Got a shady spot under a tree that looks a bit… sad? Don’t worry—you’re not stuck with bare soil or struggling grass. In fact, some plants love the dappled sunlight and cooler soil under tree canopies. Whether you’re aiming for a lush ground cover, colorful blooms, or leafy texture, there’s something on this list that’ll transform that shady corner into a thriving garden space.
Let’s dig into 13 shade-loving plants that are perfect for growing under trees.
1. Hostas (Hosta spp.)
These leafy showstoppers are classic shade garden champions. With their bold textures and wide variety of colors—ranging from deep green to variegated white and chartreuse—hostas thrive in partial to full shade.
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Why it works: They handle tree-root competition well.
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Bonus tip: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
2. Ferns
Want a woodland vibe? Ferns bring elegant texture and natural charm. From maidenhair to ostrich ferns, these hardy plants do especially well in moist, shaded conditions.
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Best picks: Lady Fern, Japanese Painted Fern, Cinnamon Fern.
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Care note: Keep soil consistently damp for best growth.
3. Astilbe
Looking for fluffy, colorful blooms in the shade? Astilbe delivers with plume-like flowers in pink, red, white, and lavender.
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Bloom time: Late spring through summer.
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Pro tip: Astilbe likes moisture—water regularly during dry spells.
4. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera doesn’t just survive in the shade—it thrives. This low-growing perennial features ruffled leaves in shades of bronze, purple, silver, and lime green.
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Highlights: Colorful foliage and delicate flowers.
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Great for: Borders and under taller shrubs or trees.
5. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Despite its odd name, lungwort is a real beauty in shaded spots. It’s one of the first to bloom in spring and has speckled leaves that brighten up dark corners.
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Flowers: Pink, blue, or purple.
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Bonus: Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly.
6. Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
This native ground cover has heart-shaped leaves and a spicy fragrance when crushed. Wild ginger creeps along slowly, forming dense mats that block weeds.
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Light needs: Deep shade to part shade.
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Perk: Great for naturalized or woodland gardens.
7. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.)
With its graceful arching stems and dangling white flowers, Solomon’s Seal brings movement and elegance to shaded spaces.
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Blooms: Mid-spring to early summer.
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Low maintenance: Just plant and let it do its thing.
8. Liriope (Liriope muscari)
Also called monkey grass, liriope handles tough spots like dry shade under large trees. It’s often used as a ground cover and produces purple flower spikes in late summer.
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Why it’s great: Drought-tolerant once established.
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Tip: Cut back in late winter to encourage fresh growth.
9. Toad Lily (Tricyrtis spp.)
Now here’s a unique one—toad lilies bloom in late summer to fall with spotted, orchid-like flowers. They’re the perfect surprise in a shady garden.
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Ideal for: Moist, well-drained shade areas.
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Watch for: Slugs, especially in damp conditions.
10. Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
Foamflower is a charming ground cover that spreads gently and offers frothy white or pink blooms in spring. Its lobed leaves also bring interest long after the flowers fade.
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Great under: Deciduous trees with filtered sunlight.
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Bonus: Native to North America and pollinator-friendly.
11. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Fast-spreading and low-growing, ajuga creates a carpet of glossy leaves and vivid blue flower spikes. It fills in bare areas beautifully under trees.
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Sun: Tolerates full to partial shade.
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Use with care: It spreads fast—great for coverage, but may need occasional control.
12. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
If you’re looking for graceful movement and golden hues, Japanese forest grass adds a soft, cascading touch to the garden.
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Loves: Light shade and rich, well-draining soil.
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Pairs well with: Hostas, ferns, and coral bells.
13. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
These late-winter to early-spring bloomers shine when little else is flowering. Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses, are evergreen and perfect for brightening up a gloomy spot under trees.
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Perk: Deer and rabbit-resistant.
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Bonus: Long-lived and low maintenance.
Tips for Planting Under Trees
Planting under trees can be tricky if you don’t keep a few things in mind:
💧 Water Wisely
Trees tend to hog moisture, so newly planted shade-lovers may need extra watering until established.
✂️ Go Easy with Digging
Avoid disturbing large roots. Instead of digging deep holes, plant smaller perennials with minimal root disruption.
🛏️ Layer It Up
Use mulch to lock in moisture and prevent weeds. Leaf mulch works especially well in these areas.
🌞 Watch the Light
Not all “shade” is the same—observe how much filtered light your area gets and match plants accordingly (deep shade vs. dappled light).
Final Thoughts
That shady spot under your tree doesn’t have to be a dead zone. With the right plants, you can turn it into one of the most lush, beautiful parts of your garden. Whether you’re drawn to big leafy textures, soft ground covers, or surprise blooms, these 13 shade-loving plants bring life and color where the sun rarely shines.
Ready to transform your tree base into a thriving garden oasis? Try one (or more!) of these plants, and watch the magic happen.