What to plant Under Trees

Creating a garden beneath trees can be rewarding, but it comes with a unique set of challenges.

Choosing What to plant Under Trees and success depends on understanding light levels, soil conditions, and the natural growing environment created by the tree itself.

Deciduous trees are generally easier to plant under than conifers or pines, as they allow more seasonal light and tend to create less competitive soil conditions.

This guide also covers common questions such as plants for dry shade under trees, low maintenance plants under trees in Australia, what grows under gum trees, and what to grow under conifers.

Should You Plant Under Trees at All?

Before planting, it’s worth considering whether the space beneath a tree should be planted at all.

In Japanese garden design, the concept of Ma (negative space) is used to create balance and a sense of calm. Leaving the ground beneath a tree open, mulched, or planted simply with moss can highlight the structure of the tree while reducing competition and maintenance.

In some situations—particularly beneath large trees with dense shade—less planting is often the better solution.

Key Factors to Consider

Two main factors determine what will grow beneath trees:

• Shade levels
  Some trees cast dense shade, while others provide dappled light. Deep shade limits plant choice, while filtered light allows for a wider range of species.
• Soil and root competition
  Surface roots compete heavily for water and nutrients, making planting difficult. Soil is often dry and compacted.

Avoid raising soil levels by more than 5 cm, as this can damage roots by restricting oxygen and water movement.

Distance from the Trunk

• Near the trunk: deepest shade, poorest soil
• Toward the drip line: better light and improved conditions

Planting success increases as you move away from the base of the tree.

Common Problems When Planting Under Trees

• Dry soil due to root competition
• Poor nutrient availability
• Limited light
• Difficulty digging without damaging roots
• Plant failure due to unsuitable species

These issues are especially common when trying to grow plants for dry shade under trees without selecting appropriate varieties.

Plants to Avoid Under Trees

Avoid plants that require conditions you cannot provide:

• Sun-loving perennials and flowering annuals
• Plants needing regular watering or rich soil
• Deep-rooted shrubs
• Fast-spreading or invasive groundcovers
• Heavy feeders

These will struggle in dry, shaded, root-filled environments.

What to plant Under Trees

Plants that succeed are tolerant of shade, dry conditions, and root competition. These are generally low maintenance once established.

Recommended plants include:

• Clivia
• Trillium
• Arthropodium cirratum
• Plectranthus argentatus
• Bergenia
• Cyclamen
• Dicentra
• Polygonatum
• Cardiocrinum giganteum

What to plant Under Trees For deciduous trees:

Consider spring flowering bulbs that will flower before the trees put on foliage.

• Galanthus (Snowdrops)
• Daffodils

Moss is also an excellent solution in difficult areas, particularly where little else will grow.

What Grows Well Under Gum Trees (Eucalyptus)

Eucalyptus trees create dry shade and release compounds that can inhibit some plants. Choose tough, drought-tolerant species such as:

• Lomandra
• Dianella
• Correa
• Native violets
• Hardenbergia

These are well suited to Australian conditions and require minimal maintenance once established.

What to Grow Under Conifers

Conifers create dense shade, acidic soil, and very dry conditions due to needle drop and water interception.

Suitable plants include:

• Ferns (shade-tolerant varieties)
• Epimedium
• Liriope
• Pachysandra
• Vinca (with control)

In very dense shade, moss or mulch may still be the best option.

What to plant Under Trees FAQ