated leaves lighten dark spots under trees.

  Beginner note. Avoid the more vigorous forms in small gardens.

• 

  Brunnera

  Brunnera macrophylla

  Best for

  Shaded borders and woodland-style beds.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Silvered heart-shaped leaves and forget-me-not flowers in spring.

  Beginner note. Brunnera looks best with steady moisture, so it can struggle in very dry root zones.

• 

  Pachysandra

  Pachysandra spp.

  Best for

  Mass ground cover in deep shade.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Spreading mat

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Dense, evergreen, and effective at covering bare soil.

  Beginner note. Can spread strongly and some species are considered invasive in parts of the world. Check local guidance before planting.

• 

  Vinca

  Vinca minor

  Best for

  Trailing ground cover in shade.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Trailing mat

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Evergreen mat with small blue or white flowers in spring.

  Beginner note. Considered invasive in many regions. Check local guidance and avoid where it could escape into natural areas.

Best plants for dry shade under trees

Dry shade is the hardest condition because plants have both low light and root competition. Choose tough plants and water them well during establishment. Many of these stay tidy on their own once settled, but none of them are no-care plants in their first year.

• 

  Epimedium

  Epimedium spp.

  Best for

  Dry shade beneath established trees.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Dry once established

  Spread

  Slow clump

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Often called the gold standard for dry shade ground cover.

  Beginner note. Water through the first one to two summers, then it largely looks after itself.

• 

  Hellebores

  Helleborus spp.

  Best for

  Edges of tree canopies for winter and early spring colour.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Evergreen leaves and long-lasting winter flowers in tough spots.

  Beginner note. Plant small, avoid disturbing them, and let leaves yellow naturally instead of cutting them too early.

• 

  Hardy geranium

  Geranium macrorrhizum

  Best for

  Dry root-filled soil in part shade.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Dry to average

  Spread

  Spreading mat

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. One of the best geraniums for dry shade, with aromatic leaves and pink flowers.

  Beginner note. Plant in groups for the best ground cover effect.

• 

  Carex

  Carex spp.

  Best for

  Drier edges of tree canopies.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Slow clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Evergreen sedges add structure and tolerate dry conditions.

  Beginner note. Cut back tired leaves in late winter to refresh the clump.

• 

  Liriope

  Liriope muscari

  Best for

  Borders under mature trees.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Reliable strap-leaved plant for dry shade with late flowers.

  Beginner note. Trim tired leaves back in late winter for fresh new growth.

• 

  Dry-shade ferns

  Dryopteris and others

  Best for

  Shaded woodland under trees.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average, drier types tolerate dry shade

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Some ferns, especially Dryopteris filix-mas and related species, cope with drier shade than many people expect.

  Beginner note. Always check the species; not all ferns enjoy dry soil.

• 

  Brunnera

  Brunnera macrophylla

  Best for

  Shaded beds with reasonable soil.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Tolerates difficult shade once established and brings spring colour.

  Beginner note. Water during long dry spells to keep leaves looking fresh.

• 

  Heuchera

  Heuchera spp.

  Best for

  Shaded edges and front of borders.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Strong leaf colour where flowers are limited under trees.

  Beginner note. Lift and replant every few years if clumps push out of the soil.

• 

  Hardy cyclamen

  Cyclamen hederifolium

  Best for

  Dry shade under deciduous trees.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Slow naturalising

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Pretty autumn or spring flowers and marbled leaves in tough spots.

  Beginner note. Buy from a reputable source and plant just below the soil surface.

Flowers to plant under trees

Flowers under trees are often easiest when they bloom before the canopy fully leafs out or when they are adapted to woodland shade. Spring bulbs are especially useful under deciduous trees because they finish their show before the dense leaf cover arrives. Many shaded perennials also flower well if matched to their preferred light and moisture.

• 

  Hellebores

  Helleborus spp.

  Best for

  Edges of tree canopies for winter flowers.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Early flowers before the canopy fully closes.

  Beginner note. Choose a reliable hybrid for the longest flowering display.

• 

  Tiarella

  Tiarella spp.

  Best for

  Woodland-style beds in part shade.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Slow ground cover

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Soft flower spikes that look natural under trees.

  Beginner note. Plant in small groups for the prettiest effect.

• 

  Brunnera

  Brunnera macrophylla

  Best for

  Shaded beds.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Small blue flowers above silvered leaves in spring.

  Beginner note. Even silvered varieties enjoy steady moisture during establishment.

• 

  Hardy cyclamen

  Cyclamen hederifolium

  Best for

  Dry shade under deciduous trees.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Slow naturalising

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Quiet pink and white flowers in autumn or spring.

  Beginner note. Leave them to spread gently rather than dividing.

• 

  Lamium

  Lamium maculatum

  Best for

  Shaded ground cover.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Light spreading mat

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Long flowering season in shaded spots.

  Beginner note. Choose a less vigorous form for small gardens.

Beyond the cards above, consider snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, and muscari at the outer edge of the canopy. Woodland phlox, Virginia bluebells, and anemone blanda also work in suitable climates. Drift small bulbs in groups rather than dotting them around for a more natural effect.

