Best Partial Shade Outdoor Trees of 2026

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

If you have a garden or outdoor space that doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight, finding suitable trees to plant can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a variety of trees that thrive in partial shade conditions, providing both beauty and shade to your space. These trees come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colours, and can be selected based on your specific needs and preferences. From flowering trees to evergreens, there are plenty of options to choose from that will add life and vibrancy to your outdoor space.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Acer palmatum Taylor - Japanese Maple Tree Plant Cover #TOP 1
Acer palmatum Taylor - Japanese Maple Tree Plant
ftb score rating icon 9.9
3 x Acer Trees - Japanese Maple Shrubs Cover #TOP 2
3 x Acer Trees - Japanese Maple Shrubs
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Stunning 4-5ft Silver Birch Tree in Pot Cover #TOP 3
Stunning 4-5ft Silver Birch Tree in Pot
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Partial Shade Outdoor Trees

Acer palmatum Taylor - Japanese Maple Tree Plant

ACETAY-9C
Green,Pink
20-30cm (Incl. Pot)
Acer palmatum Taylor - Japanese Maple Tree Plant Cover
Acer palmatum Taylor - Japanese Maple Tree | Large Outdoor Garden Ready Plant in Pot (20-30cm Incl. Pot)

The Acer palmatum Taylor is a beautiful slow-growing shrub that can be cultivated as a small tree. Its five-lobed leaves start off a delicate pale pink in spring, providing a stunning visual for your garden. As summer arrives, the foliage transitions to a delightful green with a cream border. Come autumn, expect a vibrant lime green shade. This tree thrives in partial shade, making it perfect for areas with less sunlight, and it adapts well to a variety of well-drained soils, ensuring ease of care for you.

What We Like
Attractive seasonal foliage
Easy to maintain
Grows in partial shade
Adapts to various soils

3 x Acer Trees - Japanese Maple Shrubs

PLANTS-ACERMIX-9CM-3
Orange
3 x Acer Trees - Japanese Maple Shrubs Cover
3 x Acer Trees | Japanese Maple Tree | Potted Outdoor Hardy Garden Ready Shrubs (20-30cm Incl. Pot)

The Acer Trees by GardenersDream offer an impressive selection of Japanese Maple varieties. These trees provide stunning colour from spring to autumn, enhancing the beauty of your garden throughout the seasons. You can easily spruce up your outdoor space by placing these delightful trees in strategic locations to create a captivating display. They thrive in sun or partial shade, requiring minimal care while needing well-drained, moist soil. This makes them a convenient choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

What We Like
Impressive variety of trees
Vibrant colours year-round
Easy to care for
Perfect for garden enhancement

Stunning 4-5ft Silver Birch Tree in Pot

Brown
Stunning 4-5ft Silver Birch Tree in Pot Cover
1 Silver Birch Jacquemontii 5-6ft Tall in 2L Pot Stunning Tree, Himalyan White Birch, Betula 3fatpigs®

The Silver Birch Tree is a beautiful addition to any garden, standing at 4-5 feet tall in a convenient 2L pot. This medium-sized deciduous tree features striking white bark, which adds a touch of elegance to your outdoor space. Its dark green, drooping leaves turn a lovely yellow in autumn, providing seasonal interest. With male catkins appearing in early spring, you can enjoy the tree’s unique features from the outset, making it a delightful choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

What We Like
Attractive white bark
Seasonal colour changes
Easy to grow
Suitable for various soil types

You Garden Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream'

Green,Orange,Pink
3L Pot
You Garden Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' Cover
You Garden - Japanese Maple Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' in a 3L Pot - Outdoor Garden Ready Trees for Oriental Style Gardens - Oriental Maple Tree for UK Gardens in Pots

The You Garden Orange Dream Maple is a stunning acer that transforms your garden with its vibrant colours throughout the year. You will appreciate its fully hardy nature, ensuring it thrives even in the coldest winters. In spring, you can enjoy bright orange new growth that adds a delightful touch to your outdoor space. This Japanese maple features slow-growing, easy-to-maintain foliage that makes it perfect for small gardens or large pots, allowing you to create a beautiful focal point in any setting.

