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Shade tolerant evergreen


17 Shade Tolerant Evergreen Trees For Shady Garden Spaces

Do you have a shady spot in your garden or home landscape that’s just begging for a tree? And do you want that tree to keep its green foliage year round? Well, you are in luck! There are a number of different shade tolerant evergreen trees that can grow in a wide variety of hardiness zones.

Yes, many evergreens prefer to grow in an area with ample sunlight. But if you have a garden space in deeper shade, or even dappled shade, there are plenty of trees that can thrive in these conditions and keep their green leaves all year.

We’ve hand-picked our favorite evergreen trees that can thrive in the shade, with names and pictures of each in the article below. You’ll also find preferred hardiness zones, as well as their approximate growing sizes. Ready to learn more? Let’s dig in!

Contents

American Holly

American Holly produces dark green spiky leaves and bright red berries.
Scientific Name:
Ilex opaca

American holly, also known as Christmas holly, has dark green spiny, non-glossy leaves, and the female plants produce bright red berries. With less sunlight, it may grow in a short, multi-trunked form with light gray bark.

To have berries on your holly, you must have both a male and female plant of the same holly species unless there is a wild male plant growing nearby.

While the berries attract many birds and mammals, they are toxic to humans if ingested, so be aware of the potential for children to access the berries if you plan to plant holly in your garden.

The thick branches of American holly grow very slowly. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil that is well-drained and with a high amount of organic matter. Holly is also valuable for honey bees.

Boxwood

Boxwood is a fast-growing evergreen plant widely used to create curly hedges.
Scientific Name:
Buxus sempervirens

Named for the four-sided branches, boxwood is a relatively fast-growing evergreen that can grow well in partial shade. Boxwoods can be pruned into a tree, but are more commonly grown as an evergreen shrub or used as hedge plants.

Though boxwoods can grow in full sun, these conditions can make them lose their green color and turn orange. They prefer dappled light coming through other foliage or a limited amount of direct sunlight in the morning or evening. The hybrid “Green Mountain” can grow in full shade, though it may not grow as dense as if it had at least partial sun.

Boxwoods can withstand heavy pruning and have long been used for shaped hedges and topiaries in formal gardens.

When planted in shade, boxwood can be more susceptible to disease, but this can be mitigated through thinning excess foliage to allow light and more air circulation in the interior of the boxwood.

Well-drained and neutral to acidic soil is ideal for boxwoods, and taking extra care with mulching will help them thrive in shadier areas. In areas with a high deer population, boxwood is a great choice for a garden since it is one of few evergreens varieties that deer find unappetizing.

Colorado Blue Spruce

Colorado Blue Spruce is a slow-growing plant that has a pyramidal shape.
Scientific Name:
Picea pungens

If you want to grow Christmas trees in your shady garden, the Colorado Blue Spruce can fulfill that wish. Though it can grow to be a large tree when in shady conditions, it will not reach its maximum height or diameter. It is also slow-growing, so you don’t need to worry about it overwhelming your garden anytime soon.

The Colorado blue spruce has the pyramidal shape Christmas trees are known for and silvery-blue needles. It is a popular ornamental tree due to its eye-catching color and shape and is also common in windbreaks or small stands.

Deodar Cedar

Deodar Cedar has bluish-green or grayish-green needles.
Scientific Name:
Cedrus deodara

Deodar cedars are the national tree of Pakistan and the Royal Horticultural Society gave the tree the Award of Garden Merit. They are often seen in parks or lining streets.

Their 1 to 2-inch long bluish-green or grayish-green needles form whorls, and the branches droop gracefully.

Deodar cedars are a low-maintenance tree with pruning only necessary if there are branches that have died or become diseased or damaged. It has the highest tolerance to heat and humidity of all varieties of cedars.

Mature deodar cedars are quite drought tolerant, though young seedlings require ample water. Good drainage is necessary because these trees do not like to have their “feet” wet. Beyond the drainage, deodar cedars are not fussy about the type of soil they grow in.

Eastern Red Cedar

Eastern Red Cedar tolerates shade, resistant to heat and cold.
Scientific Name:
Juniperus virginiana

The eastern red cedar is not a cedar at all. It is a relative of the juniper. It grows readily in fencelines, abandoned properties, and pastures that are not mowed. States like Oklahoma and Kansas have documented it as a threat to the prairie.

