What Do You Plant Underneath Evergreen Trees?

Grasses

• Though most grasses grow best in areas of full sun, some shade tolerant grasses are well suited for growing under evergreens, including St. Augustinegrass, which is the most shade tolerant grass. If the shade is not heavy, you can use centipedegrass under the evergreen tree.

Perennials

• A number of shade tolerant perennials grow well in the shade of evergreen trees. Consider using elephant ears with its broad green leaves, cast iron plant or aspidistra.

Groundcovers

• Groundcovers are low-growing plants that come in a wide range of flowering and non-flowering varieties. Most shade tolerant groundcovers grow easily under evergreen trees and spread to cover large areas with minimal maintenance. Some examples of low-light groundcovers include wild ginger, Japanese painted fern, English ivy and Allegheny spurge.