What We Like
Stunning colour year-round
Fully hardy in cold winters
Slow-growing and easy to maintain
Ideal for small gardens
RHS Award of Garden Merit
#TOP 5

2 Silver Birch 5-6ft Stunning Mature Specimen Trees

green white
2 Silver Birch 5-6ft Stunning Mature Specimen Trees Cover
2 Silver Birch 5-6ft Stunning Mature Specimen Trees, Betula Pendula 3fatpigs®

Features
Betula Pendula Is A Medium Deciduous Tree, Typically Reaching 15-25 M Tall, Exceptionally Up To 39 M , With A Slender Crown Of Arched Branches With Drooping Branchlets.
These Are BARE ROOTED Plants Which Can Be Planted From The End Of October Until May And Will Be Dispatched As Soon As The Weather Turns Cold And They Become Dormant.The Dispatch Date Depends On The Autumn Temperature And Varies From Year To Year.
The Plain Silver Or Common Birch, Sometimes Called 'the Lady Of The Woods' Because Of Its Outstanding Elegance, Is A Great Landscape Feature, Especially In Autumn And While Still Young - Older Trees Can Become Enormous, But Without Dominating Or Shading The Garden Too Much. When Planted 60cm (2ft) Apart, The Trees Make A Fine Hedge, Or May Be Grown 2.4m (8ft) Apart As A Screen Or Windbreak, Which Can Be Trimmed Each Winter.
Common Name: Silver Birch Genus: Betula Species: Pendula Skill Level: Beginner Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade Hardiness: Hardy Soil Type: Well-Drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Moist, Sandy Height: 2500cm Spread: 1000cm
#TOP 6

1 Mountain Ash Plants/Sorbus Aucuparia 4-5ft Tall Trees

Green, Red
1 Mountain Ash Plants/Sorbus Aucuparia 4-5ft Tall Trees Cover
1 Mountain Ash (Rowan) Plants/Sorbus Aucuparia 4-5ft Tall Trees, Hedges 3fatpigs®

Features
1 Mountain Ash (Rowan) Plants / Sorbus Aucuparia 4-5ft Tall Trees, Hedges
A Native Wild Tree Producing Beautiful Sweet Smelling Blossom In Spring Followed By Red Berries In Autumn.These Can Be Used To Make Jelly.Thrushes And Other Birds Go Mad For Them.Rowan Makes An Excellent Hedgerow Or Garden Tree As It Dosn't Grow More Than 6m And Can Have Multi-Stems If Pruned.
Common Name: Mountain Ash Genus: Sorbus Species: Aucuparia Skill Level: Beginner Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade Hardiness: Hardy Soil Type: Well-Drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Moist, Sandy Height: 1500cm Spread: 700cm
The Mountain Ash Or Rowan Is A Native European Tree, Especially In High Altitudes Where Its Robust Hardiness Ensures Its Survival. Once Credited With Magical Powers And Often Planted Near Dwellings As An Insurance Against Misfortune, It Is Widely Planted In Gardens, Both As The Species And In Its Many Varieties.
The Trees Tolerate A Wide Range Of Soils And Sites, Regularly Producing Huge Crops Of Bright Red Berries In Dense Pendent Bunches, Which Attract Birds Of All Kinds. It Succeeds Particularly Well In Town Gardens, And Also When Planted Closely As A Screen Or Informal Large Hedge.
These Are BARE ROOTED Plants Which Can Be Planted From The End Of October Until April And Will Be Dispatched As Soon As The Weather Turns Cold And They Become Dormant.The Dispatch Date Depends On The Autumn Temperature And Varies From Year To Year.