However, the eastern red cedar can resist just about anything nature throws its way – heat, cold, drought, wind, a range of soil types, and any amount of light except full shade. It can also tolerate shade relatively well compared to most junipers. It is also a significant source of shelter and food for birds and wildlife.

Eastern red cedars have scale-like foliage that is fragrant and sticky to the touch. It can vary in color from dark green to blue-green and even gray, and it tends to become more bronze during the winter. The female trees produce whitish-blue berries, and the male trees have brown cones on the tips of their branches that disperse pollen.

Emerald Arborvitae

Emerald Arborvitae grows well in the garden in partial shade.
Scientific Name:
Thuja occidentalis

Emerald arborvitae is one of the species of arborvitae that can thrive in partial shade. It may grow more slowly and not be as lush as if it had full sun, but it will still do well in a garden with partial shade.

Since it can be pruned into various sizes and shapes, arborvitae is a popular choice for living fences and privacy hedges. It does not require pruning, however, and will also grow nicely when left alone.

Emerald arborvitae prefers soil that is moist but also well-drained so that it is not soggy. It also likes a pH range of 6 to 8 and loamy soil, but it can tolerate a variety of soil conditions.

Giant Arborvitae

Giant Arborvitae is a shade-loving tree that produces tiny, scaly leaves.
Scientific Name:
Thuja plicata

Giant arborvitae is one of the more shade-loving trees among arborvitae varieties. They are an evergreen with tiny, tightly packed, scale-like leaves that are glossy green in spring and summer and turn darker and bronze in winter.

These trees grow quickly and maintain their shape without pruning. They are often planted singularly as accent trees or in groups to create natural wind and sound-breaking fences.

Giant arborvitae is a hardy tolerant plant that can withstand different soils, insects, wind, drought, and disease. In ideal growing conditions, they can live up to 40 years.

Golden Irish Yew

Golden Irish Yew produces decorative gold and green variegated needles.
Scientific Name:
Taxus baccata

Also known as “common yew,” golden Irish yew has ornamental gold and green variegated needles that turn to chartreuse in the fall and winter. It also features red berries. It is a narrow tree with a low canopy that is often only 2 feet above the ground.

Yews tend to be shade-loving trees, and this one is no exception. Though it can also be planted in full sun, it does not like hot, dry locations with direct afternoon sunlight. It also can’t tolerate standing water and does best in average to moist soil, though the soil type and pH don’t matter much.

Parts of the common yew are toxic to humans and animals, and care should be taken if planting it in an area frequented by children or pets.

Hemlock

Hemlock is a shade tolerant tree that prefers to grow in moist and well-drained soil.
Scientific Name:
Tsuga

Hemlock is considered the most shade tolerant tree and can grow suppressed in an understory for 400 years. Hemlocks thrive in moist but well-drained soil.

Hemlocks grow slowly, especially in shade, and can take 250 to 300 years to reach maturity and live for 800 years. The oldest recorded hemlock tree is 988 years.

Historically, hemlock was important for its bark, which contains high amounts of tannins. Used for treating animal hides to preserve them, the term “tanning” was derived from the word “tannins.” It is known for giving the leather a dark red-brown color.

Numerous songbird and owl species focus on hemlock, so depending on the birds in your area, planting these shade-loving trees could attract birds to your garden.

Japanese Yew

Japanese Yews prefer fertile soil and plenty of moisture.
Scientific Name:
Taxus cuspidata

Japanese Yews have dark green needles with rounded tips that are not sharp or scratchy like many other conifers. The female plants produce bright red berries.

Yews are quite tolerant of moderate to deep shade, though they do require some sunlight in the spring. They are often planted as a foundation plant on the north or east sides of homes and make good natural or formal hedges. The many dwarf varieties are commonly in rock gardens.

Yews require plenty of moisture, fertile soil, and shelter from strong winds. They don’t like to compete with other shallow-rooted trees. When growing in deeper shade, they may require more pruning to compensate for a more open growth pattern.

