Part shade bush
15 Partial Shade Shrubs For Your Yard Or Garden
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If you’re looking for partial shade shrubs for your yard or garden, you’re in the right place! In this post, I’ll give you a list of my favorite bushes that grow in partial shade.
Some people think that if they don’t have much sun, then they can’t grow any shrubs in their garden.
This is simply not true. I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the amount of partial shade shrubs you’ll have to choose from!
You don’t have to sacrifice color or flowers either. Many of the partial shade bushes on this list have spectacular blooms or vivid foliage to bring color to those darker corners.
Read on to learn about my favorite bushes and shrubs that thrive in part shade areas.
What Shrubs Grow In Partial Shade?
If your yard doesn’t get much sunlight, don’t despair! There are plenty of good bushes for partial shade, and many of them even flower!
So whether you have a northern exposure, or your garden only gets morning or evening sun. You should have no problem finding lovely shrubbery to fill your space.
15 Partial Shade Shrubs For Your Garden
The bushes in the list below will perform well in a wide range of climates. So, no matter where you live, you should be able to find some great options.
1. Hydrangea
When it comes to finding bushes for partial shade, hydrangea is one of the best. It’s known for the large, showy flowers that are good for arrangements or drying.
The late spring and summer blooms can be anywhere from white to pink, purple, magenta, or blue, depending on the variety.
There are tons of different species and hybrids. Some are as short as 36”, while others can get up to 12’ tall.
Various types of these iconic shrubs thrive in almost any zone, ranging from 3 through 10. Learn all about how to grow hydrangeas here.
Hydrangeas are flowering bushes for shade
2. Enkianthus campanulatus
These beautiful flowering partial shade bushes are tough, adaptable, and hardy. This Japanese native grows well in zones 4-7, reaching heights of 6-8’ tall.
It has bell shaped blossoms that are produced in clusters, and transition from white to pink or maroon. This habit sometimes earns them the name Redvein Enkianthus.
Blooming in late spring to early summer, and transitioning to vivid red and gold foliage in the fall, this shrub can bring a lot of color to shady gardens.
3. Spirea
These small shrubs have beautiful blue-green foliage and are perfect for partial shade. Growing only 24-35” high, they are one of the shorter options on this list.
Spireas are particularly cold hardy, and will thrive in colder climates anywhere from zones 2 to 7.
It blooms from mid spring to early summer, with clumps of delicate tiny flowers that remind me of little umbrellas. These pink or white blossoms attract lots of bees and butterflies.
Spirea are good shade shrubs
4. Dogwood
One of the largest partial shade shrubs on this list, dogwoods grow anywhere from 12-15’ hight. It does well in the cool to moderate climates of zones 4 to 8.
These classic bushes produces nice white flower clusters in late spring to early summer. Once the blooms fade, lots of small white berries will form, which attract birds.
There are several types to choose from. I especially love the variety that has beautiful variegated foliage, which brightens my shade gardens throughout the season.
5. Bush Honeysuckle
Known for attracting pollinators, like bees and butterflies, bush honeysuckles are good shrubs for shady areas.
Reaching heights of 10-12’ tall, they are hardy in zones 4-8. The pink or yellow flowers bloom in late spring to early summer.
Mine gets yellow blossoms in early summer, and it really brightens up the shady corner it’s planted in. Plus they get great fall color on the foliage to extend their beauty.
Bush honeysuckle are large shrubs that grow in shade
6. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Another tall shrub for partial shade areas, witch hazel gets 10-15’ high. You can grow it anywhere from zone 3 to 8, as long as you keep it in evenly moist soil.
This plant has a rather unusual blooming habit. Depending on the species, the yellow or orange flowers open in either late winter or late fall.
The foliage is also very colorful in the fall, adding a bright spot to your garden at the end of the season.
7. Barberry
With their stunning, dark red leaves, barberries are great shrubs for shade. They get inconspicuous yellow flowers in mid spring, but are more remarkable for their foliage.
Some varieties have golden yellow leaves, which creates a wonderful contrast when interplanted with the red ones.
Not only do they have lovely foliage, they are covered in bright red berries in the fall. I love watching the birds feed on them during the winter.
This tough shrub does well in many climates, thriving in zones 3-10. They can reach up to 48” tall, but the dwarf varieties stay smaller – between 24-36”.
I’m a huge fan of them. But some people don’t like them because they have prickly thorns like a rose bush, which can be annoying.
Barberries are colorful bushes for shade
8. Boxwood
When these partial to full shade evergreen shrubs are planted alone, they can be a bit boring with no flowers. But it makes a gorgeous backdrop for some of the blooming ones on this list.
The year-round greenery and thick foliage can create a good fence alternative, and is an excellent addition to any garden.
Boxwood grows up to 6-8’ tall, and does best in the temperate to warmer areas of growing zones 6-8.
9. Rhododendron & Azalea Shrubs
Some of my favorite partial shade flowering shrubs for zones 4-8, rhododendrons and azaleas come in lots of different colors and sizes.
The early to mid spring blooms range from purple to pink, red, yellow, or white. The bush heights range from the dwarf hybrids at 24-36″, while large ones can reach 36-48″
When not in bloom, the beautiful, shiny foliage makes a fantastic background for other plants.
They thrive in acidic soil, which makes them a natural pairing for the shady areas under pine or other fir trees.
Azalea is one of the best partial shade shrubs
10. Mock Orange
Not related to citrus in any way, mock orange makes an excellent shrub for shade gardens. It blooms in late spring to early summer, and the white flowers smell AH-mazing.
These large specimens would make great shrubs for privacy, or a nice backdrop for other plants.
This vibrant green bush grows 8-10’ tall, and is quite full for optimal coverage. It does well in a range of temperate areas, primarily zones 4 to 8.
11. Roses
Believe it or not, roses can be excellent shrubs for shade gardens. Some varieties will not only tolerate partial shade, but they will thrive and blossom there.
I grow a few types in part shade, and they bloom profusely. I love how bright the flowers look in those darker areas too.
There are many, many different species to choose from, with tons of different flower colors. Their hardiness ranges from zones 4-11, depending on the type.
You can also find them in any height that you need. Small varieties start out as short as 24”, while others can get as tall as 20’.
Related Post: 17 Pink Flowers For Your Garden (Annuals & Perennials)
Roses are excellent shrubs for partial sun
12. Elderberry
If you’re looking for medium sized shrubs that do well in partial shade, look no further. Elderberries are native to most of the northern hemisphere, and they do well in zones 3-9.
These 8-10’ tall bushes produce sweet smelling white flower clusters in late spring and early summer, which the pollinators adore.
In the fall, they get beautiful black berries. Birds love them, and they are edible for humans too! In fact, the yummy berries are a common ingredient in jams, wines, and desserts.
13. Weigela
I moved my weigela to a shady spot several years ago, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they bloom even better there than they did in the full sun.
These part to full shade shrubs are fairly small, growing 36-48”. You can also find dwarf sizes, which are only 12-18” tall. For even more variety, look for the ones with variegated leaves.
The light pink or fuschia flowers put on their show in late spring to early summer in zones 4-9, and provide a blast of amazing color.
They can get a bit leggy with age, so prune them in early summer after they are done blooming to keep them fuller.
Weigelas are great partial to full shade shrubs
14. Viburnum
This bushy shrub is great for a privacy screen in shady areas, growing 8-10’ tall with lots of branching.
