When it comes to gardening, one of the most important things to consider is the amount of sunlight your plants will receive.
Trees can provide shade and beauty to your yard, but they can also block out vital sunlight that your plants need to grow.
If you’re looking for garden ideas that will thrive in the shade of trees, read on for some great tips.
Trees that shade plants may create unfavorable growing circumstances for them.
They not only suffer from a lack of light in heavily shaded areas, but they may also lose moisture and nutrients due to intense competition from the nearby trees.
If your garden is in the shade of trees or other plants, there are a variety of light-tolerant plants to choose from, and, providing that there is adequate moisture for them to grow, you can try annuals, bulbs, and perennials that are suitable for shady conditions.
Things to think about
- Conifers – Because the soil under conifers is usually dry and the evergreen canopy shades the area all year, it’s difficult to grow plants there. Debris and needles accumulate frequently, making it difficult for most plants, including grass, to thrive.
- Position – Plants grown on the southern side of trees are more likely to do well than those grown on the north side. Greater levels of light will be available for the plants to thrive and, providing there is sufficient rain then you should have some successes.
- Preparation – to give the plants the best chance get the site ready by mixing in some well rotted organic matter such as manure, leaf mould or garden compost.
Suitable plants for growing under trees
Berberis
This evergreen shrub has spiny leaves and produces clusters of yellow flowers in spring. It grows best in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Vinca Minor
This trailing vine is a good choice for growing under trees, as it tolerates shade well. It produces small purple flowers throughout the summer.
Ferns
Many different types of ferns grow well in shady areas, and most are very easy to care for.
Hosta
This popular shade-loving plant comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and produces attractive leaves that can vary in color from green to white or blue.
Helleborus
These perennials come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and green, and bloom in winter or early spring. They prefer moist, shady areas to grow in.
Ivy
Ivy is a vigorous climber that can quickly cover a tree trunk or wall in shade. It produces small green flowers in the summer.
Camellia
This evergreen shrub produces delicate white or pink flowers in the winter or early spring. It prefers areas that are shaded for most of the day.
Fuschia
This tender annual plant thrives in shady areas and produces beautiful flowers in a variety of colors.
Lilies
There are many different types of lilies, all of which grow well in shady areas. They come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and pink, and some have fragrant flowers.
Lonicera
This climbing vine produces fragrant white flowers in the summer. It prefers shady areas to grow in.
Commonly known as Honeysuckle It has tiny white flowers from the leaf axils in the spring and a fantastic fragrance.
It reaches a height of 3 m (10 ft) and a spread of 3 m (10 ft).
Cherry laurel
This shrub produces fragrant white flowers in the spring and glossy green leaves. It prefers areas that are shaded for most of the day.
It is tolerant to many types of soils and pH levels, but should be planted in an area that receives full sun.
It does not tolerate drought, so make sure to water regularly.
Rhododenron
This evergreen shrub produces beautiful pink or white flowers in the spring. It prefers areas that are shaded for most of the day.
It does not tolerate drought, so make sure to water regularly.
They can grow to heights of in excess of 10 feet and can be equally wide making them ideal for covering large areas and flower beds.
Azalea
This evergreen shrub produces beautiful pink, white, or red flowers in the spring. It prefers areas that are shaded for most of the day.
Azaleas enjoy similar growing conditions to rhododendrons and they also produce a wonderful fragrance from both the leaves and the flowers.
They are attractive to bees and other wildlife making them an ideal choice for a shaded area that receives little sunshine.
Clematis
This climbing vine produces beautiful flowers in a variety of colors. It prefers shady areas to grow in.
Clematis can be grown as a perennial in warm areas, but can also be grown as an annual in other zones.
It needs moist soil to thrive and should be planted in an area that receives full sun.
Make sure to water regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
Impatiens
This annual plant produces beautiful flowers in a variety of colors. It prefers shady areas to grow in.
Impatiens thrive in moist soil and should be planted in an area that receives full sun or partial shade.
Water regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
Final words
Making the most of those shaded areas beneath your trees is not difficult and with some planning that otherwise wasted area can be put to good use.
By planting some of these shade-loving plants, you can bring beauty and color to your garden.
There are many plants that grow well in shady areas, making it easy to find a suitable option for your landscape.
Choose a plant that is tolerant to the amount of shade you can provide and enjoy its beauty all summer long.
