{"id":3680,"date":"2022-06-14T16:23:59","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T20:23:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fromh2h.com\/?p=3680"},"modified":"2025-03-13T13:14:21","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T17:14:21","slug":"bushes-to-plant-under-trees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fromhousetohome.com\/garden\/bushes-to-plant-under-trees\/","title":{"rendered":"17 Shade Loving Shrubs (The Best Bushes To Plant Under Trees)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you have a tree in your yard and don’t know what to do with the empty space underneath? Well, I’m here to tell you that there are plenty of shade loving shrubs that thrive under trees! In fact, many of them actually require those shady spots in order to grow well. So whether your landscape has full shade or partial shade, read on for some recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shade<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you’re like me, you have a few trees in your yard and are always looking for plants that will thrive under their shady conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The space between taller trees and low growing perennials<\/a> lends itself to an array of blooming bushes and interesting foliage plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, by growing a variety of shade tolerant shrubs, this shady area is the ideal place for plants that provide all-season interest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I rely on the glorious flowers of rhododendrons, azalea and mountain laurel in the spring, the magnificence of hydrangeas in the summer, Japanese maple foliage in autumn, and evergreen foliage and bark in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And those are just a few of the available options. Keep reading to find the best shrubs for shade that you can plant under trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flowering shrubs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"flowering<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When I’m planting in the shade, I’m always looking for ways to add some color that brightens it up a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So I love shrubs for shade gardens that have beautiful blooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily there are more of them than you might think! Here are some of my favorite flowering shrubs for shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 | Japanese Andromeda (Pieris Japonica<\/em><\/a>)<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Pieris<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Zones<\/strong>: 5 to 8
Light<\/strong>: Shade to part shade
Bloom Time<\/strong>: Early spring
Height<\/strong>: 3′ to 10′ (depending on the variety)
Spread<\/strong>: 3′ to 10′<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pieris Japonica is a shade tolerant evergreen shrub with leaves that start out red, then change to pink and cream before becoming lime green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It likes acidic, well drained soil which is characteristic of many of the shrubs that grow well in shade. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Pieris
Pieris Japonica ‘Forest Flame’<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When planted with rhododendrons, azaleas and yews, the bright green leaves add contrast and interest to your garden all year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In early spring, the stems are crowned with white or pink star-shaped clusters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about growing Pieris Japonica HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy it HERE<\/a>*.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 | Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia<\/em>)<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Mountain<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Zones<\/strong>: 3 \u2013 11
Light<\/strong>: Full shade to part sun
Bloom Time<\/strong>: Late Spring to Early Summer
Height<\/strong>: 3\u2032 to 12\u2032 tall (depending on the variety)
Spread<\/strong>: 3\u2032 to 12\u2032 tall<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another fabulous late spring\/early summer bloomer is the Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is another one of the evergreens for shade that prefers acidic soil, sheltered conditions, and mulch for moisture retention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pink blooms take your breath away with their beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about growing Mountain Laurel.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy it HERE.<\/a>*<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 | Rhododendron<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Rhododendron
Rhododendron ‘PJM’<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Zones<\/strong>: 4 to 9
Light<\/strong>: Shade to part shade
Bloom Time<\/strong>: Spring
Height<\/strong>: 3′ to 12′ (depending on the variety)
Spread<\/strong>: 3′ to 12′<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as the soil conditions are acidic and regular moisture is provided, rhododendrons are the perfect flowering shrub for the mid-story.  They thrive in the dappled shade under trees, but can grow in full or part shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rhododendrons need shelter from winds and the sun, and require little or no pruning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mulch is important to protect the shallow roots and replace nutrients in the soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like the contrast in shape of the broadleaf evergreen leaves among the needled yews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rhododendron\u2019s range of colors and spring bloom times provide a succession of fabulous blossom from April to June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the early Rhododendrons are covered in magenta or fuchsia flowers, my heart sings and my soul recovers from the blight of winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get some tips on growing Rhododendrons.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy them HERE<\/a>.*<\/p>\n\n\n