Curious about which shrubs thrive under trees?
Imagine your garden’s shady spots bursting with lush, shade-loving shrubs and vibrant foliage.
These hardy bushes will flourish in the dappled light, turning a previously overlooked area into a stunning landscape.
Choose from the best shrubs for shade to create a stunning, shaded garden retreat that everyone will admire.
Best Bushes & Shrubs To Plant Under Trees
1. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Known for its large, cone-shaped blooms, Oakleaf Hydrangea thrives in shaded areas, adding stunning white flowers that transition to pink.
Its leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange in fall, providing year-round interest.
This hardy shrub is perfect for planting under trees where sunlight is limited.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifolia
2. Azaleas
Bursting with vibrant blooms in spring, Azaleas are perfect for shaded spots under trees.
They come in a variety of colors, adding a splash of brightness to any garden.
Their evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage ensures year-round appeal, making them a favorite among gardeners.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9 (varies by species)
Average Mature Size: 2-6 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Evergreen or Deciduous
Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.
3. Sacred Bamboo
With its colorful foliage that changes throughout the seasons and bright red berries in winter, Sacred Bamboo brings year-round interest to shaded garden spots.
This hardy shrub is easy to care for and thrives under trees, adding a touch of elegance to any landscape.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-9
Average Mature Size: 4-8 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Nandina domestica
4. Holly
Ideal for shaded areas under trees, Hollies are celebrated for their glossy green leaves and bright red berries that last through winter.
These shrubs add a classic touch to any garden, providing both aesthetic appeal and habitat for wildlife.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9 (varies by species)
Average Mature Size: 6-15 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Slow to Medium
Type: Evergreen or Deciduous
Botanical Name: Ilex spp.
5. Summersweet
Loved for its fragrant, late-summer blooms, Summersweet thrives in shaded areas under trees.
This hardy shrub adds a burst of white or pink flowers that attract pollinators, making it a delightful addition to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 3-8 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Clethra alnifolia
6. Spirea
Perfect for shaded garden spots, Spirea offers lovely clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer.
This low-maintenance shrub adds beauty with its vibrant foliage, making it an excellent choice for planting under trees.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Spiraea spp.
7. Spice Bush
Thriving in shaded areas, Spice Bush offers aromatic leaves and bright yellow flowers in early spring.
This hardy shrub adds a delightful fragrance and visual appeal to any garden, making it ideal for planting under trees.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 6-12 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Lindera benzoin
8. Red Osier Dogwood
Admired for its striking red stems, Red Osier Dogwood adds vibrant winter interest to shaded garden areas.
In spring, it produces clusters of white flowers followed by white berries in late summer, providing year-round appeal.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 7-9 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium to Fast
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Cornus sericea
9. Coralberry
Noted for its vibrant pink to red berries that last into winter, Coralberry thrives in shaded areas under trees.
This compact shrub adds color and texture to the garden, making it an excellent choice for year-round interest.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-7
Average Mature Size: 2-5 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Deciduous
Botanical Name: Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
10. Mahonia
Recognized for its spiky, evergreen leaves and bright yellow flowers, Mahonia flourishes in shaded garden spots.
This striking shrub provides year-round interest and is particularly eye-catching in winter when its foliage turns purplish.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 3-10 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Slow to Medium
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Mahonia spp.
11. Shallon
Praised for its evergreen leaves and edible berries, Shallon, also known as Salal, thrives in shaded areas.
This hardy shrub is perfect for under trees, adding lush greenery and seasonal berries that attract wildlife.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Gaultheria shallon
12. Euonymus
Loved for its versatile and vibrant foliage, Euonymus thrives in shaded areas under trees.
This hardy shrub provides year-round color and can add structure and visual interest to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Medium
Type: Evergreen or Deciduous
Botanical Name: Euonymus spp.
13. Japanese Laurel
Cherished for its glossy, variegated leaves, Japanese Laurel brightens shaded areas under trees.
This low-maintenance shrub adds year-round color and is ideal for creating a lush, vibrant garden space.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-10
Average Mature Size: 6-10 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aucuba japonica
14. Soft-tip Yucca
Characterized by its striking, sword-like leaves, Soft-tip Yucca thrives in partial shade under trees.
This drought-tolerant shrub adds a unique architectural element to the garden and is easy to care for.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-11
Average Mature Size: 3-6 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate: Slow
Type: Evergreen
Botanical Name: Yucca recurvifolia
Want More?
I hope you found the perfect bush or shrub for under the tree in your yard!
If you are specifically looking for colorful flowering plants for under trees, or perhaps plants that grow under oak trees, or under maple trees, we have you covered.
We have also written extensively about planting under pine trees, including the best ground cover and the best flowers that thrive under pines.
Also if you want to plant under citrus trees we give you some great options for companion plants that thrive under these fruit trees.
