When it comes to landscaping around large trees, one of the most common questions is, “What should I plant under my large tree?” The answer lies in understanding the unique environment created by these towering giants. Here, we’ll explore the best plants to grow under large trees, focusing on shade tolerance, root competition, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Large trees create a unique microclimate, offering partial to dense shade and altering soil moisture levels. To thrive in these conditions, plants under large trees should be shade-tolerant and capable of surviving in dappled sunlight. Let’s delve into the best plant choices for these challenging yet rewarding environments.
Shade-Loving Ground Covers
Ground covers are excellent choices for planting under large trees as they help suppress weeds, retain moisture, and add texture to your landscape. Opt for low-growing, shade-tolerant varieties that can spread and form a dense mat.
Some popular shade-loving ground covers include:
- Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge) – A reliable, evergreen ground cover that thrives in deep shade and forms a dense mat.
- Vinca minor (Periwinkle) – A semi-evergreen vine that produces beautiful blue or white flowers and spreads via runners to form a lush ground cover.
- Lamium maculatum (Dead Nettle) – A shade-loving perennial with attractive white or pink flowers that attracts pollinators and hummingbirds.
Shade-Tolerant Ferns
Ferns are another excellent choice for planting under large trees, as they thrive in the dappled sunlight and high humidity created by these giants. Many ferns are also evergreen, providing year-round interest in your landscape.
Some shade-tolerant ferns to consider are:
- Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern) – An evergreen fern with leathery, dark green fronds that remain attractive throughout the year.
- Dryopteris filix-mas (Male Fern) – A robust, deciduous fern with large, lacy fronds that prefer partial shade and consistently moist soil.
- Adiantum pedatum (Maidenhair Fern) – A delicate, deciduous fern with fine, lacy fronds that prefer moist, shady locations and provide a soft, airy texture to your landscape.
Low-Growing Perennials and Bulbs
Low-growing perennials and bulbs can add color and texture to your shade garden, complementing the larger trees and providing a sense of unity in your landscape. Choose plants with varying bloom times to ensure continuous color throughout the growing season.
Some low-growing perennials and bulbs to consider are:
Early Spring Bloomers
These plants provide a burst of color in early spring, often before the trees have fully leafed out, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor.
Some early spring bloomers include:
- Erythronium americanum (Trout Lily) – A native perennial with yellow, trout-like patterned flowers that naturalize well in shady, moist locations.
- Cyclamen – A shade-loving bulb with attractive, marbled leaves and showy, pink or white flowers that bloom in early spring.
- Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill) – A low-growing bulb that produces clusters of sky-blue, star-shaped flowers in early spring, followed by attractive, grass-like foliage.
Mid to Late Season Bloomers
These plants provide color and interest throughout the growing season, filling in gaps as early bloomers fade and creating a lush, layered landscape under your large trees.
Some mid to late-season bloomers include:
- Heuchera (Coral Bells) – A shade-loving perennial with attractive, lobed foliage in various colors, often producing small, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems in mid to late summer.
- Tiarella (Foamflower) – A shade-loving perennial with delicate, lobed foliage and small, white or pink flowers that bloom in mid to late spring, followed by attractive berries in fall.
- Helleborus (Lenten Rose) – An evergreen perennial with leathery, dark green foliage and nodding, cup-shaped flowers in various colors, providing early to mid-season interest in your shade garden.
Incorporating a diverse mix of shade-tolerant plants under your large trees creates a beautiful, layered landscape that complements these towering giants. By selecting plants with varying heights, textures, and bloom times, you’ll create a lush, inviting oasis that thrives in the unique microclimate provided by your large trees. Embrace the challenge of planting under large trees, and watch as your garden flourishes with life and beauty.
