00:00Let's explore an often overlooked and challenging area in the garden, the area beneath trees.
00:05Many gardeners struggle to find a plant that will not only tolerate the shade of a tree's canopy,
00:10but thrive amongst roots that are also competing for the same water, nutrients, and space.
00:16But fear not, instead of leaving this space bare or resorting to mulch,
00:20why not explore the beauty of lush ground covers and perennials?
00:24Hello, this is Amy from Gardening Know How and I invite you to join us as we showcase a variety
00:29of plants that not only tolerate shade, but peacefully coexist with tree roots.
00:34We will help you transform this often neglected part of the landscape
00:38into a thriving and visually appealing space.
00:42Before you start digging, we wanted to offer a few do's and don'ts for gardening around trees.
00:47Do start small. The space between each tree root is small and only allows for a certain size planting
00:54hole. Be sure to look for small potted plants at the garden center to accommodate the limited space.
01:00Dividing mature plants into smaller sections before planting would also be recommended.
01:06Don't add new soil or a thick layer of mulch.
01:09Many trees possess shallow feeder roots located just beneath the soil's surface.
01:14When buried under more than a few inches of soil, these roots can swiftly become deprived of oxygen,
01:20leading to suffocation. For this reason, do not add a layer of new soil to this area.
01:26Don't damage the bark of the tree during the planting process.
01:29Any injury or wound to the tree's bark would serve as an open door for pests and disease.
01:36Do plant carefully. Certain trees with shallow root systems, such as cherry, dogwood, magnolias,
01:41and maples may respond poorly when their roots are disturbed. You'll want to be careful when digging
01:46around these types of tree roots. If you encounter too many roots or a spot that is too limited in
01:52size
01:52for your plant, move to another spot and try again. First up, we have ferns. These shade-loving plants are
01:59perfect for adding lush greenery to the understory of a tree. Ferns are available in a variety of shapes
02:04and sizes from delicate-looking maidenhair ferns to robust ostrich ferns that have been spreading
02:09nicely under two large maple trees at my home for years. These low-maintenance, shade-tolerant
02:15perennials thrive in the dappled shade provided by tree canopies, and their deep root systems allow
02:20them to not only compete for water and nutrients, but withstand fluctuations in moisture levels and soil
02:31quality. Hostas are the quintessential plant for any tough area of your garden. From dry soil to
02:37heavy shade, these plants are adaptable and a favorite amongst gardeners. They are most valued
02:42for their attractive foliage, which comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and sizes. From green to
02:48blue to yellow, and from small to large, these leafy plants add visual interest to any garden setting.
02:53Additionally, hostas are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring little care once established.
03:02Halibores, also known as Lenten roses, are another excellent choice for shaded areas. Not only are
03:08they known for the resilience and ability to withstand challenging growing conditions,
03:12such as under the canopy of trees, but they are also priced for their early season of bloom,
03:17providing a burst of color when little else is flowering. Their flowers come in a variety of shades,
03:23including white, pink, purple, and green, and many varieties boast intricate patterns and markings.
03:28Plus, their evergreen foliage provides year-round interest,
03:31making them an excellent choice for any shady setting.
03:37An often overlooked and underappreciated ground cover perennial is the barrenwort. Also known as
03:42bishop's hat, fairy wings, or by its botanical name of epimedium, this is one of the few plants
03:48capable of surviving and thriving in dry shade. They are a bit slow to establish, but should not be
03:53missed, especially when in bloom. The long sprays of charming flowers range in color, from white to
03:59yellow to pink, and bloom atop delicate-looking heart-shaped leaves that often have intricate patterns
04:04and colors. The next plant on our list looks too frail to flourish under the tough conditions of a dry
04:15tree canopy, but you would be surprised. Decentra, commonly known as bleeding heart, is a favorite of
04:22mine, not only for its pretty foliage and flowers, but its unique ability to adapt to less than ideal
04:27planting conditions. The unique heart-shaped flowers that hang delictally from arching stems are available in
04:33shades of pink, white, or red. Their fern-like foliage also adds texture and visual interest
04:38when the plants are not in bloom.
04:47For additional foliage color and contrast, you may want to consider coral bells.
04:52Members of the vast heuchera family, these leafy plants with a low, mounding habit are perfect for
04:57tucking into shady areas of the landscape. The shade provided by trees actually amplifies the bright
05:03foliage colors, but the more shade that is provided, the slower the rate of growth. Speaking of foliage,
05:09that is exactly what these plants are known for. Heuchera is prized for its wide range of colors,
05:14including shades of purple, orange, bronze, and bright lime green. Their leaves often feature unique
05:19patterns and textures, adding visual interest to shaded garden spaces. Additionally, many varieties
05:26produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems in spring or summer, further enhancing their appeal.
05:37Next on our list is Columbine. Columbine is especially loved when allowed to naturalize in shady woodland
05:43areas such as under the canopy of trees. They are known for their attractive, fern-like foliage and
05:48unique spurred flowers in a variety of hues, adding a burst of color in spring and early summer. These blooms
05:55also have excellent potential as cut flowers, lasting up to two weeks in a vase.
06:05The last plant on my list today is a bit controversial. Ajuga, commonly known as bugleweed,
06:11is a low-growing evergreen crown cover that can grow in the shade of large trees where other plants,
06:16and even grass, are hard to establish. While it will thrive under the canopy of trees, it can become
06:22invasive and overtake an area quickly, so use this plant wisely. But the same aggressive nature of
06:28this plant also helps to swiftly suppress weeds, if that is an area of concern. Unlike many perennials
06:34that are grown only for their flowers, Ajuga is prized for its attractive, colorful foliage that looks
06:39nice all year long. The leaves, which come in shades of green, bronze, purple, and variegated combinations,
06:45showcase the small, spike-like flowers in the spring that are enjoyed by early pollinators.
06:50If you're interested in trying this plant, but are worried about its aggressive growth,
06:54consider popular varieties such as Burgundy Glow and Black Scallop.
06:58They tend to spread more slowly than other varieties within the species.
07:06So there you have it, a few plant suggestions to help you create a thriving garden under trees.
07:12By carefully selecting plants that are well suited to the light and soil conditions beneath the tree
07:17canopy, you can create a low-maintenance and visually appealing garden space. Until next time, happy gardening!
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