There are several species of viburnum that grow from zones 2 to 9, and all of them are tough plants that can survive in trouble areas.
In late spring and early summer, they have balls of small white flowers. They also provide a splash of color in fall with their bright foliage.
The dark blue berries, which are produced in autumn, are great for attracting birds to your garden.
15. Camelia
If you want gorgeous flowering bushes for partial shade, camelias are for you. There are hundreds of different species and cultivars, so you have lots of options.
These lovely shrubs can grow to a height of 4-12’ tall, and the varieties bloom at different times of year. They can have white, pink, red, or even yellow blossoms.
They do better in warmer climates (zones 7 to 11), and require consistently moist soil.
Camelias are beautiful flowering shrubs for shade
Don’t get discouraged by a lack of sun in your yard, there are plenty of beautiful partial shade shrubs to choose from. Whether you are looking for a privacy screen, pollinator attractors, or some interesting color, these shade loving bushes will serve you well.
Recommended Reading
- Grow a Fabulous Garden that Lightens up the Shadows
- Dazzling Plants, Design Ideas, and Proven Techniques for Shade
- Planting the Dry Shade Garden
- Shade-Loving Plants for Year-Round Interest
More About Shade Gardening
- 40+ Vegetables That Grow In Shade
- 17 Best Ground Covers That Grow Well In The Shade
- 17 Colorful & Gorgeous Shade Garden Plants
- 29 Rain Garden Plants For Sun Or Shade
Do you have any favorite partial shade shrubs that you would add to this list?
29 Best Shrubs for Shade Gardens
By
Vanessa Richins Myers
Vanessa Richins Myers
Vanessa Richins Myers has a BS in horticulture and over 10 years of training and experience as a professional horticulturist and gardener.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 06/15/22
The Spruce
It can be tough designing a garden in a shady area. You have to make sure you choose the right shrubs for the conditions. Without the proper amount of sun, flowering shrubs may fail to produce blossoms or bloom poorly, and many shrubs will perform poorly overall. Deep shade can even kill your plants unless they are species that naturally grow in shade. The following plants are able to grow in at least part shade, and some can handle full shade.
Warning
Many shrubs that grow in shade are toxic, including:
- Aucuba
- Azaleas and rhododendrons
- Daphne
- Chinese yew
- Heavenly bamboo
- Japanese pieris
- Mountain laurel
- Red buckeye
- Skimmia
How to Design a Garden for Partial Shade
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African Scurf Pea (Psoralea pinnata)
Andrei Stanescu / Getty ImagesThis medium-size shrub is covered with lilac-blue flowers like those of the sweet pea and many other members of the Fabaceae family. They give off a fragrance that reminds some of Kool-Aid, inspiring the common name of Kool-Aid bush. The leaves are reminiscent of rosemary. It can be trained into a small tree.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Alder-leaved serviceberries feature spikes of creamy white flowers that appear in April and May. Also known as Saskatoon serviceberry, they produce purple-blue pomes that are edible and a popular wildlife food. Varieties generally offer superb fall color that lasts a long time. This understory shrub is prone to forming suckers or shoots which should be removed to retain shape. Some cultivars will thrive in warmer climates but native plants are found in zones 5 to 9.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Height: 12 feet or greater depending on cultivar
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, dry or moist
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Alpine currant is a small fruit bearing shrub, but it is dioecious, so you need both male and female plants for pollination. Both the male and female shrubs produce berries, but the female berries are inedible. Fully frost hardy, be sure to select a cultivar such as R. laurifolium for shade as many require full sun. All currants require fertile well-drained soil. Cut out older shoots and give straggly old plants a hard pruning in winter or early spring. Watch for aphid infestations during wet, humid weather.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
- Height: 6 to 8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, alkaline
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This evergreen shrub is usually planted for its striking leaves. Choose both male and female shrubs to produce the pretty red berries that appear in autumn. Aucuba is toxic, so it might not be the best choice for gardeners with young children or pets.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Tolerates most soil types and conditions, but must be well-drained
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Azaleas and rhododendrons belong to the same genus, Rhododendron, and include both deciduous and evergreen shrubs. While Rhododendron range in height from dwarf to tree-like structures, most Azaleas are much more compact shrubs of up to five feet. There are almost endless varieties of Azalea today from which to choose including cultivars that bloom in spring and again in autumn. All Rhododendrons and Azaleas feature showy, brilliantly blooms in a full palette of colors. In addition to being shade plants, they also like acidic soil which is often prevalent in shady areas. Plants are shallow rooted so good drainage is essential. Dead head spent flowers to encourage blooming. Watch for weevils and powdery mildew.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9, depending on variety
- Height: 4 to 15 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade; some varieties can handle full shade
- Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained
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The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
This shrub features a brilliant red color in the fall. A popular landscape plant this bush provides nesting habitat for many small birds. The multi-stemmed shrub is dense and twiggy with thick, tough roots making it extremely hard to remove, so be certain of your choice before planting. You may want to check with your local extension office, as the burning bush is considered to be invasive in some areas.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
- Height: 6 to 9 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acid
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
California sweetshrub is a deciduous, bushy plant with aromatic, dark green leaves. A summer bloomer, the shrub produces fragrant purplish red flowers with multiple strap shaped petals. Sweetshrub tolerates light shade but will produce better foliage and bloom with some sun exposure.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Height: 6 to 10 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, fertile, deep and well-drained
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The Spruce / Kara Riley
Several different kinds of Chinese tea are brewed from the leaves and twigs of the Camellia shrub. The leaves are picked at all stages of development. It can grow to a height of 10 feet tall but is usually pruned to about 3 to 5 feet for easier harvesting.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 9
- Height: 3 to 10 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, acid to neutral
10 Best Plants for White and Silver Shade Gardens
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Lijuan Guo Photography/Getty Images
Carol Mackie Daphne features green leaves with a distinct yellow margin. It is a hybrid ('Carol Mackie' is the cultivar) that grows best in partial shade. It has tubular, light pink flowers, but when grown in shade it is favored more for its variegated foliage than its blooms.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly acid
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jikgoe/Getty ImagesThis evergreen shrub is rounded and well-branched with deep green, oval, asymmetrical leaves. The flowers on this evergreen shrub can be white, yellow, or red, depending on the variety. Blooms appear in late winter and early spring. Half-hearty, the plant is also called Chinese fringe flower and can be grown as a potted shrub in northern climates but should be brought indoors when temperatures fall below 41 degrees F.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
- Color Varieties: White, yellow, red
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained loam, slightly acid
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The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The Chinese yew grows splendidly in full shade locations, as well as many other conditions, like cold, heat, and a range of soil types. Like most other varieties of yew, this shrub can be heavily pruned without sacrificing shape. A member of the conifer family, this spreading shrub has dark green, needle-like leaves and fleshy bright red berries.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Height: 6 to 12 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
- Soil Needs: Sand or loam, well-drained
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The Spruce / Cara Cormack
The common boxwood is a favorite evergreen shrub used extensively in landscaping. Dense, dark green leaves can be shaped into topiary and make this shrub useful for hedging, screening and knot gardens. It can grow from 2 to 15 feet tall, depending on the variety. This versatile shrub will tolerate many different types of growing conditions but does poorly in wet soil.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
- Height: 2 to 15 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained loam
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The Common Witch Hazel brings winter interest to the garden with small, fragrant, spidery yellow flowers. Several cultivars of this shrub are available today, some with showier blooms that may appear from autumn through early spring and are fully frost hardy. Medium sized, this open, upright shrub will benefit with a hard pruning back of new growth shoots in late summer. Many beauty products include extracts from the witch hazel shrub, due to its astringent property.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9
- Height: 8 to 20 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained, acid
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The dwarf fothergilla is a deciduous, dense, bushy, shrub that will grow in semi-shade. Full sun, though, will bring more abundant tiny fragrant white flowers in early spring. Color carries through into autumn with the dark blue-green leaves turning to a brilliant red.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Height: 3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moderately moist, well-drained, acid