Longstalk Holly

Longstalk Holly grows well in shady gardens and tolerates pruning in late winter.
Scientific Name:
Ilex pedunculosa

While the longstalk holly prefers some sun, it can also be grown in partly shady gardens. It likes moist soils but can tolerate drought once it is established. Holly is very tolerant of pruning, which is best done late in the winter. It is also one of the most cold-tolerant species of holly.

Longstalk holly is a hardy evergreen with showy, spineless foliage. It produces small flowers that have a pleasant aroma before producing red berries.

Holly plants are either male or female, and both are required within 200 feet or so in order to produce berries. The flowers of the plants attract bees, and the berries attract birds, although they are mildly toxic to humans.

Serbian Spruce

Serbian Spruce produces gracefully hanging branches and prefers full sun.
Scientific Name:
Picea omorika

The Serbian spruce is an attractive tree that is narrower than most other spruces with branches that elegantly droop. Its green needles feature white bars underneath, giving it a shimmering glow similar to snow that is backlit by the sunset.

Like most spruces, it prefers what sun it can get and regular, adequate moisture. It is a hardy tree and smaller than many of its native spruces.

Shore Pine

Shore pine is a sprawling tree that grows pine nuts, which feed on birds.
Scientific Name:
Pinus contorta

Shore pine, also known as lodgepole pine, is a small to mid-size tree with darker-colored bark and leaves. It has short needles compared to many related species. It is a sprawling, irregular-shaped tree, seldom growing straight up to its full height.

Birds enjoy the small pine nuts produced by shore pines, though deer tend to avoid the tree. It does not take well to pruning, but it makes some of the best-unpruned hedges compared to other pines. Shore pines tend to look better planted in groves or rows than singly.

Shore pines are more adaptable to soil moisture than many other pines and can thrive in full sun to partial shade.

Southern Magnolia

Southern Magnolia blooms with fragrant creamy white flowers.
Scientific Name:
Magnolia grandiflora

The evergreen magnolia is tree that produces fragrant creamy-white flowers. Their blooms can grow to 8 inches in diameter. They flower from late spring until fall. The evergreen leaves are shiny and dark green on top and copper or tan underneath.

The tree grows quickly but is long-lived. It provides food and shelter for many birds, such as woodpeckers, doves, quail, and small mammals.

Magnolias can tolerate a variety of soils from sandy to heavy clay and acidic to neutral, but it does not do well with either extreme drought or excess moisture.

Strawberry Tree

Strawberry Tree produces edible red and orange fruits.
Scientific Name:
Arbutus unedo

The strawberry tree can be grown as either a small tree or a shrub. It has dark green oval-shaped evergreen leaves. This flowering tree blooms with white to pinkish flowers from October to December, and red to orange edible fruits that ripen in the fall.

The fruits are often used to make wines, liqueurs, and preserves and are also an important food source for birds and animals.

Strawberry trees are slow-growing whether planted in partial shade or full sun. It likes well-drained, acidic clay soil. Once established, they can tolerate some wind and drought.

Wheel Tree

Wheel Tree blooms in spring with clusters of green flowers in the form of stars.
Scientific Name:
Trochodendron aralioides

The wheel tree is the only surviving species in its genus, and it can be grown as either a tree or a shrub.

It has glossy leathery leaves which grow in whorls around a bud, giving it an umbrella-type shape. In the spring, it produces clusters of greenish flowers shaped like stars. The stamens of the flowers spread out similar to the spokes of a wheel, giving the tree its name.

Wheel trees can grow in a variety of soils and prefer dappled shade. It needs moist but well-drained soil and cannot tolerate drought.

White Spruce

White Spruce is an excellent plant whose smell will keep deer away from your garden.
Scientific Name:
Picea glauca

If you’re concerned about deer predation in your garden, white spruce is a great choice. When its needles are crushed, they give off an unpleasant scent, which deer do not like.

White spruce don’t have a more irregular shape than a traditional Christmas tree, and they are a truer green color. They prefer acidic, well-drained soil and are often found near streams and other sources of moisture.

You Have Options for Shade-Loving Trees

Finding the perfect evergreen tree that can tolerate shade shouldn’t be a chore. There are many different options to choose from, and most of the trees on this list can tolerate a variety of sun & shade planting conditions. Many of them can also double as a shrub, if you prefer to keep them a bit on the smaller side.

