The Best Trees To Plant In Shade

At Frank P Matthews, we understand that gardening in shaded areas presents unique challenges and opportunities. While direct sunlight is crucial for many plants, shaded environments can also be transformed into lush, vibrant spaces with the right selection of trees. Whether you’re dealing with a fully shaded garden under a dense canopy, a north-facing plot that receives minimal sunlight, or areas shaded by buildings and structures, choosing the right trees can enhance the beauty and ecological value of these spaces. In this article, we explore some of the best trees from our collection that thrive in shady conditions, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits to your garden. From elegant understory trees to robust species that provide year-round interest, discover how you can turn your shaded areas into a thriving, green oasis with our expertly grown trees.

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum, commonly known as Japanese Maple, includes standout varieties such as ‘Bloodgood’ and ‘Osakazuki’, renowned for their striking foliage and suitability for growing in shady areas. ‘Bloodgood’ features deep red to burgundy leaves that retain their colour throughout the growing season, providing a dramatic contrast in any garden. It thrives in partial shade, making it ideal for adding a splash of colour under taller trees or near-shaded structures. ‘Osakazuki’ is celebrated for its vibrant green leaves that transform into a brilliant crimson in the fall. This variety also performs well in partial shade, benefiting from some protection from the intense afternoon sun. Both ‘Bloodgood’ and ‘Osakazuki’ are adaptable to various soil types and bring year-round interest with their delicate, finely cut leaves and elegant form, making them excellent choices for shaded garden areas.

Acer campestre (Field Maple)

Acer campestre, commonly known as Field Maple, is a versatile and resilient tree that is well-suited for growing in shady areas. This deciduous tree is native to Europe and is valued for its adaptability to various soil types and conditions, including partial shade. Field Maple features attractive, lobed leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in the autumn, adding seasonal interest to any garden. Its dense, rounded crown provides excellent coverage, making it an ideal choice for creating shaded areas or planting under the canopy of taller trees. Additionally, Acer campestre is known for its tolerance to urban pollution and compact size, which makes it suitable for smaller gardens or as part of a mixed hedge. With its hardy nature and ability to thrive in less sunny spots, Field Maple is a reliable and attractive option for enhancing shaded garden landscapes.

Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry)

Amelanchier lamarckii, also known as Juneberry or Snowy Mespilus, is an exceptional choice for shady areas, bringing a multi-season appeal to any garden. This deciduous shrub or small tree is celebrated for its striking white star-shaped flowers that bloom in early spring, creating a stunning contrast against the dark backdrop of a shaded garden. Following the blossoms, it produces edible purple-black berries that attract birds and other wildlife. In autumn, Amelanchier lamarckii’s leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red, adding a splash of colour to shaded areas. It thrives in partial shade, tolerating a variety of soil conditions, including those that are moist but well-drained. Its adaptable nature, combined with its aesthetic appeal and wildlife-friendly attributes, makes Amelanchier lamarckii a versatile and attractive option for enhancing the beauty and ecological value of shaded garden spaces.

Betula (Birch)

Betula, commonly known as birch, includes notable varieties such as Betula pendula (Silver Birch) and Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ (Himalayan Birch), both of which are highly suitable for growing in shady areas. Betula pendula is characterised by its graceful, weeping branches and distinctive white bark, which peels in thin papery layers, adding visual interest year-round. It thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for underplanting in woodland gardens or as a striking focal point in less sunny areas. Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’, renowned for its stunning, bright white bark that remains vibrant throughout the year, also performs well in shaded conditions. This variety is particularly prized for its upright growth habit and ability to light up darker garden corners. Both birch varieties are adaptable to a range of soil types, including moist, well-drained soils, and they bring a light, airy quality to shaded landscapes with their delicate, small leaves. Their resilience and beauty make Betula trees a valuable addition to any garden, especially in areas with limited sunlight.

Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)

Cornus kousa, commonly known as Kousa Dogwood, is an excellent choice for shaded gardens, bringing a combination of beauty and versatility. This deciduous tree is noted for its stunning display of star-shaped white to pinkish bracts that appear in late spring, creating a captivating floral show that brightens up shaded areas. Following the bloom, the tree produces attractive red berry-like fruits that provide additional ornamental value and appeal to birds. In the fall, the foliage of Cornus kousa turns vibrant shades of red and purple, adding seasonal interest to the garden. Kousa Dogwood thrives in partial shade, preferring well-drained, acidic to neutral soils. Its ability to tolerate low light conditions while still producing an impressive floral and foliage display makes it a valuable addition to shaded garden spots. Furthermore, its resistance to many pests and diseases common to other dogwoods enhances its appeal as a low-maintenance yet highly decorative choice for enhancing the beauty of shaded landscapes.

Fagus sylvatica (Beech)

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as Beech, includes impressive varieties such as ‘Purpurea’ (Copper Beech), which are well-suited for growing in shaded areas. The Copper Beech is particularly admired for its stunning deep purple foliage, which adds a rich, dramatic touch to any garden landscape. In shaded conditions, the leaves retain their vibrant colour, providing a striking contrast against the greenery of other plants. Fagus sylvatica is known for its smooth, grey bark and dense canopy, which can create a beautiful, shaded understory in a woodland garden setting. This species thrives in well-drained, fertile soils and can tolerate partial shade, making it an excellent choice for planting in areas with limited sunlight. The robust nature of beech trees, combined with their aesthetic appeal, makes them a versatile option for enhancing shaded garden spaces, whether used as standalone specimens, hedging, or as part of a mixed woodland planting.

Ilex aquifolium (Holly)

Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as Holly, includes attractive varieties such as ‘Argentea Marginata’ and ‘J.C. van Tol,’ both of which are well-suited for growing in shaded areas. ‘Argentea Marginata,’ also known as Silver-Margined Holly, is renowned for its striking variegated foliage, featuring dark green leaves edged with creamy white margins. This variety adds a bright, decorative touch to shady spots, creating visual interest even in low-light conditions. ‘J.C. van Tol’ is another exceptional variety, noted for its nearly spineless leaves and prolific production of bright red berries, which provide a splash of colour in the winter months. Both varieties thrive in partial to full shade and are adaptable to a range of soil types, including slightly acidic and well-drained soils. Holly’s evergreen nature ensures year-round interest, and its dense growth habit makes it ideal for hedging, screens, or as a standalone specimen in shaded garden areas. Their resilience and ornamental qualities make these Ilex aquifolium varieties excellent choices for enhancing the beauty and structure of shaded landscapes.

Magnolia stellata (Star Magnolia)

Magnolia stellata, commonly known as Star Magnolia, is a delightful deciduous tree highly suitable for growing in dappled shade. This elegant tree is cherished for its early spring display of large, star-shaped white or pink flowers that appear before the foliage, creating a striking visual impact. The flowers have a delicate, light fragrance and can brighten up any garden space, especially those with filtered sunlight. Magnolia stellata thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils and benefits from protection against harsh afternoon sun, making dappled shade an ideal condition. Its compact size, typically reaching 6 to 10 feet in height and width, makes it perfect for smaller gardens or as an understory planting beneath taller trees. The Star Magnolia’s adaptability to dappled shade, combined with its stunning floral display and manageable size, makes it a versatile and highly ornamental choice for enhancing the beauty of shaded garden areas.

Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan)

Sorbus aucuparia, commonly known as Rowan or Mountain Ash, is a versatile deciduous tree well-regarded for its tolerance to shade. This hardy tree is native to Europe and Asia and is known for its beautiful pinnate leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow and red in the autumn. In spring, it produces clusters of creamy white flowers that are followed by bright red or orange berries in late summer and autumn, which are highly attractive to birds and wildlife. Sorbus aucuparia can thrive in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or areas where sunlight is limited. It adapts well to various soil types, including those that are acidic or poor in nutrients and can withstand challenging environmental conditions. The Rowan tree’s ability to grow in shaded areas, along with its seasonal interest and ecological benefits, makes it a valuable addition to any garden aiming to create a dynamic and wildlife-friendly landscape.

