Growing plants beneath trees: An initiation (part 1)

In the quieter months of winter and spring, your garden can still be a vibrant and colourful haven. Here are some plants that thrive in shady and often nutrient-depleted conditions under tree canopies, offering seasonal interest and adding a touch of beauty to your garden.

1. Shrubs with Winter and Early Spring Interest

Mahonia, also known as Oregon grape, is an evergreen shrub that blooms with yellow, fragrant flowers in late winter to early spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and tolerates shade well.

Calycanthus, or Carolina allspice, is another shrub that offers late spring flowers and interesting seed pods that persist into winter. It is hardy in zones 4 to 9.

Fothergilla produces white spring flowers and vibrant autumn foliage, thriving in lightly acidic soils and zones 4 to 8.

Japanese Pieris is an evergreen shrub with spring bell-shaped flowers and attractive foliage that emerges bronze/red in spring. It is suited for zones 4 to 8.

Japanese Skimmia is evergreen with fragrant white or creamy-yellow flowers in spring. It prefers partial to full shade and is hardy in zones 6 to 8.

2. Perennials that Thrive in Shade and Bloom in Winter or Spring

Hellebores, also known as Winter roses, are among the best for winter to early spring bloom. They offer cup-shaped flowers in various colours, even when snow is present. They are ideal for partial shade and rich soil.

Hostas are valued for their shade tolerance, diverse foliage colours, and spring flowers. They are hardy from zones 3 to 9 and their large leaves provide winter visual interest.

Epimedium, or Bishop’s Cap, is a low-growing plant whose foliage turns vibrant in fall and stays colourful through winter. It blooms in early spring and is good for dry shade and low-care environments.

Coral Bells (Heuchera) and Foam Flower (Tiarella) offer attractive foliage year-round and bloom primarily in spring. They work well in shade and can tolerate drier conditions under trees.

3. Other Shade-Tolerant Plants Suitable Under Trees in Winter/Spring

American Holly is an evergreen plant with glossy leaves that add year-round texture. Female plants produce red berries in fall/winter, hardy in zones 5 to 9.

Vinca Minor is a groundcover with evergreen leaves that provides year-round cover under trees, blooming mainly in spring.

Lungwort offers bee-friendly flowers in various colours and requires little care. Its flowers appear above silver-flecked foliage.

Primroses, specifically Primula vulgaris, bloom from March to May, offering cheery, pale yellow flowers.

Bloodroot flowers appear from March to April in cool, shady locations.

Bluebells, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, produce fragrant blue flowers in spring under deciduous trees.

Snowdrops are suitable for these conditions and thrive under deciduous trees. They should be planted 'in the green' and divided after flowering.

Comfrey flowers attract early foraging bees and come in various colours, with 'Hidcote Blue' being a popular choice for filling gaps between shrubs.

These plants combine the ability to grow in shady, dry conditions common under tree canopies with seasonal interest in cooler months. Hellebores and Mahonia stand out particularly for winter floral display, while hostas, epimedium, and heuchera are excellent for spring foliage and flower interest. For structural shrubs that provide longer lasting winter appeal and flower into early spring, Mahonia, Calycanthus, and Pieris are strong choices. To control the growth of lesser periwinkle, cut back any unwanted shoots in spring.

[1] RHS (2021) Mahonia. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/35613/Mahonia

[2] RHS (2021) Japanese Pieris. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16266/Pieris

[3] RHS (2021) Helleborus. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/4514/Helleborus

[4] RHS (2021) Ilex opaca. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/10408/Ilex

To frame your home-and-garden and provide a splash of color during the winter and spring, consider incorporating shade-loving plants such as Hellebores, Hostas, Epimedium, Coral Bells (Heuchera), and Foam Flower (Tiarella) in your lifestyle.
To bring vibrant life to the shady corners of your home-and-garden during winter and early spring, consider adding garden shrubs like Mahonia, Calycanthus, Fothergilla, Japanese Pieris, or Japanese Skimmia to your home-and-garden landscaping.