Mature trees in your garden space become problematic as they do not share their space with every plant. But there are some plants you can grow around trees in harmony.
All you need to know is plants that are suited for such conditions. Here we have listed 15 flowers you can grow under trees and create a colorful garden.
Snowberry
Snowberry produces pink blooms and white globular fruits. These easy-to-grow shrubs grow even better under trees. They are toxic, so you must keep pets and children away. Depending on the conditions, they will grow from 3-6 feet in height.
Light: Snowberry prefers full sun exposure for as many hours as possible. They can grow in full sun to partial shade optimally.
Watering: In intervals to keep the soil evenly moist. Reduce watering in the dormant period and let the excess water drain out. Never overwater, and ensure proper drainage.
Fertilizer: Feed snowberries with a balanced fertilizer from late April to mid-July. Use a granular fertilizer, as feeding them in late fall after leaf drop or in early spring is best.
General care: Snowberries like cool temperatures. Keep pruning to keep the plant tidy and bushy.
Spotted dead-nettles
Spotted dead nettles produce beautiful blooms and foliage. They bloom in, also used to fill the bare ground. They are again a great option for growing beneath a tree.
Light: Spotted dead nettles grow best in full to partial shade. They can easily grow in shady locations with beautiful flowers.
Watering: Spotted dead nettles require very little watering. Especially when growing in the shade, they need occasional watering. If the plant grows in sunny locations, water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Fertilizer: Feed spotted dead nettles with compost. The plant does well in poor soil, so too much feeding will only harm the plant. You can also substitute compost with manure tea, according to your choice.
General care: Spotted dead nettles do well in cool temperatures and may suffer in very warm temperatures. They do not appreciate high humidity.
Anemone
Anemone produces delicate flowers and long stems supporting their flowers. These flowers can be grown near trees and work great as ground covers. They bloom both in fall and spring and are fast-growing.
Light: Anemone thrives in a location where they can receive at least 4hours of direct sun. Though they do well in partial shade, too few hours of direct sun will encourage growth.
Watering: Water anemone in regular intervals to maintain evenly moist soil. Water slowly and let the excess water drain out completely for deep watering.
Fertilizer: Anemone does not need feeding to grow and develop. The most you can do is add bone meal to the soil to boost the bulbs’ nutrients.
General care: Anemone prefers cool weather. Ideally, they prefer a temperature between 58°F to 65°F. They can grow in all humidity conditions.
Primrose
Primrose produces beautiful blooms with dark green foliage. They grow well when planted near trees. Primrose is easy to grow. Depending on the variety, they can grow from 6-20 inches tall and 8-20 inches wide.
Light: Primroses prefer partial shade. Grow them near a tree or any location with some shade, especially from the afternoon sun.
Watering: Water primrose regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Do not overwater, as it can lead to root rot. You can add mulch to help the soil retain moisture.
Fertilizer: Primrose can be fed with liquid fertilizer by diluting it to half-strength. They can be fed throughout the growing season, or single spring feeding is enough.
General care: Primrose can grow even without any protection. They appreciate humid conditions. They can even grow in freezing temperatures. They can withstand temperature levels up to 80°F.
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Foamflower
Foamflower produces clusters of foamy flowers in multiple colors with long stems. They look attractive with or without their flowers. They grow well as ground covers, especially near trees. Their variegated foliage will add beauty to your space even after flowering. They grow rapidly with little maintenance and become dense in a matter of time.
Light: Foamflower can grow well in the shade. They prefer part to full shade, and growing near trees is perfect for them. Give them only morning sun to avoid any damage.
Watering: Foam Flowers like moist soil and can tolerate a short period of drought. Water when the soil is dry to the touch and ensure proper drainage. Avoid overwatering as it will lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Feed foam flowers with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage new growth. Though they can grow without feeding when grown in the right soil, little feeding is also helpful.
General care: Foam Flowers can grow in low temperatures, but in high heat, they tend to suffer. Trim faded flowers and remove spent flowers after blooming for better growth.
