Positions under trees can be a great opportunity to create a beautiful space in your garden. Be mindful to disrupt as little of the tree’s roots as possible when planting and ensure there is plenty of water for both the tree and the new plantings.
Here’s our top 10 plants for under trees (in no particular order):
1. Clivia miniata
This clumping plant has thick, strap-like leaves which are deep green in colour. Attractive, funnel shaped orange flowers appear in Spring at the end of the flower stems. Grows well in mild, frost-free climates.
Find out more2. Liriope muscari ‘Isabella’
A clumping, evergreen perennial with shiny green grass-like leaves around 40cm high and 50cm wide. The pinkish-lilac bell-shaped flowers appear in spikes in mid-late Summer. Needs protection from strong winds.
Find out more3. Hosta sp.
Hostas are hardy plants used for their clumping growth habit and large, decorative leaves. There are many cultivars available with foliage that comes in a variety of greens with blueish, silver or yellow markings. During Summer, Hostas produce long stems of lily-like flowers in blue, pale purple or white.
Find out more4. Asplenium australasicum (Bird’s Nest Fern)
Bird’s Nest Ferns have long, undivided, bright green fronds with wavy edges which can grow up to 2m in ideal conditions. The ‘nest’ in the centre of the plant catches organic matter which breaks down and provides nutrients.
Find out more5. Ajuga reptans – Ajuga/Bugle/Common Bugle
An excellent groundcover, Ajuga has green to purplish leaves with running stems that root from each node. Bright blue flower spikes appear in Spring and early Summer. Tolerates damp soil.
6. Vinca sp. – Periwinkle
Vinca minor is a hardy shrub with glossy green attractive leaves. It flowers profusely during Spring and Summer and continues to flower throughout most of the year. The flowers vary in colour from pink to lilac and white. Periwinkle can become a weed in warm climates so keep an eye on it.
Find out more7. Bromelia sp. – Bromeliads
Bromeliads have sword-shaped foliage and a unique looking flower that grows from the centre of the plant. Some Bromeliads are epiphytes, meaning they grow on the tree and not in the ground. It is important to keep the central ‘vase’ full of water.
8. Impatiens sp. – New Guinea Impatiens/Balsam
Impatiens provide a colourful display under trees from Spring through to Autumn. They need little in the way of care aside from a position protected from frost and regular watering
9. Viola hederacea – Australian Native Violet
A spreading Australian native groundcover, the Native Violet grows to 10cm in height. It has attractive pale lilac flowers that can be seen at most times of the year. It is best planted in a moist position in dappled shade.
10. Philodendron ‘Xanadu’
Xanadu grows to 1m in height and 1m in width. It bears lush, green, deeply divided leaves which have a dusty pink midrib underneath. These plants look amazing when mass planted.
For more inspiration when planting in the shade, be sure to check out our top 5 shade plants for hanging baskets and pots.
Planting under trees usually means dealing with dry soil, root competition and a fair bit of digging around in awkward spots, so it helps to have a few good garden helpers on hand. In the shop, you’ll find Ferti Grind Indoor Plant Fertiliser – Recycled Coffee Puck Pellets, an Australian-made, slow-release fertiliser made from recycled coffee grounds that can help support healthier soil and stronger root growth for indoor and shade plants.
Once you’ve finished wrangling mulch, compost and suspicious mystery dirt, the Activated Charcoal & Pumice Gardener’s Soap is perfect for cleaning hardworking hands after a proper garden session. Both are practical, eco-friendly picks for gardeners who like their plants happy and their hands slightly less feral.
FAQs – Growing Plants Under Trees
Some of the best plants for under trees are those that cope with shade, root competition and drier soil. Good options include Clivia miniata, Liriope muscari, Bird’s Nest Fern, Ajuga, Native Violet and Philodendron ‘Xanadu’. Choose plants based on whether the area is dry shade, moist shade or dappled light.
Plant carefully and avoid digging large holes near the trunk. Use smaller plants or tubestock where possible, gently work around existing roots and add a layer of mulch after planting. The aim is to disturb the tree’s roots as little as possible while helping the new plants settle in.
Plants under trees have to compete with the tree for water, nutrients and space. They may also receive very little sunlight, especially under dense evergreen canopies. This is why tough shade-loving plants usually perform better than sun-loving annuals or thirsty plants that sulk the minute life gets mildly inconvenient.
Yes, especially while they are getting established. Tree canopies can stop rain from reaching the soil and tree roots often take up moisture quickly. Water new plantings regularly until they settle in then check the soil during dry spells, particularly in Summer.
