12 Best Bushes To Plant Under Trees
12 Best Bushes To Plant Under Trees
While not the easiest place to plant flowers, it is not impossible for certain plants to thrive beneath the canopy of a mature tree.
While the tree’s shade and lack of moisture can pose challenges, this list of plants will overcome them all.
We are not saying you need to be an expert gardener or know anything about tree care service but what you will read today will for sure add a lot of character and beauty to any yard!
Planting bushes under trees can add a lot of depth to a garden. Adding bushes could also aid certain trees too. Check out this other article called “12 Beautiful Living Fences For Your Garden” this could give you a lot of ideas for your garden this year!
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1. Sage
Sage
Sage is one of the first plants to bloom during the spring months, sage has a tendency to grow horizontally rather than vertically and will spread nicely over your tree’s roots. In an added bonus, pests hate the fragrance sage gives off.
2. Purple Splendour—Rhododendron
Rhododendron
Purple splendour requires acidic soil and regular watering. It is not the most sturdy of plants and will need shelter from high winds and direct sunlight.
Mulch will replace any lost nutrients to the plant and will also protect their shallow roots.
3. Yews
Yews
Yews are known for their drought tolerance and their reliability under shade.
They are easy to maintain and can be pruned to nearly any shape and size. They make up for their slow growth, in my opinion, by their resistance to cold weather.
However, it may still fall prey to snow and they will not tolerate poor drainage.
They also produce red berries in the fall, but be warned, they are toxic to humans and animals.
4. Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel blooms in late spring and early summer with deep pink blooms.
It is part of the evergreen family and requires acidic soil. It’s not the toughest evergreen around and will need shelter from high winds.
Mulch is also recommended in order for the soil to retain its moisture.
5. Azalea
Azalea
Azaleas and Rhododendron are very similar plants. Both require the same acidic soil and protection from the wind and sun, however azaleas are smaller and can be either evergreen or deciduous.
One very big plus to planting azaleas under trees is the fact that azaleas absorb water through their leaves and foliage, which is great as tree roots tend to be water hogs.
6. Flaming Silver—Pieris Japonica
Pieris Japonica
Flaming silver will attract interest year round with red leaves framed with pink during the spring and dark green leaves with white edges during the summer.
Flaming silver grows best in acidic sandy soil and requires good drainage with moist soil. It’s a delicate balance, but you can do it!
7. Hydrangea
Hydrangea
The most common hydrangea is known commonly as the Bigleaf. The Bigleaf will bloom with massive fist-sized flowers and you can choice their color if you so desired.
All you have to do is control the pH of your soil. Their buds form during the late summer, which means you won’t have to prune until summer has ended which is a nice plus.
8. Japanese Tree Peony
Japanese Tree Peony
Japanese Tree Peonies are one of the most low-maintenance plants on this list and as such are highly recommended for first-time planters.
They require regular watering and mulching, but that’s about it. They yield giant face-sized flower heads in a variety of different colors.
9. Red Twig Dogwood
Red Twig Dogwood
One of my all-time favorites is the red twig dogwood. It does not come by its name on accident, the twigs are legitimately red and beautiful.
They plant fast and grow fast and offer a deep splash of color, especially during the winter.
They thrive in wetter moisture and can even tolerate minor flooding. If you need just one more reason, here it is; it prevents erosion.
10. Hostas
Hostas
The hostas originated in the Orient and are a rugged, easy-to-care for plant. Growing your hosta in the shade will mean that your hosta will grow with deep green foliage.
In order to maintain a healthy hosta, you’ll need to fertilize them every spring and ensure they are in an area with good drainage.
My final tip; sprinkle sand around your hostas, this will keep unwelcome and unwanted slugs from visiting and eating through your hosta leaves.
11. Boxwood
Boxwood
Boxwood will give your home a bit more a formal look. They’re easy to grow and easy to shape. Planting boxwood under a tree will help to maintain their green color throughout the seasons.
While easy to grow, they will still require regular watering and mulch to ensure optimum growth.
12. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is an ideal groundcover for the empty space under your tree.
Its star-shaped leaves and lace like white flowers add texture and give off a wonderfully sweet perfume that was once used as an air freshener.
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