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Daniela Duncan / Getty ImagesGardenias are beloved in the southern United States and other warm areas for their fragrant, glossy, white or yellow flowers and dark green leaves. They need humidity or they will falter. In cooler climates, gardenias must be grown indoors and can be maintained with appropriate water and humidity. They can handle full shade in warm locations, but flowering may be affected. Prune after bloom by shortening strong shoots to maintain shape and habit.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10
- Height: 4 to 6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acid
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Glossy abelia is the result of crossing Abelia chinensis and Abelia uniflora. A semi-evergreen, arching shrub, grandiflora has yellowish green leaves with darker center and produces white bell-shaped flowers tinged with pink from mid- summer to mid-autumn. Shade tolerant, this shrub will produce a greater abundance of blooms in full sun. Abelias do best against a south or west facing wall.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Height: 4 to 6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained, fertile
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Heavenly bamboo is named for its resemblance to bamboo plants. This semi-evergreen shrub has an upright growth habit that produces panicles of small, star-shaped, white blooms in mid-summer followed by spherical red fruits in warmer climates. It is considered to be invasive in some locations, and extremely difficult to eradicate once established, so check with your local nursery or extension office before planting. It is also poisonous, especially for cats and livestock.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
- Height: 6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Many cultivars of Hydrangea are available today but two main types persist. Hortensias produce domed, dense heads of flowers while Lacecap blooms appear as clusters of flat open heads. Flower color can be altered by adding acid to the soil. PH of up to 5.5 results in blooms in the blue to purple color palette while more alkaline soil produces flowers in pink to red shades. White flowers remain unaffected by soil type. Deadhead spent flowers and prune older shoots back to the base in spring. Removal of deadwood encourages new growth.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Height: 6 to 8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained, highly acid to slightly alkaline
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This shade grown shrub requires a sheltered location and moist, peaty, acid soil. Grown for its evergreen foliage, leaves are narrowly oval and bronze in color maturing to a glossy dark green. Pieris japonica produces drooping clusters of red-budded, deep pink blooms in spring. Several other cultivars produce differently colored leaves and blooms including reds, whites and yellows. This plant is poisonous and you may not want to include it in your landscape if you have children or pets.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 8
- Height: 5 to 10 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Medium moisture, rich, slightly acid
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igaguri_1/GettyImagesThe flowers on this shrub are much like those of orange trees, both in appearance and fragrance giving it the common name mock orange. Frost tender at 45 F, the plant thrives in milder climates. Planting against a south or west facing wall in colder conditions will improve survival. Japanese Pittosporum grows in a dense bushy-headed habit and can be pruned to small tree form. Star-shaped white flowers open in late spring later turning to a creamy yellow. Not all cultivars of Pittosporum will grow well in shade so be certain to pick the appropriate cultivar for your shade garden.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10
- Height: 10 to 20 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained is best but tolerates a range of soils and pH
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Kerria adds cheer to your garden with its large buttercup-like double, golden yellow flowers which may bloom more than once during the growing season. Gracefully arching branches oval, sharply toothed, bright green leaves can reach 10 feet in height. Thin out old shoots after flowering
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Height: 10 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
- Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained loam
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The mountain laurel is the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. It is poisonous to humans, deer, and livestock. Large clusters of deep pink flowers open in early summer from distinctively crimped, deep red buds. This broadleaf evergreen shrub prefers cool, moist soil in partial shade conditions, such as morning sun and afternoon shade.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Height: 5 to 10 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, peaty, acid
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The flowers of this low-growing shrub are similar to those of true honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), and the plant does belong to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. It is prized for its white and golden yellow trumpet-shaped flowers which are often very fragrant and attract pollinators. Cultivars of the Lonicera family can also produce extensive vines which along with the shrub spread rapidly and may be invasive in some area. Check with your local cooperative extension office or agriculture officer before planting.
- USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8
- Height: 3 to 8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, can be dry to medium moisture
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This Red Buckeye is the state tree of Ohio and can be grown as a tall shrub or small understory tree. Showy panicles of four-petaled dark red flowers appear in early summer to attract hummingbirds to your garden. Also known as Horse Chestnut, the common name comes from the shiny seeds, called buckeyes or horse chestnuts, that are encased in roughly rounded seed pods. The poisonous seeds ripen in the fall and should not be consumed by humans.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Height: 6 to 9 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained, medium moisture
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The Spruce / Kara Riley
The red tip photinia results from a cross between Photinia glabra and Photinia serrulata. This evergreen shrub produces small white flowers, but is grown primarily for its leaves, which are red or bronze for several weeks after they emerge, eventually turning green. The blooms are not fragrant, and most gardeners prune the plant to prevent flowering.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10
- Height: 12 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, neutral pH, well-drained
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Skimmia is a true shade plant that grows best in dappled light but can thrive in full shade. You will need both male and female plants to produce the red or white fruit, typically found on female plants. It is a toxic shrub, due to the alkaloid skimmianin present in all parts of the plant. The berries can cause cardiac arrest if ingested in large quantities.
- USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 9
- Height: 4 to 5 feet
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained
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Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
yhelfman/Getty ImagesToyon is also commonly known as California holly or Christmas berry. The town of Hollywood, CA is often said to be named in honor of this shrub, which was found in the area. The shrub's small white flowers lead to red berries that are popular among many bird species as well as coyotes and bears. The berries were traditionally eaten by Native Americans, although they contain a small amount of cyanide, which is removed from the berries when they are cooked. This plant may be pruned to form a small tree and kept as a smaller spreading shrub. Plant in a sheltered in area in colder climates.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10
- Height: to 20 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained
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The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The gorgeous flowers of the tree peony can come in hues of white, red, pink, or purple and can be as large as 12 inches across. The showy blooms are large, cup-shaped, single or semi-double, with incurving petals. They often show a dark basal chocolate maroon blotch and are often quite fragrant. Tree Peonies prefer dappled shade but will tolerate full sun, although hot sun can be hard on the flowers. If you do plant it in a sunny location, be sure to water regularly.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Height: 7 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Fertile loam, neutral to slightly alkaline
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The Spruce / K. Dave
Viburnums are an excellent choice for the shade garden adding four season color and interest with flowers, leaves, and fruit. There are more than 150 species found throughout the world, most being quite fragrant and providing food and shelter for birds and wildlife. Varieties that do well in full shade include leather leaf, arrowwood, and mapleleaf.
- USDA Growing Zones: Varies by species
- Height: 5 to 8 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained (typically)
Shade Loving Flowers and Shady Landscape Planning
Article Sources
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Ribes alpinum. Missouri Botanical Garden
Aucuba japonica. North Carolina State University Extension
Rhododendron. Missouri Botanical Garden
Forrester, M B. Pediatric Nandina domestica ingestions reported to poison centers. Human & experimental toxicology vol. 37,4 (2018): 338-342. doi:10.1177/0960327117705429
Hydrangea blooms turn colors based on soil pH levels. College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, UGA Cooperative Extension
Pieris japonica. North Carolina State University Extension
Idaho Panhandle National Forests - Learning Center.