Ninebark
Ninebark is a versatile plant featuring leaves in multiple colors and flowers in clusters. Flowers come in white or pink color. Depending on the variety, they can grow from 5 – 10 feet tall and 6 – 8 feet wide. They grow very fast and grow well beneath the tree. They also bear red fruit that attracts birds.
Light: Ninebark will develop best in full sun to partial shade. For best flowering, keep them in full sun. However, some shade from the afternoon sun is good.
Watering: Ninebark can grow well in both dry and wet soil. They can withstand dry periods, and occasional watering is enough. They can also handle poor drainage.
Fertilizer: Ninebark can be fed with compost or organic fertilizer formulated for shrubs. Feed once in the spring, and the plant will bloom profusely.
General care: Ninebark prefers warm conditions. They may suffer in hot and humid weather, leading to fungal issues. Pruning occasionally will encourage their growth.
Columbine
Columbine produces blooms in multiple colors with attractive leaves. It is a good choice for those who want to grow plants beneath the shade of a tree. They are short-lived plants but will self-sow to produce more such plants. They grow at a moderate speed.
Light: Columbine prefers partial shade. They may suffer in direct sun and need some shade from the afternoon sun. Growing beneath trees provides them with perfect light.
Watering: Water columbine appreciates evenly moist soil. Water them when the top few inches of soil are dry. Never overwater, and ensure proper drainage.
Fertilizer: Feed Columbine with a balanced liquid fertilizer in the growing season. A fertilizer high in phosphorus will help healthy root development and flowering.
General care: Columbine prefers cool weather. They cannot tolerate high heat. They can do well in humid conditions.
Bergenia
Bergenia has glossy evergreen leaves and beautiful flowers. You can consider growing them beneath trees. They can be grown easily as ground cover. They are low maintenance and grow at a moderate speed. A little care goes a long way.
Light: Bergenia develops best in shady areas. They can be kept in full sun but with some shade. They are perfect plants to grow beneath trees.
Watering: Bergenia prefers consistently moist soil. They can stay in dry soil or grow in the shade. Mulching helps retain their moisture, especially during high heat.
Fertilizer: Bergenia can do well without much feeding. The best way to keep them healthy is to grow them in soil mixed with organic matter. Too much fertilizing can lead to more damage than good.
General care: Bergenia prefers hot and cool weather. They do well in humid conditions. Protect them from cold and hot drafts.
Tree peonies
Tree peonies produce big elegant flowers that bloom in mid to late spring. They have beautiful leaves and will give a woody look throughout the year. They will also grow well beneath the shade of a tree. They mature up to the height of 5 feet.
Light: Tree peonies grow well in full sun to partial shade. They might suffer in the intense afternoon sun during summer. Providing them with some shade will help.
Watering: Tree peonies grow well in moderate watering. Too much watering will encourage fungal problems. Water only when the soil is halfway dry.
Fertilizer: Tree peonies can be fed by adding compost or manure into the soil in spring. It will boost their nutrient content and encourage growth. In late spring, you can also feed them with a foliar fish emulsion spray.
General care: Tree peonies grow best in cool temperatures. They can easily withstand cold climates. Protect them from cold and hot drafts. Protect them from heating systems.
Alpine
Alpine currant has green foliage and changes its color throughout the season. They produce flowers and fruits but are famous for their foliage. They are adaptable and low maintenance. They are great candidates for growing near trees.
Light: Alpine currant grows best in an area with bright direct light for 6 hours daily. They can survive in shady areas or areas with less lighting.
Watering: Alpine currants appreciate proper watering. They are quite drought-tolerant. Water them when the soil is halfway dry for the best growth and health.
Fertilizer: Alpine currants can be fed when young. Feed young plants with high nitrogen fertilizer in the early spring or late fall. Matured plants do not need feeding.
General care: Alpine currants are cold-hardy and can easily tolerate temperatures below 50°F. They prefer dry conditions and may suffer from humidity.