Prunus laurocerasus (Cherry Laurel)

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as Cherry Laurel, includes robust varieties such as ‘Rotundifolia’ and ‘Otto Luyken,’ both of which are highly suitable for growing in shaded areas. ‘Rotundifolia’ is characterised by its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth, making it an excellent choice for creating dense, evergreen hedges or privacy screens in areas with limited sunlight. ‘Otto Luyken’ is a more compact variety with narrower, lance-shaped leaves, and it is particularly well-suited for low hedges or ground cover in shady spots. Both varieties thrive in partial to full shade and are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. The Cherry Laurel’s ability to maintain its lush foliage year-round, even in low light conditions, combined with its fast growth and minimal maintenance needs, makes it a versatile and attractive option for enhancing the structure and greenery of shaded garden spaces.

Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore Maple)

Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as Sycamore Maple, is a resilient and versatile deciduous tree known for its ability to thrive in shaded areas. Native to central Europe and western Asia, the Sycamore Maple is characterised by its broad, lobed leaves that provide a dense canopy of shade. This tree is highly adaptable to various soil types, including those that are heavy or poorly drained and can tolerate urban pollution, making it a suitable choice for both rural and urban environments. Its ability to grow in partial to full shade allows it to flourish under taller trees or in areas where sunlight is limited. The Sycamore Maple is also valued for its rapid growth and hardiness, making it a reliable option for creating shade or serving as a windbreak. Its attractive, mottled bark and vibrant autumn foliage further enhance its appeal, making Acer pseudoplatanus an excellent choice for adding structure and beauty to shaded landscapes.

Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam)

Carpinus betulus, commonly known as Hornbeam, is a robust deciduous tree well-suited for growing in shady areas. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, Hornbeam is characterised by its dense, oval-shaped canopy and finely toothed, dark green leaves that turn a striking yellow in the autumn. This tree is particularly adaptable to various soil types, including those that are heavy or clay-rich, and it thrives in both full sun and partial shade. Hornbeam’s shade tolerance makes it an excellent choice for underplanting in woodland gardens or for creating natural, shaded areas in larger landscapes. It is also widely used for hedging and topiary due to its ability to withstand regular pruning and its dense foliage, which provides excellent privacy and wind protection. Additionally, Hornbeam’s hardy nature and resistance to common pests and diseases make it a low-maintenance yet highly decorative option for enhancing the beauty and structure of shaded garden spaces.

Corylus avellana (Hazel)

Corylus avellana, commonly known as Hazel, is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree that grows exceptionally well in partial shade. Native to Europe and Western Asia, Hazel is characterised by its rounded, toothed leaves and its production of edible hazelnuts, which are highly valued by both wildlife and humans. This adaptable plant thrives in a variety of soil conditions, preferring well-drained, loamy soils, but it can also tolerate heavier soils. Its ability to grow in partial shade makes it ideal for woodland gardens or as an understory plant beneath taller trees. In addition to its ecological benefits, such as providing habitat and food for wildlife, Hazel also offers ornamental value with its charming catkins in early spring and its rich autumn foliage. Its resilience, combined with its ornamental and practical benefits, makes Corylus avellana a valuable addition to shaded garden areas, providing both beauty and functionality.

Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as Hawthorn, is a resilient deciduous tree or shrub well-suited for growing in shaded areas. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, Hawthorn is renowned for its adaptability to a variety of environmental conditions, including partial shade. This hardy plant thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from clay to sandy loam. In shaded settings, Hawthorn still produces its characteristic clusters of white or pinkish flowers in late spring, followed by bright red berries in autumn that attract birds and other wildlife. Its dense, thorny foliage provides excellent cover and nesting sites for birds, making it an ecologically valuable addition to the garden. Furthermore, Hawthorn’s robust nature and low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for hedging, natural screens, or woodland edges where light is limited. Its ability to flourish in less sunny spots, combined with its seasonal beauty and ecological benefits, makes Crataegus monogyna a versatile and attractive option for enhancing shaded garden landscapes.