Aesculus pavia. North Carolina State University Extension
Skimmia japonica. Oregon State University, College of Agricultural Sciences - Department of Horticulture
Toyon, Heteromeles arbutifolia. California Native Plant Society, Calscape
20 most beautiful perennials for shady and semi-shady places in the garden… - planting, care, photos, how to grow and harvest
Have you become the owner of a shady garden, or is your garden located in the shade of buildings? Don't get upset! Look at the inhabitants of the forests: a wide variety of decorative leafy and flowering plants like to grow in the shade, in moist and humus-rich soil. In forests, humus is formed due to constantly falling leaves, and living organisms living in the soil. So it is better not to collect fallen leaves in a shady garden, this will hang the fertility of the soil. We offer you 20 of the most beautiful and hardy perennials with which you can decorate a shady garden or a semi-shady corner in the garden:
1. Shershaw's hydrangea ( HYDRANGEA ASpera) -Plant height 150-300 cm. Blows from July to September. The leaves are long, up to 35 cm, velvety-pubescent below. Inflorescences up to 25 cm in diameter. Prefers moist soils and places sheltered from the wind.
2. Common ivy ( Hedera helix) - climbing ivy shoots can gather to a considerable height. If there is no support, spread along the ground. Can be used as a groundcover. Blossoms in September-October, almost imperceptible flowers. Can grow even in deep shade.
3. Snow Snowman ( Galanthus Nivalis) -Plant height 10-15 cm. Blooms from February to April. White flowers have a pleasant aroma. It needs sunlight only in spring during flowering, so it is suitable for planting under trees and bushes. Does not tolerate sandy soils.
4. Dubrevnaya Holler ( Anemone Nemorose) -Plant height 15-25 cm. Blooms in March-April. The plant is wild, does not like frequent transplants. Under the trees, it forms whole flower carpets, blooms with snow-white flowers. After flowering, the aerial part dies off. The plant is poisonous.
5. Morrow Sedge ( Carex morrowii) – plant height 30-40 cm. Blossoms in June-July. Evergreen ornamental grass, forms low, wide bushes. The stems along the edge are painted with a white stripe. Grows well even in strong shade. In drought requires abundant watering.
6. ordinary ostrhe ( Matteuccia Struthiopteris) -Plant height 60-120 cm. This type of fern has beautiful long leaves. It has creeping rhizomes, thanks to which it grows rapidly (under favorable conditions). Prefers humus-rich soils. In drought needs watering.
7. Purple-Purple ( Digitalis Purpurea) -Plant height 100-140 cm. Blooms from late May to July. Blooms in the second year after planting. Gives high self-seeding. Flowers in all pastel colors. The plant is very poisonous.
8. White-banded Hosta ( Hosta- Hybriden) - plant height 40-60 cm. Blooms in June-July. There are a large number of varieties of various colors and leaf shapes. Suitable for container growing.
9. small-flowered Heikher ( Heuchera Micrantha) -Plant height 40-70 cm. Blows from July from July. It has unusually beautiful leaves of red-purple color. The flowers are white, bell-shaped, located on erect stems.
10. Vostochny Hotel ( HELLEBORUS Orientalis) -Plant height 20-25 cm. Blooms in February-April. It has beautiful palmately dissected leaves that form dense bushes. The flowers are pink, white or cherry red. Loves lime as a top dressing.
11. Dicentra Dicentra spectabillis) - plant height 60-80 cm. Blooms in May-June. Compact shrub, with beautiful leaves and magnificent heart-shaped flowers hanging from arched shoots. Prefers light partial shade.
12. Broad-leaved bell ( Campanula Latifolia) -Plant height 80-100 cm. Blooms in June-July. The plant is wild, bushes are large with erect shoots. Blue-violet bell flowers. These plants are very popular with snails, so be careful.
13. Badan (Bergenia - Bergenia) - plant height 30-40 cm. Blooms in April-May. Perennial, herbaceous plant, with large, leathery, overwintering leaves. Leaves turn reddish in autumn. The flowers are pink or purple-red. Suitable for growing both in sunny areas and in deep shade.
14. Large asrantia ( Astrantia major) - plant height 50-70 cm. Blooms from June to August. Perennial, wild-growing plant with flowers-asterisks of silver-white color. Needs frequent watering and spring feeding. Does not grow on sandy soils. The flowers are suitable for cutting.
15. Astilba Chinese ( Astilbe Chinensis) -Plant height 25-35 cm. Blooms in August-October. The plant is a ground cover, spreads over the site with the help of offspring. Above the pinnate leaves rise slender inflorescences-panicles of lilac-pink color.
16. Astilbe Arendsa Height and flowering time depends on the variety. It has spectacular paniculate inflorescences of red, pink, white, purple hues. Prefers semi-shady places. Does not grow near trees with a shallow root system.
17. Volzhanka common ( Aruncus dioicus) - plant height 150-200 cm. Blooms from June to October. Woody, perennial plant with feathery leaves and creamy white panicle inflorescences. Prefers to grow in deep shade. In drought needs watering.
18. Aquilegia Aquilegia- Hibriden cm. Delicate flowers are located on top of slender peduncles. The color of the flowers is varied. After flowering, the aerial part withers, so surround it with other plants.
19. Creeping tenacious ( Ajuga cm. reptans) 9001 There are many sorts. It has overwintering red-brown leaves. It grows rapidly and forms a dense carpet thanks to creeping offspring. Prefers light shade.
20. Karmihel autumn aconite ( Aconite carmichaelii) - plant height 100-140 cm. Blooms in September - October. Forms dense bushes even in dense shade. Inflorescences-panicles of blue. Late flowering makes the plant especially popular in landscape design. Needs frequent watering and fertilizing. The plant is very poisonous!
By choosing plants with different flowering periods, you can turn your shady corner into a blooming garden that breathes freshness and coolness.
Plant delivery across Ukraine (Kyiv, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk, Zaporozhye, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kremenchug, Ternopil, Uzhgorod, Krivoy Rog, Lugansk, Odessa, Kherson, Sumy, Chernihiv, Chernivtsi, Lviv, Poltava, Lutsk, Kirovohrad, Cherkasy, Khmelnitsky, Simferopol, Sevastopol, Vinnitsa, Zhitomir, Nikolaev, Rovno, Yalta, Melitopol, Belaya Tserkov).
Published: 20.08.2014
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Shade-loving garden plants, perennial, unpretentious
Gardens under trees, places between bushes, flower beds behind the house or a north-facing terrace are places where many plants do not want to grow due to a small amount of light. What shade-loving plants for the garden can be planted under such conditions, perennial, unpretentious? How to choose ground cover perennials to cover the space between the bushes? Find out what plants are best suited for shady corners of the garden so that the whole area looks attractive and interesting.
Garden owners often have the problem of how to arrange shady corners, under trees or between bushes, or in places behind the house where shade falls. A similar problem occurs in areas behind buildings where there is little light. For such places, it is worth choosing perennial shade-tolerant garden plants. Perennials are plants that can grow for many years in one place.
