Dry shade under trees is one of the most challenging areas to plant in any garden. Between thirsty tree roots, low light, and poor soil, it’s no surprise that many borders beneath trees end up sparse or bare. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
With the right shrubs, you can bring structure, colour, and year-round interest to these tricky spots — without constant watering or fuss. Whether you’re working under deciduous trees, mature evergreens, or a mix of both, the key is choosing tough, shade-tolerant plants that can cope with competition and low moisture.
In this article, I’m sharing 9 drought-tolerant shrubs that I’ve found to be reliable in dry, shady areas — including my own garden in Formby. Wherever possible, I’ve included links to trusted UK suppliers (or my own shop), so you can source these plants easily and start transforming that difficult border.
Why Dry Shade Is So Difficult (and What to Look for in a Shrub)
If you’ve ever tried to plant under a tree and watched everything struggle or die, you’re not alone. Dry shade is one of the toughest conditions in gardening — and it happens when trees create dense root networks that suck up moisture, block sunlight, and leave very little for anything else to thrive.
To make matters harder, many trees also create acidic or compacted soil, especially if the area hasn’t been mulched or amended regularly. It’s not impossible to plant in these conditions — but you need the right approach.
✅ That’s where drought-tolerant shrubs come in. Unlike delicate perennials or thirsty groundcovers, these shrubs are tough enough to cope with root competition and periods of dryness. Many are evergreen, giving you structure and greenery year-round — even when the rest of the garden is dormant.
When choosing shrubs for dry shade, look for plants that are:
Happy in low light or dappled shade
Able to tolerate low water availability
Ideally low-maintenance and slow-growing
Suited to UK conditions (not just warm-climate lists!)
Up next, you’ll find a selection of shrubs that meet these criteria — and that I’ve found to be genuinely reliable in tricky spots under trees.
9 Drought-Tolerant Shrubs That Thrive in Dry Shade
These shrubs have proven themselves in tough garden spots — under trees, against fences, or in dry corners that rarely see a hose.
🌿 1. Sarcococca confusa (Sweet Box)
Why it works: Evergreen, thrives in dry, shaded spots once established
Extra bonus: Fragrant white flowers in winter — ideal near paths or entrances
My note: Slow growing but rock solid — one of the few shrubs that genuinely enjoys dry shade
👉 Buy Sarcococca confusa
🍃 2. Aucuba japonica (Spotted Laurel)
Why it works: Virtually indestructible, tolerates deep shade and dry soil
Extra bonus: Variegated leaves brighten up dark spaces year-round
My note: If you’ve “killed everything” in a spot, try this — it usually survives
👉 Buy Aucuba japonica
🌼 3. Skimmia japonica ‘Rubella’
Why it works: Compact, evergreen, and drought-tolerant once established
Extra bonus: Red buds in winter and fragrant white spring flowers
My note: Needs slightly acidic soil — performs beautifully under deciduous trees
👉 Buy Skimmia ‘Rubella’
☀️ 4. Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’
Why it works: Handles shade and dryness better than many others, no prickles
Extra bonus: Yellow flowers in winter; looks tropical but copes with tough spots
My note: Works especially well under trees with dappled light
👉 Buy Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’
🌸 5. Viburnum tinus
Why it works: Evergreen, shade-tolerant, long-flowering
Extra bonus: Winter flowers and berries attract wildlife
My note: I’ve used it under birch and elder — very reliable, even with root competition
👉 Buy Viburnum tinus
🍂 6. Fatsia japonica
Why it works: Bold foliage, copes well with dry shade and root pressure
Extra bonus: Architectural look with a tropical feel
My note: Surprisingly tough — once established, it almost looks after itself
👉 Buy Fatsia japonica
🌿 7. Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Tom Thumb’
Why it works: Tolerates light shade and dry conditions once mature
Extra bonus: Dark purple foliage adds great contrast
My note: Best for areas with a bit of indirect light — works well at the edge of tree shade
👉 Buy Pittosporum ‘Tom Thumb’
🌺 8. Rhododendron 'Blue Tit'
Why it works: Compact, evergreen, and happy in shade with acidic soil.
Extra bonus: Masses of violet-blue flowers in spring bringing colour to shady borders.
My note: Reliable, low-maintenance, and perfect for smaller gardens.
👉 Buy Rhododendron ‘Blue Tit’ on Amazon
🌾 9. Elaeagnus × ebbingei
Why it works: Wind- and drought-resistant, handles shade surprisingly well
Extra bonus: Fragrant flowers in autumn; excellent for screening
My note: A tough-as-nails shrub that earns its space in any difficult spot
👉 Buy Elaeagnus ebbingei
Each of these shrubs brings more than just survival to a shady border — they add structure, year-round interest, and in many cases, scent or wildlife value too.
Planting Tips for Dry Shade Success
Even the toughest shrubs benefit from a bit of help when planting in dry shade. Tree roots compete aggressively for moisture and nutrients, so giving your new plants a good start makes all the difference.
Here are some tips I use when planting under trees:
🌱 1. Soak the Planting Hole Before Planting
Tree roots often leave the surrounding soil dry even after rain. Fill the hole with water and let it drain before planting to help new roots settle in.
🌿 2. Add Organic Matter to Improve Soil
Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the planting hole to hold moisture and boost nutrients.
👉 Try Growmoor Multi-Purpose Compost
🪵 3. Mulch After Planting — And Keep Topping It Up
A thick mulch layer (5–8cm) helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Reapply each year in early spring or autumn.
👉 Try Your Signature Garden Mulch
🚿 4. Water Well During the First Growing Season
Even drought-tolerant shrubs need consistent moisture until their roots establish — especially in spring and early summer.
🌤️ 5. Don’t Plant Too Close to the Tree Trunk
Give plants at least 50–60cm from the base of the tree where light and moisture are more available.
A little prep at the start means less maintenance later — and a much higher success rate under those demanding tree canopies.
Transform That Bare Patch Under the Trees
Dry shade doesn’t have to be a dead zone. With the right shrubs, even the toughest spots under trees can become some of the most beautiful and rewarding areas in your garden.
The shrubs listed above have been chosen not just for their resilience, but for their year-round interest, low maintenance, and ability to bring structure and colour where little else grows.
👉 Ready to get planting? You can find affiliate links to buy each shrub above for which we may receive a small commission if you click through helping to support our website.
Got a tricky spot under a tree? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you — or feel free to get in touch and ask me any questions.