YouGarden Pair of Easy-to-Grow Bay Trees

3_680235
Green
Pair
YouGarden Pair of Easy-to-Grow Bay Trees Cover
YouGarden Pair of Bay Tree Standard Trees, 70-80cm Tall, Evergreen, Easy to Grow, Cooking Herb, Supplied as Stablished Bay Trees for Gardens & Patios

The YouGarden Bay Trees add a stately touch to your garden or patio. They are easy to grow, making them perfect for anyone looking for low-maintenance greenery. You can enjoy their stunning appearance in pots framing your door or pathway. Additionally, the aromatic foliage is not just for decoration; it can enhance your culinary creations by adding a delightful flavour to marinades. These trees thrive in moist, well-drained soil, ensuring they remain a beautiful and functional addition to your outdoor space.

What We Like
Stately appearance for gardens
Easy to care for
Useful culinary herb
Thrives in well-drained soil

Acer palmatum Katsura Japanese Maple Tree

ACEKAT-9C
Yellow
20-30cm (Incl. Pot)
Acer palmatum Katsura Japanese Maple Tree Cover
Acer palmatum Katsura - Japanese Maple Tree | Large Outdoor Garden Ready Plant in Pot (20-30cm Incl. Pot)

The Acer palmatum Katsura is a beautiful slow-growing shrub that can also be shaped into a small tree, perfect for adding character to your garden. Its leaves transition from a pale green in Spring to a stunning red in Autumn, offering visual interest throughout the year. With an expected height of 2.5 - 4 metres over 10-20 years, it makes a lovely addition without overpowering your space. This tree thrives in partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, ensuring you can cultivate it with ease.

What We Like
Stunning seasonal foliage
Slow-growing, manageable size
Adaptable to various soils
Partial shade preference

10 Silver Birch Trees 2-3ft by 3FATPIGS

Silver
10 Silver Birch Trees 2-3ft by 3FATPIGS Cover
10 Silver Birch Tree 2-3ft,Stunning Winter Colour,Betula Pendula Plants,60-90cm 3fatpigs®

The 3FATPIGS Silver Birch Trees are a stunning addition to any garden, reaching heights of 2-3ft. As a medium deciduous tree, they thrive in full sun or partial shade, making them versatile for various garden settings. Their hardiness means they can withstand various weather conditions, ensuring longevity. With well-drained soil preferences, these trees are perfect for enhancing your landscape, especially in autumn when their beauty shines. Planting them close together can create a lovely hedge or windbreak for added privacy.

What We Like
Stunning winter colour
Easy to grow for beginners
Versatile planting options
Hardy and resilient
Great for creating privacy
#TOP 10

3 Silver Birch 5-6ft Stunning Mature Specimen Trees

Silver
3 Silver Birch 5-6ft Stunning Mature Specimen Trees Cover
3 Silver Birch 5-6ft Stunning Mature Specimen Trees, Betula Pendula 3fatpigs®

Features
Betula Pendula Is A Medium Deciduous Tree, Typically Reaching 15-25 M Tall, Exceptionally Up To 39 M , With A Slender Crown Of Arched Branches With Drooping Branchlets.
These Are BARE ROOTED Plants Which Can Be Planted From The End Of October Until May And Will Be Dispatched As Soon As The Weather Turns Cold And They Become Dormant.The Dispatch Date Depends On The Autumn Temperature And Varies From Year To Year.
The Plain Silver Or Common Birch, Sometimes Called 'the Lady Of The Woods' Because Of Its Outstanding Elegance, Is A Great Landscape Feature, Especially In Autumn And While Still Young - Older Trees Can Become Enormous, But Without Dominating Or Shading The Garden Too Much. When Planted 60cm (2ft) Apart, The Trees Make A Fine Hedge, Or May Be Grown 2.4m (8ft) Apart As A Screen Or Windbreak, Which Can Be Trimmed Each Winter.
Common Name: Silver Birch Genus: Betula Species: Pendula Skill Level: Beginner Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade Hardiness: Hardy Soil Type: Well-Drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Moist, Sandy Height: 2500cm Spread: 1000cm
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our partial shade outdoor tree research, we found 139 partial shade outdoor tree products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,933 customer reviews through our big data system to write the partial shade outdoor trees list. We found that most customers choose partial shade outdoor trees with an average price of £20.49.

The partial shade outdoor trees are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of partial shade outdoor trees, including GardenersDream, 3FATPIGS, YouGarden.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.