Planting under trees sounds simple.
Until you try it.
Dry soil.
Heavy roots.
Very little light.
And somehow everything you plant there just… stops trying.
We see it all the time.
People assume it’s a “shade problem”.
It’s not.
It’s dry shade + root competition—which is one of the hardest combinations in the garden.
But there are plants that handle it.
🌱 1. The most reliable: Liriope ‘Just Right’
If we had to choose one plant for under trees, this would be right up there.
It handles:
- low light
- dry soil once established
- root competition
And it still forms a neat, dense clump.
👉 Best for: under established trees, shaded strips, low maintenance borders
🌿 2. For a neat groundcover look: Mini Mondo & Mondo Grass
These are great when you want something tidy and low.
They don’t need mowing, and once they fill in, they create a soft, carpet-like effect.
👉 Best for:
- between roots
- under smaller trees
- areas with light foot traffic
🌸 3. For quick coverage: White Periwinkle (Vinca)
This is your “fill the gap” plant.
It spreads, covers soil, and adds flowers without needing constant care.
👉 Best for:
- awkward areas
- fast coverage
- adding a bit of colour
🌿 4. For structure and contrast: Lomandra ‘Tropic Cascade’
If the area gets a bit of filtered light, lomandra can work beautifully around the edges.
It adds movement and breaks up heavy planting.
👉 Best for:
- edges of tree lines
- blending into other garden areas
⚠️ What people get wrong
1. Trying to improve the soil too much
Tree roots will win every time.
2. Overwatering
Most of these plants prefer well-drained conditions.
3. Choosing the wrong plants
Sun-loving plants will always struggle here.
💬 Real talk
Planting under trees is less about forcing something to work…
and more about choosing plants that are built for it.
Once you get that right, it becomes one of the easiest parts of the garden.
🌿 Not sure what will work in your yard?
If you’re unsure what will suit your exact conditions, we’ve built a plant finder that helps match plants based on your location, sunlight, and soil.