Euonymus europaeus (Spindle)

Euonymus europaeus, commonly known as Spindle, is a versatile deciduous shrub or small tree that is well-suited for growing in shaded areas. Native to Europe and Western Asia, Spindle is prized for its striking autumnal display, where its green leaves turn vibrant shades of red and purple. In addition to its colourful foliage, Spindle produces distinctive, four-lobed, pink-to-red fruits that split open to reveal bright orange seeds, adding a unique visual interest to the garden. This plant thrives in partial shade and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, including poor and calcareous soils. Its adaptability to less sunny environments makes it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as an understory planting beneath taller trees. Furthermore, Spindle provides ecological benefits by offering food and habitat for wildlife, particularly birds that feed on its seeds. Its robust nature, combined with its ornamental and ecological value, makes Euonymus europaeus a valuable addition to any garden seeking to enhance shaded areas with vibrant colour and diverse wildlife support.

Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’ (Columnar Beech)

Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’, commonly known as Columnar Beech, is an elegant and versatile deciduous tree particularly well-suited for growing in shaded areas. This variety of European Beech is characterised by its narrow, upright growth habit, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or as a vertical accent in larger landscapes. ‘Dawyck’ retains the classic beech attributes of smooth, grey bark and lush green foliage, which turns a stunning golden brown in the autumn. Its ability to tolerate partial shade allows it to thrive in a range of garden settings, including shaded borders or as an understory tree beneath taller canopies. The Columnar Beech’s dense, slender form provides year-round structural interest, while its shade tolerance makes it a practical and aesthetically pleasing option for areas with limited sunlight. Additionally, ‘Dawyck’ is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape, further enhancing its appeal as a sophisticated and adaptable addition to shaded garden spaces.

Ilex x altaclerensis (Highclere Holly)

Ilex x altaclerensis, commonly known as Highclere Holly, is a hardy evergreen tree well-suited for growing in shaded areas. Varieties such as ‘Golden King’ are particularly noted for their vibrant, variegated foliage, which features striking green leaves edged with bright gold margins. This makes ‘Golden King’ an excellent choice for adding colour and interest to darker garden corners where light is limited. Highclere Holly thrives in partial to full shade and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Its dense, bushy growth habit provides excellent coverage and privacy, making it ideal for use as a hedge, screen, or standalone specimen in shaded landscapes. Additionally, the bright red berries produced by female plants in autumn add an extra layer of visual appeal and attract birds, enhancing the garden’s ecological value. The combination of aesthetic beauty, shade tolerance, and low maintenance requirements makes Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Golden King’ a valuable addition to any garden seeking to enhance its shaded areas with year-round interest.

Laburnum (Golden Chain Tree)

Laburnum, commonly known as the Golden Chain Tree, is a deciduous tree renowned for its breathtaking display of cascading yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. While Laburnum prefers full sun to achieve its most prolific flowering, it can also tolerate partial shade, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. In shaded areas, Laburnum may produce fewer flowers, but its attractive, trifoliate green leaves still provide a lush, green backdrop throughout the growing season. This adaptability allows the Golden Chain Tree to be used effectively in woodland gardens or shaded borders where it can add a touch of brightness and elegance. Laburnum thrives in well-drained soil and requires minimal maintenance once established, although it is important to note that all parts of the tree are toxic if ingested. Despite this, its stunning floral display and ability to adapt to partial shade make Laburnum a valuable and striking addition to gardens looking to enhance shaded areas with ornamental beauty.

Malus (Crabapple)

Malus, commonly known as Crabapple, includes a variety of ornamental trees that are highly valued for their attractive flowers, colourful fruit, and year-round interest. Varieties such as ‘Evereste’ are particularly suitable for growing in shaded areas, where they can still produce a spectacular display of blooms and fruit. ‘Evereste’ features abundant white flowers that bloom in spring, even in partial shade, followed by small, bright orange-red apples that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for wildlife. This variety is also known for its disease resistance and adaptability to different soil types, making it a resilient choice for shaded garden spots. Crabapple trees like ‘Evereste’ thrive in well-drained soils and benefit from some exposure to light, but they can tolerate shaded conditions and still contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal of a garden. Their compact size and versatile nature make Crabapples an excellent choice for enhancing the beauty and ecological value of shaded landscapes.