40 Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Suyash is a Master Gardener and the Editorial and Strategy Director at BalconyGardenWeb.com. With a focus on houseplant care, he combines over a decade of hands-on horticultural experience with editorial expertise to guide and educate plant enthusiasts.
Learn About Our Editorial Policy

2-Minute Read

Here’s a detailed list of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree! Use the space below the tree wisely and add appeal to your garden!

Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree
Becky Williams

If you have a large unutilized space beneath a large tree in your garden, this list of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree will help you out.

The best plants to grow under this tree are the ones with shallow roots. You can also pick the ones that love to stay in a little shade or dappled light.

Here are the Best Plants for Hummingbirds


Best Shrubs to Grow Under the Oak Tree

1. Dwarf Abelia

Best Shrubs to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Abelia grandiflora ‘Sherwoodii’

USDA Zones: 6-9

It displays shiny, bronze-colored leaves in spring and fall. It stays compact and spreads up to 3-4 wide and tall and is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

2. Creeping Sage

Shrubs to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Salvia sonomensis

USDA Zones: 8-9

Creeping sage can be found in the peninsular range, Sierra foothills of California, and Coastal ranges. The flowers are lilac, blue, white, and purple.

3. Oak Leaf Hydrangea

amazing Shrubs to Grow Under the Oak Tree
houzz

Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifolia

USDA Zones: 5-8

This deciduous shrub has fuzzy leaves in the shape of oak leaves. The foliage turns purple and red by late fall. During spring and summer, white flowers appear on the plant.

4. Californian Lilac

beautiful Shrubs to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Ceanothus ‘Concha’

USDA Zones: 8-10

This shrub displays blue flowers and grows up to 3-7 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. You can also try Ceanothus ‘Dark Star’, which is broader and more disease-resistant.

Find out the Best Dog-Friendly Plants here

5. Island Bush Snapdragon

Best Shrubs to Grow Under the Oak Tree
plantmaster

Botanical Name: Galvezia speciosa

USDA Zones: 9-11

This vine-like perennial is a California native shrub and shows off trumpet-shaped red blooms, which tempts birds. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

6. Bush Poppy

flowering Shrubs to Grow Under the Oak Tree
calfloranursery

Botanical Name: Dendromecon rigida

USDA Zones: 8-10

This evergreen plant produces toothed, leathery leaves and blooms in late winter to mid-spring and displays yellow blossoms.


Best Ground Covers to Grow Under the Oak Tree

7. Blue Leadwood

Best Ground Covers to Grow Under the Oak Tree
natureisnurture

Botanical Name: Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

USDA Zones: 5-9

This low ground cover grows up to 6-12 inches tall and displays green leaves that turn bronze in full sun and red during the fall. The electric blue blooms are its highlight!

8. Beach Strawberry

Ground Covers to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Fragaria chiloensis

USDA Zones: 4-9

It forms a low-growing mat of 6-12 inches high and spreads by stolons. This ground cover grows best in coastal areas. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

Check out the Best Plants for Windowless Bathrooms here

9. Bluebell Creeper

top Ground Covers to Grow Under the Oak Tree
plantmaster

Botanical Name: Sollya heterophylla

USDA Zones: 10-11

This beautiful loose-spreading shrub grows up to 1-2 feet high. It produces narrow, shiny green foliage and bell-shaped blooms.

10. Pink Knotweed

top Best Ground Covers to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Polygonum capitatum

USDA Zones: 8-11

This ground cover grows up to 6-8 inches tall and features green leaves that turn pink with age. It is really easy to maintain and grows without any fuss. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.


Best Perennials to Grow Under the Oak Tree

11. Hostas

Best Perennials to Grow Under the Oak Tree
Mary Ellen Kendall

Botanical Name: Hosta

USDA Zones: 3-9

Hostas are shade-loving plants and grow well under the tree. This perennial withstand a range of different climates and does well in cold regions.

12. YarrowPerennials to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium

USDA Zones: 3-9

This easy-to-grow perennial offers clusters of fragrant blooms from spring to late fall. Deadhead the flowers as the old blossoms begin to dry and brown. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

Here are the Best Plants For Hanging Baskets

13. Primula Meadia

lovely Perennials to Grow Under the Oak Tree
prairiemoon

Botanical Name: Dodecatheon meadia

USDA Zones: 4-8

It grows in moist soil and under full sun, whereas tropical climates need partial sun and shade. This plant flourishes in the spring and turns dormant in the summer.

