Updated on May 8, 2024
Trees are an important design element in the home garden. They offer cool shade, set accents and protect the garden from prying eyes. However, the area under the tree is in full shade and can therefore appear dreary and bare. It is not easy to find the right underplanting for every tree. We have already summarized different variants for flowers and foliage perennials. Now we also take a closer look at the question: “Which shrubs grow under trees?”
Shrubs under trees: What should you consider when planting?
The area under a tall tree presents a challenge to the hobby gardener. The conditions are unfavorable for most plants because:
- The arealies in the shadowand receives little or no sunlight. Only a few plants can grow well and continue to develop despite the lack of light.
- The weeds are difficult to remove because the area under the tree is often difficult to access. Most weed species grow quickly and are well adapted to the conditions. They can therefore slow down the growth of ornamental plants or completely displace the ornamental plants.
- There is root competition, particularly in trees that form shallow roots. The new plants cannot develop their root system, have no access to nutrients and water and therefore wilt quickly.
- In autumn the deciduous trees shed their leaves and the autumn leaves cover the underplanting. This means the plants cannot get enough sunlight in the winter months.
So if you're planning on planting a tree in your garden next, you better do itopt for deep roots. They have significantly fewer, but long roots that penetrate deep into the ground. Shallow-rooted perennials and shrubs will feel at home under these trees. The shape of the crown and the maximum tree height also play an important role in the choice. Trees that reach a maximum height of 7 meters are best planted with grasses, ferns and perennials. Tall trees with a light crown that reach at least 8 meters high can be planted with shrubs.
A few useful tips when planting
Which shrubs are particularly suitable for planting under trees in shaded areas? Play it safe and choose shrubs that thrive in the shade of a tall plant in nature. They are usually true survivors and thrive on dry and nutrient-poor soil and ashady locationright.
It is best to plant the shrubs together with the young trees. If this is not possible, you can plant young plants around the tree. Large shrubs can damage tree roots.
You can also install an irrigation system for the root zones of trees and perennials. This will ensure that the tree and shrubs receive enough water and nutrients, even during hot periods in summer.
You can cut off low branches to give you access to the area under the tree.
Dig a hole for each plant and provide the roots with compost.
Below we will explain to you which shrubs are best suited for the shade area.
Flowering shrubs for shade that you can plant under trees
There are several shade shrubs you can plant under trees. Flowering shrubs such as azalea, hydrangea, camellia or common mahonia are suitable for planting on the tree disc. The evergreen shrubs such as barberry, olive willow and European holly are pleasing to the eye all year round.
The azalea and the rhododendron
The azalea and the rhododendronare confusingly similar. The two plants are flowering shrubs that thrive in partial shade. They are perfect asunderplanting for deciduous trees,because their flowering period begins in April and ends in May. It is precisely during this period that the tree begins to sprout, so the azalea lies in light shade and can enjoy the sunlight for several hours a day.
The hydrangea as an eye-catcher
The Hydrangeais also very suitable for planting under trees. It thrives easily in light shade, partial shade and, depending on the variety, even full shade. However, the shrub needs water. Therefore, you should either install an irrigation system or water the hydrangea regularly. So that the flowering shrub can develop its full blooms, plant it under tall trees or conifers such as the thuja or the yew.
Perennial peony is an eye-catcher
The perennial peonyis a real eye-catcher with its large flowers. The tree grows to around 2 meters high and produces pink, red or pink flowers. The perennial peonies prefer a location in light shade and need 4-5 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant requires very little care. If necessary, you can fertilize them before flowering and then water them on particularly hot days.
Flowering shrubs for shade: mountain laurel
The mountain laurelis an evergreen shrub that can be planted in groups under shady deciduous trees. It defies heat and cold, rain and drought and requires no pruning. The deciduous trees provide the best possible conditions that promote its rapid growth. The autumn leaves protect the plant from frost and fertilize the soil. In June the mountain laurel produces numerous white flower buds. If the summer is very hot and temperatures exceed 30 degrees, you can water the shrub.
Mahogany
That Mahoganyis a yellow-flowering shrub that is well suited for planting under trees. Mahonia doesn't mind root competition from shallow-rooted plants; it can tolerate root pressure without any problems and can cope with dry and nutrient-poor soil. A suitable planting partner for the mahonia is the boxwood - it can tolerate root pressure just as well and grows under taller trees.
Evergreen underplanting for trees
The European hollyis an evergreen shrub that can reach a maximum height of five meters. It is therefore suitable for underplanting tall trees with dense canopies. For example the common beech. In order for the two trees to thrive, it is best to plant them together.
The barberry is perfect as an underplant
Die Renewalis an evergreen shrub with thorns, leaves with a serrated edge, yellow to orange flowers and orange to fiery red berries. The strong colors make even a dull corner or niche under the tree shine. The barberry is an all-rounder because it grows in both the sun and the shade. The plant is also undemanding when it comes to soil. It thrives in dry and nutrient-poor soil. In summer you can additionally water the soil around the plant roots and fertilize it with compost.
Evergreen underplanting for trees: the olive willow
With its golden-green leaves, the olive willow brings a Mediterranean touch to the garden. The plant is suitable both as a soloist and for group planting. The drought-resistant shrub can thrive even in very nutrient-poor and salt-rich soil. The wild plant is a true sun worshipper. However, there are now varieties that prefer partial shade. The wintergreen olive willow is one of these.
Find the right shrub for every tree
Finding the right shrub for each tree is no easy task. Here are several suggestions for underplanting trees that are considered true classics in the home garden.
What shrubs grow under oak trees?
Wild roses are popular partners for the tall oak tree. A dog rose or a tufted rose will attract everyone's attention both as a soloist or in combination with a snowball. If the oak is on the property boundary, then it can be combined with hedge plants such as the Alpine currant.
Which shrubs grow under beech trees?
The beeches can also be planted under with a little prior knowledge. Which plants come into question depends closely on the nature of the soil and the lighting conditions. They can vary greatly from tree to tree. As a rule, however, the beech is a heart-rooted tree, meaning it forms both shallow and deep roots. The spindle bush, some viburnum varieties and the honeysuckle are well suited.
Which shrubs grow under fir, spruce and other conifers?
The following shrubs are suitable for planting areas under conifers such as firs and spruces:
- Fingeraralie
- Trend berry
- White dogwood
- Animal will
Which shrubs grow under the walnut tree?
Planting the walnut tree is a very difficult task. On the one hand, its leaves and roots release inhibitors that act as weed killers and increase the acidity of the soil. On the other hand, its crown is expansive and casts a thick shadow. Few survivalists can cope with this. But even they don't stand a chance if they aren't watered regularly.
- Wood anemones
- Bergenia
- Azaleas
