1. JAPANESE SPURGE
Pachysandra terminalis, otherwise known as Japanese spurge, is a tough little plant that will positively thrive beneath backyard trees for shade zones. As Rhoda Maw, Garden Designer of Rhoda Maw Garden Design says, it hugs the ground, is evergreen, and the variegated variety – Pachysandra terminalis 'Variegata' – will brighten up dark, shady areas with its lighter edged-leaves.
2. LESSER PERIWINKLE
Although small (reaching a height of around 10in), this purple bloomer still makes an impact without being as invasive as the 'greater' version. Otherwise known as Vinca minor, it's 'a pretty woodland plant and brilliant for ground cover beneath trees' says garden designer Raine Clarke-Wills of Raine Garden Design. It will do just fine in partial shade beneath leafy canopies, and all garden shade areas, and will grow to form a dense mat relatively quickly.
3. FERNS
Ferns are a popular choice for the best plants under trees. Once their fronds unfurl, they create a verdant, jungle-like vibe with their vibrant green tones and textural forms.
4. WOOD ANEMONES
There are a few spring bulbs that make wonderful choices when it comes to picking the best plants under trees. One of these is Anemone blanda 'White Splendor' (a white wood anemone), as suggested by garden designer Rhoda Maw. Try Votaniki Anemone White Splendor Bulbs at Amazon.
5. ALCHEMILLA MOLLIS
'Alchemilla mollis is an absolutely invaluable, long-flowering herbaceous perennial,' says Garden Designer Raine Clarke-Wills. They thrive as plants under trees due to their ability to survive in dry, shaded conditions. It's a fabulous choice if you're a fan of cottage gardens (it can be grown in sunny borders as well as beneath trees), and grows quickly, up to 3ft wide and tall.
6. MAHONIA
For a flower that will shine out at you from the dark shade, opt for Mahonia aquifolium, suggests Rhoda Maw. She recommends the 'Apollo' variety, with its bright yellow flowers and dark, glossy, evergreen leaves. This is a smaller variety in comparison to some of the larger mahonias, as it grows up to a height of 3ft and a width of 5ft.
7. SNOWDROPS
Snowdrops are one of our favorite early-flowering bulbs, offering the first hopeful promise of spring when there's not much else in bloom. They will grow happily in partial shade, and look lovely around the base of a tree in gentle drifts.
8. SARCOCOCCA
If you want to include an amazingly fragranced, winter-flowering shrub in your pick of the best plants under trees, then we recommend Sarcococca confusa. An ideal candidate for landscaping with evergreens.
9. SIBERIAN BUGLOSS
Another recommendation is Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla). It looks like a larger, more robust forget-me-not, with pretty blue flowers in spring and a hardy nature. Some types, such as 'Jack Frost' and 'Sea Heart' have silvery foliage which only adds to the visual appeal.
10. HOSTAS
These striking perennial plants are well-loved for their foliage which can come in many shades, including blue-green ('Fragrant Blue'), lime-green ('Guacamole'), and variegated tones (try 'Patriot').