14. Sticky Monkey Flowers

blue flowering Perennials to Grow Under the Oak Tree
plantflowerseeds

Botanical Name: Diplacus aurantiacus

USDA Zones: 9a-11

This flowering, perennial shrub grows in Southwestern Oregon, California, and Baja, Mexico. The blooms open in shades of white, red, yellow, and orange.

15. Red Valerian

beautiful Perennials to Grow Under the Oak Tree
shutterstock/Christian Mueller

Botanical Name: Centranthus ruber

USDA Zones: 5-8

This perennial is a good choice for tough locations but can be invasive. Prune old flower stems to extend bloom and avoid a leggy appearance. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

16. Coral Bells

lovely Perennials to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Heuchera

USDA Zones: 4-9

This round-shaped plant produces bell-shaped pink, orange, red, and white flowers in spring or early summer. Coleus is also a great choice for this spot.

Learn about the Best Plants for Front Door According to Various Cultures here

17. Mexican Sage

Perennials plant to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Salvia leucantha

USDA Zones: 7b-10

This perennial flowering plant features silver-green leaves and can be planted as an annual in areas outside of its hardiness range. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

18. California Fuchsia

The Greatest Perennials to Plant Beneath an Oak Tree
pacifichorticulture

Botanical Name: Zauschneria californica

USDA Zones: 8-11

The upright stems of this perennial create a mat of gray-green leaves that grow up to 8-12 inches tall. Its tubular, red blooms attract hummingbirds.

19. Douglas Iris

Top Perennial Plants to Grow Beneath an Oak Tree
Douglas iris

Botanical Name: Iris douglasiana

USDA Zones: 6-9

This common wildflower comes in various shades, including yellow, purple, blue, white, and pink. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.


Best Annuals to Grow Under the Oak Tree

20. Mountain Phlox

Best Annuals to Grow Under the Oak Tree
wikipedia

Botanical Name: Linanthus grandiflorus

USDA Zones: 7-10

Native to California, this annual flower offers white flowers with hints of light pink or purple hue. It grows up to 8-12 inches tall.

Check out some Gorgeous Houseplants for South-Facing Windows here

21. Love-in-a-Mist

Annuals to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Nigella damascena

USDA Zones: 2-11

It displays gray-green, lacy leaves and sky-blue blooms, followed by pretty seed capsules used in dried flower arrangements. It grows up to 18-24 inches tall.

22. Pincushion Flower

lovely Annuals to Grow Under the Oak Tree
jardin.mediterraneo

Botanical Name: Scabiosa atropurpurea

USDA Zones: 3-8

The interesting small blooms resemble pincushions and open in pink, white, lavender, and red colors, the deeply toothed green leaves create a beautiful contrast. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

23. Garden Nasturtium

Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree
diariodenuestrocampo

Botanical Name: Tropaeolum majus

USDA Zones: 9-11

Grow it as a ground cover, and it will spread gracefully. Both leaves and blooms are edible. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

24. Menzies Baby Blue Eyes

Best Annuals plant to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Nemophila menziesii

USDA Zones: 2-11

This small, trailing, annual herb display bowl-shaped bright blue blooms. Sow seeds during fall. It grows up to 3-6 inches tall.

Look at some stylish Front Door Decoration Ideas with Plants here


Best Bulbs to Grow Under the Oak Tree

25. Grape Hyacinth

Best Bulbs to Grow Under the Oak Tree
8. Grape Hyacinth

Botanical Name: Muscari armeniacum

USDA Zones: 4-8

These small flowering plants can be grown in the fall. It flowers in full sun and produces small bell-shaped dark blue flowers on light green stalks.

26. Cyclamen

Bulbs to Grow Under the Oak Tree
sashinthegarden

Botanical Name: Cyclamen hederifolium

USDA Zones: 5

Also known as sowbread, this hardy perennial boast delicate silver-lined dark green foliage and pink flowers in fall. It grows best in partial shade, making it

27. Daffodil

lovely Bulbs to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Narcissus

USDA Zones: 3-8

Daffodil produces narrow, strap-like foliage and blossoms in yellow, orange, and white hues. When you plant the bulbs, they will continue to bloom again every spring.