Contents
- Shade resistant flowers
- Hydrangea arborescens
This shade-loving flowering shrub grows up to 1.5 m in round to slightly bushy form. Tree-like hydrangea begins to bloom in June, retaining inflorescences until autumn. The inflorescences are round, first greenish, then white, then yellow-green. The shrub is resistant to frost, adverse conditions, blooms profusely.
Flowers appear on the shoots of the current year, the buds do not freeze, so it blooms profusely. Prefers fertile, acidic soils, shady, secluded, sheltered places. It can grow in a sunny position, but then it blooms worse. In shady, semi-shady areas of the garden, hydrangea leaves turn dark green, emphasizing the snow-whiteness of the inflorescences.
Likes plenty of water, constant watering. Inflorescence varieties "Anabel" 20-30 cm in diameter. For spectacular flowering, heavy spring pruning is recommended. It is best to cut all shoots about 20 cm above the ground. Hydrangea 'Annabelle' looks beautiful in flower beds, recommended for low hedges. Dried inflorescences are suitable for bouquets.
Photo. Hydrangea arborescens
Hydrangea largeleaf
Most largeleaf hydrangea flowers are sterile and do not produce seeds, but produce extremely impressive, colorful, rounded buds. This is one of the most hardy plants - after watering, it easily restores strength.
Hydrangea flowers come in different colors, depending on the variety:
- pink,
- blue,
- white,
- greenish,
- yellow.
Hydrangeas like a lot of light, the leaves turn yellow when there is little. However, the plant should not be under the burning rays of the sun, as the soil dries out quickly. Optimal conditions are partial shade.
Photo. Hydrangea large-leaved
Buzulnik toothed
Shade-loving buzulnik belongs to the Asteraceae family, comes from Asia. It is a perennial plant up to 100 cm high (in favorable conditions 150 cm). The buzulnik has large, round leaves, dark in color above and brown-purple below. Blooms from August to September. Rigid, branched flower stalks rise above tufts of leaves. They form large yellow-orange inflorescences.
Buzulnik requires constantly moist, fertile, loamy soil with a neutral pH. Prefers shaded positions, does not tolerate full exposure to the sun - quickly fades in hot weather. This is an excellent plant for perennial flower beds, grows next to trees, ponds.
Photo. Buzulnik toothed
Muscari liriope
Shade-tolerant flowering plants for the garden Muscari liriope are low (30-45 cm), form rosettes of shiny, dark green leaves. In different varieties, the leaves have different shades of green, there are striped varieties. For the winter, most of the above-ground part remains evergreen, only at the end of winter the leaves turn brown and die off. The plant grows slowly.
In summer, straight bare peduncles appear in the central part of the rosette of leaves, at the ends of which small single bell-shaped purple-pink flowers develop, collected in pointed inflorescences. In mild weather, flowers can grow on the plant until late autumn. After being pollinated by insects, the flowers turn into blackening berries that can survive mild winters.
Liriope grows best in quiet, warm, wind-sheltered, semi-shady or sunny places. Grows in the shade of trees, tall shrubs, but may bloom less. Requires medium, slightly moist, well-drained soil. Liriope muscari is quite frost-resistant, but in harsh, snowless winters it can freeze, so it is worth covering it in colder parts of the country.
Photo. Liriope muscari
Astilbe japonica
Shade-loving perennial Astilbe of Japanese origin. Reaches 0.5-1 m in height. The stems are rigid, straight, reddish, covered with short hairs (leaf petioles are also covered with hairs).
Plants are adorned with rich green, shiny, complex, serrated leaves and decorative inflorescences that appear in May and remain on the plant until June. Inflorescences (thick panicles) consist of small flowers: white, pink (different shades) or purple - the color depends on the variety. Flowering is phenomenal and very abundant.
Astilbes like fertile, constantly moist soil, protected from direct sunlight. Plants are unpretentious, completely resistant to frost, do not require special care, except for the spring cleaning of the bush from last year's leaves.
Astilba is planted in flowerbeds, in shaded places under the crowns of trees. Thanks to the abundant, lush flowering in summer, plants can perfectly enliven gloomy, shady corners of the garden where there is little light. This is a great option for planting along the banks of ponds, other garden ponds. Also suitable for cut flowers.
Japanese Schizophragma
Shade-loving garden flowers Schizophragma (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) belong to the Hydrangeaceae family. In the wild, it is found in the mountainous regions of Japan. This is a shade-loving vine, reaching a height of 6 meters. The leaves are oval and toothed. Flowering occurs in June-July. The flowers are small, hanging, creamy, with a pleasant honey aroma.
Schizophragma prefers shade or partial shade, does not tolerate direct sunlight. Likes moderately moist, humus, fertile soil. Does not tolerate drought. Frost-resistant, but in cold regions it can freeze, requires shelter. In the garden, it is suitable for decorating arbors, terraces, walls. These shade-loving climbing flowers grow successfully unsupported as a groundcover.
Japanese Spiraea
These shade-tolerant garden plants are relentlessly popular, decorating gardens with attractive leaves and charming buds. They look very interesting, taking the form of a leafy ball, which in summer is decorated with numerous multi-colored inflorescences. Spirea is planted in sunny areas, in partial shade the plant also feels good. Japanese spirea changes leaf color depending on the season:
- yellow and green in spring;
- In summer the color becomes intense, accentuated by lush buds;
- In autumn, the leaves are full of all sorts of colors and shades, shining under the weak rays of the sun.
Spiraea are an essential element of many flowerbeds, wastelands, rockeries. The shoots are strongly branched, the leaves are elliptical, pointed. One of the first shrubs to produce leaves in spring, the Japanese spirea becomes a garden ornament very early when everyone is craving flowers after the long gray winter months. The plant is unpretentious: resistant to unfavorable soil, harsh conditions, drought, pests and diseases, frost-resistant.
Fragrant Violet
Ideal unpretentious, shade-tolerant flowers for the garden - fragrant violets. They grow well in the shade, partial shade, among shrubs, deciduous trees.
Violets grow reluctantly next to coniferous trees.
Violet flowers appear in April-May, when trees and shrubs do not yet have fully developed leaves. Flowering repeats in August. They don't bloom well in full shade. Violets like fertile soil, quite moist.
Red Lungwort
An amazing semi-evergreen Red Lungwort (Pulmonaria pulmonaria rubra) delights with abundant, spectacular flowering. The elongated, elliptical, slightly hairy leaves of a beautiful light green color provide a fantastic backdrop for the charming flowers in contrasting coral red. Perennial grows up to 30-40 cm.
Lungwort looks most attractive during flowering (March-May). Bell-shaped, bright red flowers, reminiscent of primrose flowers, are collected in loose inflorescences of umbrellas that develop on the tops of the shoots. Flowers produce a lot of nectar, they are loved by butterflies, bees. Light green bushes, decorated with expressive red flowers, will perfectly enliven and decorate the dark corners of the garden. The plant looks spectacular planted in flower beds, between shrubs, under the crowns of trees.
Shade-loving flower red lungwort is unpretentious, planted in shady, semi-shady places. Prefers fertile, moist, humus, well-drained soil with a neutral reaction. Fully frost resistant. Bright green leaves and expressive coral-red flowers are sure to cheer you up in gloomy places in the garden.