Perennials for under trees

Perennials are best planted small so you can tuck them between roots with less disturbance. A small division that establishes happily will outperform a large pot that struggled to fit into a tight planting hole. Build the planting up over a few seasons rather than trying to finish it in one weekend.

• 

  Hostas

  Hosta spp.

  Best for

  Part shade with steady moisture.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Steady

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Bold leaves bring structure where flowers struggle.

  Beginner note. Hostas suffer in bone-dry root zones; choose another plant if you cannot water.

• 

  Ferns

  Various

  Best for

  Naturalistic woodland beds.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Varies by species

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Soft texture suits under-tree planting better than almost anything else.

  Beginner note. Match the species to your moisture level.

• 

  Hellebores

  Helleborus spp.

  Best for

  Shaded borders.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Long-lived woodland perennials with winter flowers.

  Beginner note. Plant small and leave undisturbed for several seasons.

• 

  Heuchera

  Heuchera spp.

  Best for

  Shaded edges.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Strong leaf colour all season.

  Beginner note. Refresh tired clumps every few years.

• 

  Brunnera

  Brunnera macrophylla

  Best for

  Shaded beds.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Pretty foliage and spring flowers.

  Beginner note. Silvered forms need a little extra protection from drought.

• 

  Wild ginger

  Asarum spp.

  Best for

  Woodland ground cover.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Slow spreading mat

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Quiet ground cover that suits naturalistic gardens.

  Beginner note. Choose a regionally suitable species.

Other useful perennials to consider include Solomon’s seal, woodland asters where suitable, and carex used as a grass-like perennial. Pair tougher plants with softer woodland flowers for a layered look.

Hostas under trees

Hostas can grow under some trees, especially in partial shade with decent moisture, but they struggle under very dry, root-filled trees unless watered. Under deciduous trees they often do better than under dense evergreens, partly because spring light reaches them before the canopy closes. Under pines, hostas may struggle if the soil is very dry and root-filled.

Slugs and deer can also be a problem in some gardens. If hostas wilt quickly or stay small under a tree, the issue is often dry soil and root competition rather than just shade. Smaller divisions or even a pot sunk into the bed can help in difficult spots.

What to plant under pine trees

Pine trees can be difficult because they create dry shade, needle litter, and root competition. Some sites are also acidic, but dryness and shade are usually the bigger problem. Plants that suit drier shade and cope with needle drop tend to perform best.

• 

  Hellebores

  Helleborus spp.

  Best for

  Edges of pine canopies.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Cope with dry shade and add winter colour under pines.

  Beginner note. Plant on the brighter edge of the canopy for the best flowering.

• 

  Carex

  Carex spp.

  Best for

  Drifts under pines.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Slow clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Sedges handle needle litter and dry shade beautifully.

  Beginner note. Rake away thick needle build-up so new sedges can establish.

• 

  Liriope

  Liriope muscari

  Best for

  Borders and edges under pines.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Tough strap leaves in dry, shaded conditions.

  Beginner note. Choose the clumping form to keep it tidy.

• 

  Dry-shade ferns

  Dryopteris and others

  Best for

  Shaded pockets under pines.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Add soft texture even where the soil is dry.

  Beginner note. Water generously in the first season to help ferns settle.

• 

  Epimedium

  Epimedium spp.

  Best for

  Dry shade between pine roots.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Dry once established

  Spread

  Slow mat

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Reliable dry shade ground cover that copes with root competition.

  Beginner note. Plant small specimens and avoid major roots.

Where space and soil allow, some acid-tolerant shrubs such as azalea or rhododendron can work in suitable climates. Spring bulbs often perform best at the outer edge of the pine canopy where a little more light reaches the ground.

What to plant under oak trees

Oak trees can be long-lived and ecologically valuable, and they can also be sensitive to disturbance. Planting should be careful and shallow, especially near large surface roots. The aim is to add a beautiful understory without putting the tree under stress.

• 

  Native sedges

  Carex spp.

  Best for

  Natural understory under oaks.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Slow clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Many native sedges are well adapted to oak woodlands.

  Beginner note. Choose a sedge that is native to your region for the best fit.

• 

  Ferns

  Various

  Best for

  Shaded understory.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Varies by species

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Soft, natural look that suits oak woodlands.

  Beginner note. Match the species to your moisture level and region.

• 

  Heuchera

  Heuchera spp.

  Best for

  Front of shaded beds under oaks.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Some native heucheras suit oak woodland understory.

  Beginner note. Choose locally suitable native or near-native types where possible.

• 

  Tiarella

  Tiarella spp.

  Best for

  Woodland-style beds under oaks.

  Shade

  Part to light

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Slow ground cover

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Native foamflowers fit naturally in oak woodlands in many regions.

  Beginner note. Pair with native sedges and ferns for a calm woodland look.

• 

  Wild ginger

  Asarum spp.

  Best for

  Quiet ground cover under oaks.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average

  Spread

  Slow spreading mat

  Root tolerance

  Medium

  Why it works. Glossy leaves and woodland feel.