28. Yellow Fall Crocus

top best Bulbs to Grow Under the Oak Tree
monticello

Botanical Name: Sternbergia lutea

USDA Zones: 4-8

Also known as lily-of-the-field, this bulbous flowering plant has narrow, straight leaves and deep yellow goblet-shaped flowers. It grows up to 6 inches tall.

Look at the Best Morning Glory Varieties here


Best Ferns to Grow Under the Oak Tree

29. Southern Sword Fern

Best Ferns to Grow Under the Oak Tree
britishpteridologicalsociety

Botanical Name: Nephrolepis cordifolia

USDA Zones: 8b-10b

It grows up to 4-12 inches in height, and the leaves emit a citrus fragrance when crushed. This fern prefers partial shade and warm temperatures. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

30. Coastal Wood Fern

Ferns to Grow Under the Oak Tree
.laspilitas

Botanical Name: Dryopteris arguta

USDA Zones: 7-9

This vase-shaped, evergreen fern produces dark green fronds. It is easy to look after and does best in dappled light.

31. Western Sword Fern

top Ferns to Grow Under the Oak Tree
intocascadia

Botanical Name: Polystichum munitum

USDA Zones: 5-9

Add texture under or around your oak tree with this low-maintenance, easy-care fern from North America. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.


Best Vines to Grow Under the Oak Tree

32. Lilac Vine

Best Vines to Grow Under the Oak Tree
wildurbangreen

Botanical Name: Hardenbergia violacea

USDA Zones: 9-11

This drought-tolerant flowering vine from Australia offers ornamental purple blooms that resemble pea blossoms.

Here are the Best Plants for Hedging

33. Kangaroo Ivy

Vines to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Cissus antarctica

USDA Zones: 10a-11b

This one is a vigorous climber that can also be used as a ground cover. It exhibits glossy green leaves that favor shady areas, making it a good choice for growing under oak trees.

34. Silver Lace Vine

Top Vines to Plant Beneath an Oak Tree
alysaucottage

Botanical Name: Polygonum aubertii

USDA Zones: 4-8

This fast-growing flowering perennial vine is a highly branched twining climber popular for its ornamental evergreen leaves and scented blossoms. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.


Best Grasses to Grow Under the Oak Tree

35. California Fescue

Best Grasses to Grow Under the Oak Tree
nativeherenursery

Botanical Name: Festuca californica

USDA Zones: 7-11

California fescue plant has hardy, long, and narrow leaves. The yellow blooms lure both butterflies and moths.

36. Purple Needlegrass

Grasses to Grow Under the Oak Tree
larnerseeds

Botanical Name: Stipa pulchra

USDA Zones: 7-11

This easy-to-grow grass flowers during spring in green and purple-colored blooms. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

Check out the Best Plants for Insomnia and Sleep Apnea According to Studies here

37. DeergrassBest Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree

Botanical Name: Muhlenbergia rigens

USDA Zones: 7-10

The pointed silver-green to purple leaves of this plant can reach up to 1-3 feet. Ensure it gets dappled light to promote yellow flowers.

38. Tufted Hairgrass

top Grasses to Grow Under the Oak Tree
majowe.ogrody

Botanical Name: Deschampsia

USDA Zones: 2-8

The clumping medium green leaves grow up to 1-2 feet tall. Yellow flower spikes create a refreshing contrast with foliage. It is one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

39. Blue Oat Grass

The Greatest Grasses to Grow Beneath an Oak Tree
houzz

Botanical Name: Helictrichon sempervirens

USDA Zones: 4-8

The silver-gray leaves resemble blue fescue, which makes it stand out under the oak tree.  This grass requires less water when planted in the shade.

40. Prairie Junegrass

Greatest Grasses to Grow Beneath an Oak Tree
agrecol.com

Botanical Name: Koeleria cristata

USDA Zones: 3-9

The gray-green leaves grow up to 1-2 feet tall and wide. It stays green for the most of the year, which makes it one of the Best Plants to Grow Under the Oak Tree.

Here are the Best Plants to Grow Indoors

Recent Posts

Join our 3 Million Followers:

2.6MFollowers
300kFans
69kSubscribers

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here