A rotting tree stump doesn’t have to be an eyesore, it can become the heart of a vibrant, living centerpiece in your garden.

With the right plants, a hollowed-out stump transforms into a rustic planter that adds texture, charm, and natural nutrients to your space.

Here are eight of the best plants to grow in a tree stump, with practical advice to help them flourish.

1. Ferns

If your stump sits in a shady or damp area, ferns are an ideal fit. Their lush, feathery fronds unfurl with ease in moist, organic-rich conditions, just like those found inside a decaying stump.

Lady ferns and maidenhair ferns are particularly suited for this type of environment. You water consistently in dry weather and tuck in some leaf mulch to mimic a woodland floor.

Ferns don’t need much fuss, just give them shelter from harsh sun and they’ll create a lush, fairy-tale vibe around the stump naturally.

2. Hostas

Hostas are tough and forgiving, which makes them perfect for stump gardens under shade trees. Their broad, textured leaves range in color from blue-green to golden chartreuse, adding beautiful contrast against rough bark.

They thrive in humus-rich, slightly acidic soil, conditions you’ll often find in a decomposing tree core.

You should dig in compost before planting and water regularly, especially during dry spells.

Slugs love them, so sprinkle crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth as a gentle deterrent. Once settled, hostas return every year stronger and fuller.

3. Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a trailing plant that’s tailor-made for softening the rugged edges of a tree stump. Its bright chartreuse vines spill over the sides like living lace, catching the light and adding movement.

It prefers partial shade and moist soil, but can tolerate full sun if kept well-watered.

You can use it around the base or let it trail down from the center for a cascading look. Just know, it spreads quickly, so keep an eye on it if you're planting in beds nearby.

4. Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Coral bells offer showy, evergreen foliage in striking shades of burgundy, lime, or silver that shine against weathered wood.

They're perfect for part-shade stumps with decent drainage. The plant’s shallow roots adapt easily to a confined space, and in spring, delicate flower spikes rise above the leaves to attract pollinators.

You can also mix in a bit of composted bark or leaf mold to mimic their woodland habitat. Heuchera thrives without much care, just avoid soggy soil and refresh mulch in early spring for best results.

5. Sedum (Stonecrop)

If your stump gets full sun and doesn’t retain much moisture, sedum is your answer. This low-growing succulent tolerates drought and poor soil with ease.

Choose varieties like Dragon’s Blood or Angelina that offer color as well as texture. You plant them in the upper layer of the stump with gritty, well-draining soil.

They’ll root quickly and start spreading, eventually forming a living mat across the top. Then water sparingly after establishment, and enjoy a no-fuss display that handles both heat and neglect.

6. Moss

For the most natural, woodsy look, moss brings quiet beauty to shaded tree stumps. It doesn’t need soil, just a damp surface and a little patience.

You harvest moss from your yard or buy a moss slurry to paint onto the stump. Mist regularly for the first few weeks until it anchors.

Over time, moss softens sharp edges and adds a mystical charm that feels timeless. It’s ideal for gardeners who want low-maintenance, evergreen green with a soft, sponge-like texture underfoot.

7. Pansies

Pansies are hardy cool-weather bloomers that pop with cheerful faces in early spring and fall. They love loose, rich soil and bright, filtered sun, conditions easily met in a rotted stump that’s had a bit of compost added.

Also, choose compact varieties to avoid crowding the space. Water regularly and deadhead to prolong blooming.

Because they tolerate chilly temperatures, pansies are a lovely choice for brightening up your stump during otherwise bare seasons when few other flowers are in bloom.

8. Sweet Potato Vine

With heart-shaped leaves in dramatic purples or chartreuse, sweet potato vine turns any tree stump into a showstopper. It trails easily over edges and adds contrast to more compact or upright plants.

This sun-loving annual enjoys well-drained soil and regular watering to keep foliage vibrant.

Although it doesn't produce edible tubers like its vegetable cousin, its ornamental appeal is undeniable. You tuck a few slips into the stump’s crevices and watch them spill down the sides like a leafy waterfall.

Read more: 10 Best Plants You Can Grow in Pallets And How to Care Them