close up of blue hydrangea planted under a shade tree.

This three flowering shrub design will add multiple colors to your yard year after year and will flourish underneath the canopy of maples, oaks, or other shade trees.

This plant combination offers seasonal interest. The early yellow blooming Forsythias will mark the arrival of spring and the white and blue blooms of the Azaleas and Hydrangeas will be a highlight in the summer.

Shrubs Under Shade Tree design illustration

Included Species

Included Species Quantity
Forsythia

3

Blue Hydrangea

3

White Mollis Hybrid Azalea

5

Planting Specifications

  • Hardiness Zone: 6–8
  • Sun Exposure: Part shade, below the canopy of an existing shade tree
  • Space needed: Below the canopy of an existing shade tree
  • Required topography: Flat to rolling

Layout

The shade tree planting is installed below the canopy of an existing shade tree. Some adjustment may be required based on the locations of large roots but the design will not be impacted by minor changes in location.

Recommended Use & Design Principal 

The three flowering shrub species have been selected to thrive in the shade conditions below the canopy of large existing shade trees such as maples or oaks. This plant combination is an excellent solution for below large existing shade trees where maintaining a lawn is difficult.

Additionally, the plant combination offers seasonal interest by the way of yellow Forsythia blooms, white Azalea blooms and blue Hydrangea blooms.

Peak Time(s)

Spring

  • Forsythia: yellow bloom
  • White Mollis Hybrid Azalea: white bloom

 

Summer

  • Blue Hydrangea: blue bloom