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel is a shade-loving shrub which makes it perfect for growing in the shade of trees. It looks breathtaking with its flowers. They grow slowly and easily in the right conditions. Grow them in borders, as ground covers, or for foundation plantings.
Light: Mountain laurel can grow easily in partial shade. Too much shade will inhibit flowering and may lead to leaf spots. Full sun may also lead to the yellowing of leaves.
Watering: Mountain laurel performs best in evenly moist soil. Established plants are quite drought-tolerant. Avoid over-watering as it can cause fungal problems.
Fertilizer: Mountain laurel can be fed in spring with a fertilizer formulated for azaleas. Feeding in the spring will encourage growth and blooms.
General care: Mountain laurel likes cool temperatures. They do not appreciate hot
weather and high humidity. Do not expose them to cold and hot drafts.
Sedum
Sedum Rae succulents with fleshy leaves and small star-shaped blooms. It can be grown as ground cover. They also grow well near trees. They have a moderate growth rate that can vary with species.
Light: Sedum grows best in direct sun for at least 6 hours daily. They can grow in partial shade but will not be as sturdy as they would in direct sun. In the intense afternoon, give them some shade.
Watering: Sedum needs watering only when the soil is dry. Established sedums ask for water once after a long stretch without rain or high heat.
Fertilizer: Sedum does not need much feeding and even grows well in poor soil. Too much fertilizing can even lead to weak and leggy plants. Mixing compost in the spring is sufficient for their growth and health.
General care: Sedum can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They may suffer in temperatures above 90°F. They can also grow well in all humid conditions.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas produce large flowers in a wide array of colors along with varying leaf shapes. They grow rapidly, adding 2 feet or more every year. They can be grown as ground covers or near trees where they can receive some shade. They are toxic to animals and humans.
Light: Hydrangeas do best when they receive morning sun and indirect light throughout the day. They do well in partial shade too, but too much shade will inhibit their growth and flowering. Indirect light, take extra care for their moisture needs.
Watering: Water hydrangeas regularly in their growing season. Water them deeply and ensure excess water has drained out of the holes. Check the soil’s moistness before watering them to avoid overwatering.
Fertilizer: Hydrangeas are light feeders and can perform well without feeding if the sol mix is rich. If the soil is poor, feed the plant with compost or flowering fertilizer in the spring. Too much feeding will promote foliage growth and inhibit flowering.
General care: Hydrangeas like moderate temperatures, though extreme cold temperatures can be problematic. They grow well in moderate to high humidity. Protect them from hot and cold drafts.
Camellia
Camellia has glossy green foliage with single or double blooms. They can be grown in shrub borders, backgrounds, and near trees in your landscape. They are grown for their beautiful blooms, which add color to your winter garden.
Light: Camellia performs best in partial shade. They can be grown in full sun but with some shade. Growing beneath the shade of trees is the best location for these plants.
Watering: Water camellia in regular intervals to keep the soil evenly moist. Keeping them well watered will encourage abundant blooming.
Fertilizer: Feed camellia in July with potassium-rich fertilizer to promote flowering. Feed the plant with nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the spring for a bushy plant.
General care: Camellia can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 10°F to 90°F, depending on the variety. They prefer moderate to high humidity.
Japanese Pieris
Japanese Pieris have leathery green leaves and delicate blooms that bloom in late winter and early spring. They do well when planted near a tree or on borders.
Light: Japanese Pieris like growing in full sun for at least 6 hours daily. They appreciate some shade in high heat to avoid sunburn.
Watering: Japanese Pieris is like evenly moist soil. Watering regularly deeply to ensure the water has reached the roots. Overwatering leads to fungal problems, checking the soil moisture before watering is required.
Fertilizer: Feed Japanese Pieris with a fertilizer formulated for azaleas in mid-February. Feed by diluting the food to half the strength.
General care: Japanese Pieris grows well at 65°F to 75°F. They can tolerate low temperatures, but some protection is required, especially in harsh cold winds. They prefer low to average humidity and good airflow.