Growing ground cover plants under trees can solve many landscaping challenges, from reducing erosion to adding visual interest in shaded areas. These low-growing plants come in a variety of types, including evergreen and flowering species that thrive in the unique conditions beneath tree canopies. The best ground covers for this purpose are typically shade-tolerant and can handle competition for water and nutrients from tree roots.
When choosing ground cover plants for under trees, consider factors such as soil type, moisture levels, and the amount of sunlight that filters through the tree canopy. Some plants may spread quickly to form a dense mat, while others grow more slowly but offer attractive foliage or blooms.
This article presents 13 excellent ground cover plants for planting under trees, each selected for its ability to flourish in shaded conditions while providing effective soil coverage and aesthetic appeal in your garden.
Hostas
Hostas thrive in a variety of US Hardiness Zones, making them a flexible choice for many regions. Typically, they are planted in the early spring or late summer, giving their root systems time to establish themselves before severe weather hits. ‘Blue Angel’ is a well-liked variety that has big blue-green leaves, while ‘Golden Tiara’ has smaller leaves with gold edges. Once established, these kinds not only provide interesting foliage, but they also require little upkeep.
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Gardeners can rely on Vinca Minor, also referred to as Periwinkle, because of its remarkable resilience to disease. This resilient ground cover demonstrates its adaptability to several temperatures by flourishing in US Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Vinca Minor is well-known for its rapid growth rate, which makes it an excellent choice for effectively covering wide regions. This plant often fills in gaps quickly, creating a steady green carpet that is speckled with blue or purple when it blooms.
Pachysandra
Pachysandra is often planted in the spring or fall, with US Hardiness Zones 4 through 8 seeing the best growth. Because of its reputation for withstanding deer and rabbits, this evergreen ground cover is a top pick for areas where these animals are often seen. Its rapid and shallow root system allows the plant to eventually develop a dense mat that is perfect for successfully suppressing weeds and covering huge areas.
Liriope (Lilyturf)
Liriope is a common plant in many gardens and is a dependable choice for many landscapers due to its exceptional resistance to disease. Planting in the spring or fall gives this plant the best chance of establishing itself before severe weather arrives. Its thin but dense root structure is perfect for stopping soil erosion and posing little threat to other plants. “Royal Purple,” one of its well-known cultivars, distinguishes out for having rich green foliage and beautiful purple blossoms.
Sedum
Sedum, which is frequently grown for its hardiness, fits in well with all of the US Hardiness Zones, but it does best in zones three through nine. Typically, this succulent is planted in the early spring to enjoy a long growing and visually stimulating season. Well-known cultivars such as ‘Autumn Joy’ have distinct seasonal variations, beginning with succulent green foliage that becomes a russet red color as fall draws near. Some cultivars are favorites in a variety of garden settings because they exhibit a range of seasonal transitions.
Hellebores
Hellebores are tolerant to a wide range of conditions because they flourish in US Hardiness Zones 4 through 9. Remarkably, their resilience to disease frequently permits animals to maintain their health without undue intervention. Lenten roses are a popular variety with nodding blooms and a strong root structure that offers durability and longevity. These characteristics let the plant endure environmental stressors and keep growing successfully throughout time in a variety of environments.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Since lungwort is known to tolerate a wide range of weather conditions, it is usually planted in the early spring, when the weather is still chilly and it may establish itself before the summer heat arrives. Because lungwort is well known for being resistant to disease and rarely needing chemical treatments, it’s a good option for gardeners looking for low-maintenance plants. The plant grows well in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 8, suggesting a wide range of locations for successful growth.
Barrenwort (Epimedium)
Barrenwort is recognized for its ever-changing seasonality, with its delicate pink, purple, or pale yellow blossoms that emerge in spring and contrast subtly with its heart-shaped foliage. Due to its strong resistance to deer, it is a popular choice in regions where these garden nibblers are a problem. US Hardiness Zones 5 through 8 are appropriate for this plant, as it grows well in the shade and easily adapts to many garden settings with little maintenance.
Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga is a groundcover plant that is frequently seen in gardens. It spreads swiftly to cover large areas. It can tolerate a broad range of climates, although it grows best in U.S. Hardiness Zones 3 through 10. Of the cultivars, ‘Chocolate Chip’ is one of the most widely used; it has bronze-colored, narrow leaves, and ‘Catlin’s Giant’ has bigger, more robust leaves. Gardeners prefer these plants because of their low maintenance requirements.
Sweet Woodruff
Particularly in US Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, where it is suited to a variety of climates, sweet woodruff grows nicely. It keeps its root system at a modest growth rate and spreads effectively through short rhizomes to provide dense ground cover. The best time to plant is in the spring, when moderate temperatures encourage good germination. Because of the time, the plant can grow before the warmer months and will be more equipped to withstand seasonal fluctuations.
Wild Ginger
Low-maintenance wild ginger grows best in shady spots with moist, well-drained soil. It is a resilient choice for regions that are regularly frequented by deer and rabbits due to its resistance to these animals. Since the plant is mainly grown in US Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, it can withstand a variety of conditions across the nation. It looks great in woodland gardens or shady garden beds with its delicately formed heart-shaped leaves and unobtrusive ground cover.
Snow-in-Summer
Hardy perennials like Snow-in-Summer grow well in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, providing gardeners with a flexible planting option. Its silver-grey foliage is striking in the spring, and in early July, white blossoms complete the picture. This plant, which is well-known for growing swiftly, takes root and becomes a common ground cover. Snow-in-Summer is a unique plant because of its resilience to disease, which lowers maintenance needs and making it a durable option for a variety of landscapes.
Bishop’s Weed (Goutweed)
Bishop’s Weed is a common plant in gardens and is noted for its rapid growth, which makes it easy to spread. This may be advantageous and problematic for gardeners who must control the weed’s spread. Despite generally being hardy in several US Hardiness Zones, the plant’s hardiness allows it to flourish in a variety of climatic circumstances. It’s also resistant to rabbits, which makes it a good option in places where these critters could normally harm garden plants.