Noble liverwort
Shade-loving perennial from the Ranunculaceae family, low (15-20 cm). The leaves are evergreen, three-lobed, heart-shaped, collected in a rosette, dark green above, slightly purple below. Young leaves are pubescent, then become leathery, smooth. The flowers of the liverwort appear before the development of the leaves on the pedicels. Color of flowers:
- blue,
- purple,
- pink,
- white.
Flowers close in rainy weather and at night. Flowering period: March-May. The fruits attract ants, which disperse the seeds of the plant.
Liverwort can grow in shady places, under trees, bushes. The soil should be humus, constantly wet, calcareous. The plant does not tolerate transplanting well.
Lily-of-the-Valley
A long-lived flowering plant, Lily-of-the-Valley produces numerous thin rhizomes that spread shallowly below the ground. Flowers appear in the spring of the third year after planting. Lily of the valley inflorescences 15-25 cm long grow in May, ending in a bunch of 10-18 flowers. The flowers are small, white, bell-shaped, fragrant.
Lily of the valley requires soil:
- humus;
- well-drained;
- wet;
- grows naturally on slightly acidic soils; for cultivated varieties, the soil should have a pH of 7.0-7.1.
Lily-of-the-valley is a shade-loving flower, grows best in a semi-shaded position, where the shade lasts at least half a day. Used for flower beds, planting against the background of ornamental shrubs, under trees, for cut flowers.
Hellebore
Unpretentious flowering plant from the Ranunculaceae hellebore family - low (30-50 cm). The stem tends to bend. Green leaves of a rich dark shade can turn blue. The leaves are leathery, shiny, three-leaved, elliptical in shape, with a sharp serrated edge.
Flowering period: February-April. Green-yellow flowers are collected in inflorescences. The shape of the flower is cup-shaped, consists of 5 petals.
Hellebore thrives in a semi-shaded position in the garden, although the flower will grow in full sun. It is better to plant it in a quiet place.
The substrate must be:
- fertile,
- loose,
- sufficiently moist,
- alkaline.
It is recommended to cover hellebore with spruce branches or agrofibre for the winter. After flowering, you can make a light pruning of the plant.
Attention! The plant is poisonous, contains helleborine, so it is better to refuse it if there are animals. The juice can cause skin irritation, so all care procedures are carried out with gloves.
Oriental Doronicum
Doronicum orientale originates from southeastern Europe. If you plant several seedlings nearby, they will eventually grow into a compact bush. Fully frost resistant. The stem is 30-50 cm long. The leaves are large, serrated, heart-shaped, intensely green. Most of the leaves are collected in rosettes.
Doronicum blooms from April to June. Basket inflorescences, 30-50 cm tall, consist of yellow flowers. The fruits appear in summer, small, ovoid. Doronicum is an unpretentious plant that grows in a sunny or slightly shaded place. A large amount of sun makes the plant bloom more abundantly.
The soil should be fertile, airy, sufficiently moist:
- if the soil is dry it is better to plant doronicum in a semi-shady place;
- If the substrate is damp, it is better to plant in a sunny area.
It can grow in one place for several years. Plant care involves regular watering, removal of wilted flowers, fertilizer in the spring.
Primrose finely serrated
Primrose serrated ovate, leathery, wrinkled, serrated, light green, 7-10 cm long, collected in a rosette. Flowering time: March-April. Inflorescences are spherical, 20-30 cm high. Flowers are pink, purple, white.
Serrated primrose prefers partial shade. The soil must be:
- fertile;
- loamy, with the addition of soddy soil;
- constantly damp.
Old plants must be protected from frost by covering them. Primrose is a great option for perennial flower beds, rockeries. It is better to plant primrose in small groups of 3-10 pieces.
Common Volzhanka
Impressive, up to 2 meters high, Common Volzhanka creates large bushes that grow larger every year. The leaves are pinnate, large, wrinkled. Flowering time: June-July. The flowers are small, white, collected in branched, long (up to 50 cm) decorative panicle inflorescences.
Volzhanka is planted in groups on beds, lawns, under trees in shady places. Shoots are suitable for cut flowers. Undemanding plant. The soil should be moderately moist, rich in humus, fertile. It grows best in a semi-shady position. Propagated by seeds or division in autumn (possibly spring). Plants are planted at a distance of 60 × 50 cm.
Black cohosh (black cohosh) racemose
Unpretentious perennial native to North America, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. Voronets - a plant with an upright, generously leafy stem, reaches 1-2 meters. The leaves are dark green. Black cohosh blooms in early autumn (September-October). The flowers are small, creamy white, collected in a dense inflorescence, they smell pleasant. Flowers do not develop at the same time, but form a cascading effect.
Voronets prefer shaded places. Full sun will quickly cause the plant to wilt and die. The soil should be fertile, airy, with constant moisture. Black cohosh hates overdrying. It tolerates winter well in our climate. Does not require special care. Black cohosh is ideal for shaded beds, provides a good backdrop for low plants, and adds a wild character to the garden.
Japanese anemone
Perennial from the Ranunculaceae family, from 40 to 150 cm high. Vigorous plants. Three-pointed, pinnate, pubescent leaves grow on hard, branched shoots at the bottom.
Japanese anemone blooms from August to October. Flowers grow from leaf axils on branched, pubescent peduncles. Depending on the variety, the flowers are white, pink, red, light purple, simple and double.
Anemones should be planted in fertile, fairly moist soil, preferably in a slightly shaded area, but not under trees. Winters well, but young plants (in the first 2 years after planting) should be covered for the winter.
Lady's slipper
The real or lady's slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) from the orchid family blooms from mid-May to mid-July depending on local conditions, the fruit ripens in August, the seeds are sown in September-October. It spreads vegetatively by division of rhizomes. Leaves ovate or broadly lanceolate, pointed (6-17 cm long). The number of leaves per shoot is 2-5.
The flowers are magnificent, fragrant, grow singly at the top of the shoots (rarely 2-3). The flowers are two-colored: lemon-yellow, rarely white, the petals are reddish-brown.
Lady's slipper loves partial shade. Preferred soil:
- humidity - moderate;
- soil rich in calcium.
Ideal for planting close to trees, in the shade of shrubs.
Plants with ornamental leaves
For shady areas, it is not necessary to choose those that can bloom in the shade. A beautiful green corner will be created by plants with decorative foliage.
Ferns
Fan-shaped ferns, often with numerous feathery leaves, are an attractive and calming accent in gardens, creating an aura of mystery among shade-loving herbaceous plants. These typical inhabitants of the forest often live in the shade of quiet corners of the garden, surprising with decorativeness, variety, and sometimes an amazing range of colors. For example:
- The male thorn bush has golden-brown, hairy leaves in the light.
- Majestic Clearmouth betrays its presence with rusty brown leaves resembling ears of corn.
Beautiful ferns combined with bamboo, mullein, geyhera will make the most boring garden interesting. Ferns need to be provided with a shady position and high humidity in winter. For irrigation, use distilled or boiled water at room temperature.
Khosta
These are valuable shade-loving perennials, whose magnificent leaves adorn shady gardens. Hostas are prized for their graceful form and tolerance for even very shady spots in the garden. The plant will grow where other species fail. Hosta forms a magnificent rosette of fleshy leaves, which, depending on the variety, have different colors and shapes.
Hosta should preferably be planted under trees. Thanks to this, empty, unaesthetic places shaded by the crowns of large trees are avoided. It is especially good to place it between bushes of impressive rhododendrons and other ornamental shrubs. Soil moisture is taken into account during their cultivation. It is important that the soil does not dry out quickly. Hostas grow well near ponds. The plant needs fertile soils that hold water well. Therefore, before planting, it is worth enriching the soil with rotted compost. Hostas can grow for several decades in one place.