  Beginner note. Use a species suited to your local oaks and climate.

• 

  Hellebores

  Helleborus spp.

  Best for

  Edges of oak canopies.

  Shade

  Part to deep

  Moisture

  Average to dry

  Spread

  Clumps

  Root tolerance

  High

  Why it works. Tough winter and early spring colour where light is limited.

  Beginner note. Avoid disturbing major oak roots when planting.

Landscaping under trees without hurting the tree

The aim under any tree is a planting that looks intentional and looks after itself, while keeping the tree healthy. That usually means doing less than you first plan to do, choosing smaller plants, and accepting some bare or mulched areas where roots are densest.

Plants to avoid under trees

Some plants almost always disappoint under mature trees. Knowing what to skip can save more time and money than the plant list of what to try.

• ×

  Sun-loving annuals in deep shade

  Why it causes problems. They stretch, flower poorly, and rarely fill the space.

  ✓

  Better approach. Use shade-loving annuals such as impatiens or begonias, or skip annuals and plant tough perennials.

• ×

  Moisture-loving plants in dry root-filled soil

  Why it causes problems. They wilt constantly and die back in summer.

  ✓

  Better approach. Match plant choice to dry shade; consider epimedium, hellebores, or carex.

• ×

  Large shrubs near major tree roots

  Why it causes problems. Planting a big root ball can damage major tree roots and stress both plants.

  ✓

  Better approach. Use small perennials, ground covers, and bulbs instead.

• ×

  Lawn grass under dense shade

  Why it causes problems. Grass thins, weeds move in, and the area looks worse, not better.

  ✓

  Better approach. Replace the lawn area with a shade-tolerant ground cover and a light mulch.

• ×

  Aggressive ivy in regions where it is invasive

  Why it causes problems. Ivy can escape into nearby gardens and natural areas and is very hard to remove.

  ✓

  Better approach. Choose a regionally suitable ground cover and check local invasive plant guidance.

• ×

  Plants that need frequent digging or division

  Why it causes problems. Repeated digging disturbs tree roots and stresses the tree.

  ✓

  Better approach. Choose long-lived, low-maintenance perennials that can sit undisturbed for years.

• ×

  Thirsty plants under mature evergreens

  Why it causes problems. Evergreens take moisture year-round, so thirsty plants struggle.

  ✓

  Better approach. Choose drought-tolerant shade plants and water only while they establish.

• ×

  Plants that need rich, deep soil over the roots

  Why it causes problems. Adding deep soil over tree roots can harm the tree.

  ✓

  Better approach. Plant small specimens between roots and top dress with a thin layer of compost or mulch.

• ×

  Fast spreaders that can escape

  Why it causes problems. Aggressive spreaders can colonise nearby beds or natural areas.

  ✓

  Better approach. Choose well-behaved ground covers and check local guidance before planting any vigorous spreader.

How to plant under trees step by step

The same basic process works for most under-tree plantings. The key is to keep the holes small, keep disturbance to a minimum, and keep watering while plants settle in.

Useful supplies for planting under trees

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Best beginner planting combinations under trees

These small combinations are designed to be easy to start with and easy to repeat. Beginners often do better with a small group of two or three plants repeated through the area than with a long list of one of each.

• Planting combo

  Dry shade starter

  • Epimedium
  • Hellebores
  • Carex
  • Spring bulbs such as crocus or snowdrops

  A tough trio for difficult dry shade with bulbs for spring colour.

• Planting combo

  Woodland flower mix

  • Hellebores
  • Tiarella
  • Brunnera
  • Snowdrops or crocus

  A quietly pretty combination for shaded beds with reasonable soil.

• Planting combo

  Ground cover mix

  • Hardy geranium
  • Epimedium
  • Carex
  • Wild ginger where suitable

  A layered ground cover that softens the area under trees over time.

• Planting combo

  Under pine trial planting

  • Hellebores
  • Liriope
  • Carex
  • Ferns suited to dry shade

  Start small under pines and see what establishes before expanding.

• Planting combo

  Under oak careful planting

  • Native sedges
  • Ferns
  • Heuchera
  • Tiarella
  • Spring bulbs

  Gentle, native-friendly choices for mature oaks.

• Planting combo

  Low-maintenance mulch and pockets

  • Light mulch layer
  • A few tough perennials
  • Bulbs at the outer edge
  • Open root areas left undisturbed

  Accept the tree first and add planted pockets only where roots allow.

Frequently asked questions

Final advice

The best plantings under trees follow a simple logic. Identify the real condition first: dry shade, damp shade, pine roots, oak roots, or deciduous shade. Choose small plants that can cope with root competition. Use ground covers, perennials, bulbs, and tough woodland plants in layers rather than relying on a single hero plant.

Plant carefully between roots. Do not cut major roots or pile deep soil around the tree. Water while plants establish, and accept that some areas under mature trees are better left as mulch with a few plant pockets. A simple, healthy under-tree planting that respects the tree will almost always look better than forcing plants into impossible conditions.

Looking for the wider plant library? Visit the Plants hub.