Plants for a Tree Ring Planter

• A tree ring planter creates a barrier around the tree to keep mulch near the trunk and protect it from equipment like lawnmowers and weed-eaters. Plants that are ideal planted in a tree ring planter thrive in part to full shade, as the tree casts varying amounts of shade. The size of the tree ring planter also dictates the number of plants that can grow in the space.

Hellebore

• Hellebore is an evergreen perennial that grows best in part to full shade, making it ideal for a tree ring planter. It has a clumping habit and bears leather-like, shiny foliage that remains green throughout the year.

  Flowers on hellebore plants begin blooming in mid-winter in a range of colors including, purple, pink, green, white and yellow. The blooms of this hardy plant create a burst of vibrancy in the often colorless winter landscape.

  Hellebore grows up to 3 feet tall and wide and looks stunning in groups around the tree. It thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil but can tolerate summer heat and humidity. To promote new foliage, cut back the spent flower stems as soon as possible. Grow hellebore in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.

Hosta

• Hosta plants add vibrancy and texture to a tree ring planter and are often seen growing in shade gardens or in masses as a dense ground cover. They feature a mound of lance-shaped chartreuse foliage. The Missouri Botanial Garden calls hosta a "dependable and versatile perennial requiring little care." Hosta features bell-shaped flowers that grow along the 18-inch-tall scapes. The dense foliage not only adds color to the ring planter, but also crowds out garden weeds. Hostas grow best in dappled shade and moist, well-drained soil that is rich. Grow hosta in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 to 8.

Caladium

• Caladium, also called angel wings, is a tuberous-rooted perennial that adds vibrant color and form to shady areas like a tree ring planter. Caladium has a clumping growth habit. It grows moderately, up to 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. The heart-shaped foliage on caladium has bold, red centers. Caladium thrives in full to part shade and well-drained, rich soil. Grow caladium in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 to 11.