Some hostas bloom beautifully. For example, the variety "Blue Angel" in July is additionally decorated with charming, bell-shaped, light purple flowers placed on the tops of vertical peduncles.
Photo. Blue Angel Hosta
Heuchera
Heuchera grow quite slowly. The leaves are oval, located on long petioles. These plants have a straight main shoot, and the lateral ones are very short, so the leaves, growing in several pieces on each branch, form a compact bush. Petioles and leaf margins are pubescent.
From the tips of short shoots grow on long, leafless peduncles inflorescences consisting of small fiery red, carmine, coral or white flowers. Heuchera flowers are located on thin, springy stems and tremble under the influence of even a weak wind. Geyhery bloom in June - July. In gardens, they are planted on flower beds, they are ideal for borders, rock gardens. Best used spacing is 30 x 30 cm.
Heuchera grow best in fertile, slightly moist soil, in a semi-shady position. Requires shelter in winter. Left for many years in one place, they begin to dry out from the inside, so every few years it is worth transplanting them, dividing the plant into several copies.
Ground cover perennials
There is usually little sun in places between trees and shrubs. The grass in these places does not want to grow. Bare soil does not look aesthetically pleasing. A good option is to mulch the soil, for example, with decorative gravel or colored bark. You can also do heavy thinning pruning of trees and shrubs. A more attractive solution is shade-loving perennial turf plants, which will cover these areas with a dense carpet of leaves and flowers.
Periwinkle
It is a creeping evergreen shrub from the Apocynaceae family. Reaches a height of 10-20 cm, the shoots are strongly branched. The flowers are delicate lilac-blue, (appear until August). The evergreen leaves of the periwinkle are shiny, oblong, elliptical or ovate.
The common periwinkle requires peat or humus, slightly moist soil, shady or semi-shady position. Propagated by division of plants or cuttings obtained from apical shoots.
Forms compact green carpets, Periwinkle is shade tolerant, ideal for shaded surfaces, can grow in partial shade. In gardens, it is used to cover hard-to-reach places under ornamental trees, shrubs, and planted in perennial flower beds. Hanging periwinkle shoots look spectacular in containers.
Common ivy
Ivy can be used as a groundcover for shade. It is an evergreen, perennial liana, belongs to the Araliaceae family. The stalk of ivy lies or climbs up to a height of 20 m. The leaves are dark green above, shiny, lighter underneath, blushing at low temperatures, leathery, heart-shaped at the base, evergreen. The leaves growing on flowering shoots have a different shape - ovate, ovate-lanceolate, rounded, sharp.
Ivy flowers are small, collected in hemispherical inflorescences of umbrellas, petals of green-yellow, white-green shades. Ivy blooms from September to October. Flowering begins for the first time in 8-10 years.
Ivy grows well in humus, well-drained, moist soil. Requires partial shade or shady position, grows worse in full sun. It is used as a ground cover or ornamental plant, in shady places under the tops of trees dense carpets are formed. Shoots can reach 20 meters, the annual growth is about 1 meter.
Pachysandra terminalis
Pachysandra terminalis is an evergreen shrub belonging to the boxwood family (Buxaceae). Pakhizandra has green shiny leaves, with rough serrated edges, collected in rosettes at the ends of the shoots. It grows up to 30 cm. Small white flowers appear in May.
The plant spreads through underground cuttings, creating dense, extensive carpets. Under favorable conditions quickly covers the available surface. It is worth limiting its distribution, for example, with a wide plastic tape dug into the ground.
Pachysandra requires partial shade or a shady position. It grows best on fertile, humus, moist soils. Planting in the sun, the plant should be watered regularly. In the spring, the shoots can be cut back to make them thick. This is one of the best ground cover plants for places under tall bushes, trees. Ideal for strengthening small slopes.
Creeping tenacious
Creeping tenacious (Ajuga reptans) is a low, heavily branched perennial. The stem is straight, single, depending on the variety reaches a length of 10-20 cm.
Flowers blue-violet, pink or white, in inflorescences at the top of the stem. The leaves are arranged in a rosette, dark green or red-violet in garden varieties.
The tenacious is not very demanding, it grows well on neutral soils rich in humus and minerals. Prefers semi-shady positions, grows in the shade. On moist soil tolerates more sunlight. Tolerant of low temperatures, partly evergreen, during snowy winters above ground parts may freeze.
Hardy works well as a border or water plant. Suitable for rockeries. Thanks to the red-purple leaves, it goes well with other plants. Can quickly drown out other species. To avoid this, you need to systematically remove the excess of constantly appearing new bushes. Works great as a groundcover. It fills hard-to-reach places and slopes, protecting the soil from landslides and erosion.
Brunnera macrophylla
Perennial with forget-me-not flowers. Brunner prefers loamy and moist soils. When it's hot, you need to water it. Belongs to the Borage family (Boraginaceae). Other names of the plant are Caucasian forget-me-not, forget-me-not.
Lumpy perennial, fairly compact, not tall (30-50 cm). Large, heart-shaped leaves, silvery with a green border, are very decorative. The underside of the leaf blade is covered with a thin pile.
Brunner blooms from May to June. Blue flowers, reminiscent of forget-me-not flowers, are collected in branched inflorescences of umbrellas. They contrast well with the green-silver leaves. The fruit is small, brownish-gray.
Large-leaved Brunner loves semi-shady, shady and warm places. The soil should be fertile, rich in humus, well ventilated, and sufficiently moist. Ideally, the pH of the medium should be slightly alkaline. The plant will cope with weaker soils. Brunner is completely hardy. Unfortunately, she is often attacked by snails.
Epimedium grandiflorum
Valuable perennial for shady places, epimedium has a very complex shape, original flowers, evergreen leaves. It grows in the form of dense bushes with evenly spaced ovate leaves. The edge of the leaf blade of the epimedum is slightly wavy, it can take on shades of brown, purple. In spring, in April-May, tall peduncles grow above the leaves with flowers of delightful shape in pink with white accents - because of their original shape they are called elf flowers.
Epimedium grows best in a shady spot in relatively moist, fertile soil. This hardy plant is easy to grow.
Epimedium should be used for planting under tree canopies, in other shady places. The beauty of its flowers will be revealed at the edge of the composition.
Fragrant bedstraw
Bedstraw (lat. Galium odoratum) is a shade-loving perennial from the Rubiaceae family. Bedstraw consists of several green shoots rising up, reaching 30 cm. Every few centimeters on the stem there are characteristic palm-shaped complex leaves of fresh green color. At the tops of the stems are small, four-petalled flowers of small size in small clusters.
Flowers appear in April, bloom until June. The seeds are spread by the wind. In gardens, the bedstraw is used because of the interesting shape of the leaves and beautiful flowers, and also because 1-2 specimens can occupy all the empty space near the wall of the house.
Bedstraw grows on humus soil. It does not need to be watered except during the summer months if the drought continues for a long time. He loves shady positions, planted in the corners of the garden, near walls, fences, in thickets. Large ornamental leaves make this plant an interesting addition to bouquets. Bedstraw is widely used in culinary arts. In Germany, tinctures and juices are produced, recipes for spices for cakes or pastries are known.
