Many landscapes have areas with tree canopies that lend themselves to becoming an attractive low maintenance garden area. Too often we may try to fight our shade by growing turf or pruning trees to allow more sunlight.  The low maintenance approach can be to enhance your shaded area with plants and features that are both adaptable to low light and offer seasonal interest.

There are a variety of plants that perform well in the shade of a tree canopy, including evergreens, flowering perennials, and groundcovers. A key to remember is to make sure soil moisture matches the plant you choose.  Tree roots will compete with plants you install so supplemental irrigation may be needed during periods when rainfall is lacking.  Another consideration is that tree root systems may prevent a lot of digging for establishment so choose plants that may spread out on their own from the main plants.  A few examples include Netted chain fern, Toadlily, Chinese ground orchid, and Raspberry vine.  Adding specimens in containers for difficult to dig sites is also an option.

Under a tree canopy can be a low maintenance area. Ground orchids, cinnamon fern, and toadlily enhance a seated area. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County

Today’s plant options for shade are quite large. Below are just a few to consider.

Japanese fatsia is a large tropical looking evergreen that is very cold hardy. Attractive white flowers brighten the winter landscape.

White flowers in winter are a bonus to enhance the large evergreen leaves of Fatsia. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County

Mountain snow pieris is a newer nursery offering with small white flowers during winter. Plants will need some moisture during warmer months.

White blooms of Mountain Snow pieris in winter brighten an area. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County

Persian shield offers iridescent purple and silver foliage during warmer months. This plants would be considered an annual in most landscapes.

Even though it is an annual in most gardens, Persian shield brightens any shady spot. Photo by Beth Bolles, UF IFAS Extension Escambia County

The added benefit of landscaping under trees is that you have a natural self mulching area.  You may need to dress up a few areas with additional mulch or redistribute leaves every so often so they don’t become to thick around plants.  For more ideas on shade tolerant plants, visit the Escambia County Demonstration Gardens, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment, FL.

 

Beth Bolles
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