Trees that don't need sun

Although at first it is hard to believe, there are trees that do not need sun to be well. These are the ones that, generally, in their natural habitat are found under the shade of others that grow much larger; or those that can adapt without any problem both to direct exposure to the king sun and to the shade.

Of course, it is important to clarify that they do not need to feel the sun's rays directly, but that does not mean that they can be in areas of total darkness. So if there is only shade in your garden, don't worry: These are the trees that we recommend you plant.

Tree Privet (Ligustrum Lucidum)

El arboreal privet It is a species of deciduous tree native to China and Japan. It reaches an approximate height of 15 meters, and also produces very showy and aromatic white flowers during the spring. It must also be said that it grows at a fast rate, and that it supports both heat and cold (moderate).

It is widely planted in gardens of all kinds -even in small ones-, and can even be seen on the sidewalks of towns and cities.

Tree of loveCercis siliquastrum)

El love tree It is a magnificent deciduous tree native to Eurasia that reaches an approximate height of 8 meters, although it can reach 12m. It is an interesting plant for several reasons: it blooms before spring arrives, it has very pretty pink flowers, it grows in alkaline soil and, last but not least, it resists temperatures between a maximum of 35ºC and -18ºC.

It is also important to add that it grows well in shade or semi-shade, and can even flower without difficulty. So we definitely recommend it.

Jupiter tree (Lagerstroemia indica)

El jupiter tree It is a deciduous plant native to East Asia that reaches an approximate height of 8 meters. It develops a compact, rounded cup, and about 3-4 meters in diameter. It is a species that produces very beautiful flowers during the spring, which can be white, pink or red depending on the variety.

It can be planted in the shade of other larger plants, be they palm trees or other trees, as it is a tree that does not need sun. But yes, you should know that it supports up to -5ºC.

Maple (Acer)

Any type of maple can be in shade or semi-shade. In fact, in climates like the Mediterranean, due to the high temperatures that exist during the summer, they must be protected from the sun precisely to prevent them from burning.

The vast majority are deciduous, with the exception of the very rare Acer sempervirens (it is rare because it is very difficult to find) that is evergreen or semi-evergreen.

Of all those that have been described, some of the prettiest are:

• Japanese maple (Acer palmatum): it is so popular that, in addition to the subspecies, botanists have achieved numerous cultivars, such as the »Little Princess» that does not exceed one meter in height, or the »Orange Dream» whose leaves turn orange in autumn. See file.
• Red maple (Acer): this maple is one of the few that can withstand heat well; not in vain, it is native to Mexico. Now, don't be misled by the name: the leaves are green for a good part of the year; only in autumn do they turn red. See file.
• Acer opalus subsp. garnet: this subspecies of acer opalus It deserves to be on this list for being the only native maple of the Balearic archipelago, which is found in the Mediterranean region, east of the Iberian Peninsula. Unlike most species, it grows in alkaline soil and can withstand summers in the area without problems (with temperatures between 20 and 35ºC). See file.

In addition, all of them resist moderate frosts.

Beech (Fagus)

El beech tree It is a deciduous plant that reaches 20 or 30 meters in height.. There are different species, although without a doubt the best known in Spain is the Fagus sylvatica, which we can find in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, where it forms forests called beech forests. It grows quite slowly, but it is a plant of great ornamental value even in its youth. In addition, in autumn it goes from having green leaves to yellow.

Due to his height, there will most likely come a time when he will be exposed to sunlight as he grows older; but even if it wasn't like that, nothing would happen because it grows well in shade. Also, you should know that it resists frost well up to -18ºC.

Magnolia (Magnolia sp.)

La magnolia or magnolia It is the name given to a series of trees or shrubs originating mainly from Asia, although we also find some in America. They are characterized by having large flowers, light colors (white and pink), and a very pleasant aroma.. Although they take their time to grow, as they begin to produce them very soon, they are plants that are widely kept in pots, as well as in gardens when the soil is acidic.

And not, They don't need to be in full sun either.. What's more, the same thing happens with maples: especially when the weather is very hot, it is highly recommended to have them in the shade so that the leaves remain healthy. But otherwise, they withstand moderate frosts well.

Oak (Oak)

El oak It is a deciduous tree native to the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, including Spain. It is a slow growing plant that reaches 40 meters in height., and which develops a thick trunk. The leaves are simple and green, except in autumn when they turn yellow before falling.

It likes direct sun very much, but It can adapt to living in shade or semi-shade.; that is to say, it does not necessarily have to be in a sunny place to be perfect. Also, you should know that it resists frost up to -18ºC.

What do you think of these trees that do not need sun?