Shadow saxifrage
Shadow saxifrage hybrid (Saxifraga umbrosa) short (10-30 cm), forms rosettes of leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are small, star-shaped, with five petals, planted on long reddish shoots, collected in panicles. The color of the inflorescences is white, pale pink. Flowering period: May-July.
Shady saxifrage prefers slightly shaded places, protected from direct sunlight. Preferred soils:
- fertile,
- well drained,
- moderately moist,
- slightly acidic,
- plant does not like too much water.
Regular weeding and sporadic watering required. On dry soils, it is worth laying a layer of mulch, limiting the evaporation of water. It is worth removing wilted inflorescences. The shady saxifrage can be used to develop space under the canopy of trees. It is a good ground cover used to cover small areas. Suitable for decorating rockeries - where the plant needs to be watered more often.
Spleengrass
Chrysosplenium alternifolium is a tiny perennial plant (several centimeters high) with a creeping rhizome, long shoots, which owes its name to ... the spleen. In the past, the plants were used to treat the spleen. The botanical name also refers to this organ:
- chrysos - from Greek means gold,
- plenos - spleen.
Spleenwort likes shady, damp places. In spring it produces yellow flowers which are pollinated by snails. Frost-resistant plant, withstands temperatures down to -34 ° C.
Shade-tolerant shrubs
When choosing plants for shady areas, for backyard locations - from the north or east, it is worth considering perennial shade-loving shrubs for the garden.
Boxwood
Evergreen boxwood is a slow growing, oval, compact ornamental shrub. The leaves are ovate, small, shiny, leathery, dark green or yellow. Grows to a height of 4 meters. From April to May, the plant produces inconspicuous yellowish-white honey-bearing flowers, grouped in short, dense clusters. Boxwood fruits are small horned baskets with small black seeds.
Boxwood is often planted in gardens, parks, green areas. The evergreen shrub is great for hedges, creating green borders. It tolerates pruning well and can be shaped into various shapes. It can be grown in containers, protected from frost.
Boxwood grows in a shady and sunny location (unless exposed to direct strong sunlight). Likes quiet, damp places. It should be watered regularly, but not plentifully, not forgetting about watering also in winter and early spring after the soil has thawed. Boxwood is soil tolerant and grows best in humus-rich, clayey soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline. Evergreen boxwood can freeze in very cold, snowless winters, so it is worth protecting it with agrotextiles.
Japanese aucuba
Japanese laurel or aucuba grows wild in Asia (mainly in Japan, China, Korea). The shrub grows up to 2 meters. It has elliptical, leathery, shiny, evergreen leaves. Aucuba blooms in early spring from March to April. The flowers are small, purple, have little decorative value. Later, the bush creates attractive red elongated drupes.
Aucuba loves bright places, but without direct sunlight (otherwise the leaves may burn). It should be planted in secluded places protected from the wind. The species is not completely frost-resistant - in severe winters it can freeze.
Japanese Aucuba likes fertile, humus, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction. The plant should be watered during a drought. Once every few weeks, it is worth feeding it with complex fertilizers. Responds well to soil mulching. No pruning required. Aucuba can propagate by rooting apical cuttings.
Rhododendron
The Rhododendron genus includes more than 1000 species and is found on almost all continents. His name is a combination of two Greek words:
- rhodon means rose,
- dendron means tree.
Rhododendron flowers last 2-3 weeks.
Among the rhododendrons there are dwarf varieties and large, medium-sized trees reaching the height. The leaves of most species are evergreen. Large rhododendrons can withstand heavy pruning, after which they may not bloom for a long time.
The shrub has very specific environmental requirements, especially soil. Rhododendron likes:
- sheltered areas in partial shade,
- loose, humus, moist, acidic soil (pH 4/5).
The higher the pH, the slower the flowering and growth rate of the rhododendron.
Rhododendrons can be propagated by sowing, seedlings, layering. It is worth regularly feeding the bushes with organic fertilizer or mineral compounds (preferably for rhododendrons). After flowering, wilted flowers are cut off.
Azalea
Shade-loving perennial azalea, depending on the variety, grows up to 50 cm and 2 m. The decoration of the bush is large flowers of yellow, apricot-pink, orange, light coral. Flowering season: April-May, blooms not for long, but spectacularly. Azalea flowers are intensely scented.
Azalea leaves are more delicate than those of rhododendron and develop only after the flowers have fallen. Before falling off in autumn, the foliage turns yellow, red, orange, purple.
Azaleas are sensitive to frost and require high humidity. Acidic soils are best for them. It is worth enriching the soil with acidifying fertilizers. Position: quiet, partial shade. Better azaleas grow in large groups, in the garden they should grow in prominent places, preferably against the background of coniferous trees and shrubs.
Fortune's Euonymus
It is an evergreen deciduous shrub with stiff lateral or upright shoots. It can form a low form, reaching approximately 40 cm in height, 80-100 cm in width. Shoots of older specimens growing near supports (tree trunks, walls) can rise with aerial roots up to a height of 3 meters.
'Emerald Gold' is an effective element of garden compositions. Its decoration is multi-colored leaves (green in the central part, with a yellow border). By winter, the leaves turn purple and pink, decorating the autumn garden. 'Emerald Gold' is ideal as a cover plant, becomes a strong color accent in the flower bed, suitable for containers. Since it does well in partial shade, it can grow under the canopy of large trees. Euonymus tolerates pruning well, so it can be cut to create a compact shrub, low hedge, border.
Photo. Variety "Emerald Gold"
Fortune's euonymus can grow in sunny or semi-shady places, tolerates shade. It is tolerant of soil, although it prefers fertile soil. Grows poorly on swampy soils. It tolerates air pollution well, suitable for the city. Low forms winter well (especially under snow), but seedlings can freeze, especially in cold regions of the country.
Holly holly
Holly holly grows in its natural state in the forests of Siberia, the Caucasus, and Asia Minor. Low erect shrub, grows up to 0.8-1 m. It is characterized by convex, rather rigid, shiny shoots.
There are different varieties:
- "Alba" - with light green leaves, white flowers, yellow fruits;
- "Alba Plena" - with white double flowers;
- "Rubrum" - flowers of various shades of pink, rose-red, lilac, light purple.
Holly holly usually blooms in March-April, sometimes in February. The flowers are strongly fragrant - the smell resembles the smell of hyacinths, it is felt from a distance of several tens of meters. Honey plant pollinated by insects. The leaves are narrow, thin, grayish-green. In June-July, bright red or yellow, spherical fruits the size of a pea ripen.
Holly holly grows best in semi-shady places. Prefers humus, calcareous, constantly moist soils. Does not grow well in dry, warm soils. Sensitive to drought, resistant to frost. Once a year, the plant should be fed with complex fertilizers. The bush grows very slowly.
Shade-tolerant herbs
Snow broom
Interesting perennial plant Luzula nivea resembles grass. Forms loose bunches of light green leaves. The edges of the leaf blade are covered with tiny white hairs. The thin leaves grow vertically and hang softly at the ends, adding amazing charm to the plant. Height - 30-60 cm.
Flowering plant from June to August. Fine white panicles appear above the foliage. The flowers are delicate, small, in dense groups they look extremely impressive. Snow-white fluffy umbrellas contrast beautifully with intense green leaves. Inflorescences can be dried and used to create decorative compositions.
Ozhiks prefer shady, semi-shady places. The soil should be moderately moist, preferably loamy-humus.