Ultimately, any of these popular options should be a fantastic fit for your garden. Remember to double-check your hardiness zone, and provide plenty of TLC for best results!

19 Shade-Tolerant or Shade-Loving Evergreens – Thriving Yard

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‘Evergreen’ is a broad term that doesn’t settle on a scientific definition.   While the word usually brings Christmas trees to mind, it simply refers to plants that stay green and photosynthesize year-round. In contrast, ‘deciduous’ trees are trees that are marked by their leaves falling routinely in certain seasons.

In the middle of evergreen and deciduous is the term ‘semi-evergreen,’ which refers to plants that may have a very short period of losing their leaves or are evergreens that are susceptible to certain environmental issues (like drought or bug infestation) that could cause them to lose foliage. 

Certain evergreens stay green year-round that are considered shade-tolerant, the most popular being varieties of boxwoods, hemlock, and yews.

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Before we take a look at the different varieties of shade-tolerant evergreens, let’s explore the difference between conifers and evergreens, the types of evergreens, and the definition of shade.

Conifers and Evergreens

A common misconception about evergreens is that the term is synonymous with ‘conifer.’ To put it simply, conifers make up the varieties of trees that end up in our living rooms and town squares in December.  More scientifically speaking, conifers are plants that typically have needle-like or narrow leaves and produce cones to protect their seeds (Merriam-Webster). 

Conifers are gymnosperms (literally meaning ‘naked seed’), which are plants that produce seeds in an exposed manner.  Most gymnosperms grow their seeds in a cone the same as conifers do.

This is what distinguishes conifers from other plants (angiosperms, that produce seeds inside reproductive organs like flowers and fruits) not their potential status as evergreens. Most conifers are evergreens, but there are types that lose their leaves in the fall. 

Essentially, evergreens are plants that keep their foliage alive year-round, regardless of their physical characteristics.  

Types of Evergreens

Because ‘evergreen’ doesn’t denote specific plant varieties, any plant can qualify if it stays active throughout all of the growing seasons.  For example, a tree that goes dormant in the winter in Montana may be able to stay active all year in Florida; therefore, it is an evergreen in one place and not in another. 

That being said, many evergreens are consistent and therefore, can be divided into groups.

Evergreens are typically split into two categories: narrowleaf and broadleaf. 

Broadleaf evergreens include versions of tropical plants like mahogany, some varieties of hardwoods like oak and holly, and even some outlier varieties like palm trees. This category also includes shrubs and groundcover varieties such as hydrangeas and creeping thyme.

Narrowleaf evergreens are more popular picks for landscaping because they are picturesque, needled evergreens like firs, pines, and false cypress shrubs, which are varieties of conifers.

The most popular evergreens for shady areas are varieties of ‘boxwoods,’ ‘hemlock,’ and ‘yews.’  These mostly produce sturdy, green, traditional-looking evergreens.  That being said, there are many unique and colorful evergreen options for the shady areas in your garden.

Also see Pine Trees That Grow in Shade (And Other Evergreen Options)

What is ‘Shade?’

Before exploring plant options, ‘shade’ terms should be identified.  You will typically find exposure characteristics defined as:

Full sun: at least 6 hours of light a day

Partial sun/partial shade: 4-6 hours of sun a day, preferably morning sun

Full shade: Limited sun exposure, including no direct sun

(IFAS, Florida University blog)

Many plants can survive in several exposure conditions.  This article identifies evergreens that thrive or tolerate at least partial shade. 

Now let’s get gardening!

The 19 Best Evergreens For Shady Areas

Carpet Bugle ‘Bronze Beauty’

Ajuga reptans

This is a unique, colorful, and vibrant groundcover evergreen that grows quickly and covers hard-to-reach areas.   It is a lively replacement for areas usually taken over by grass, like gaps in rock pathways.  While the bright blue flowers are attractive, gardeners are drawn to this plant because of its quick growth and bronze foliage. 

This is a very low maintenance and adaptable plant. While its growth in shade is valued, it can survive in full sun as well.  As long as it’s given a moist environment and decent airflow, it can thrive in most soil conditions.  It is not affected by pests, although mildew is something to watch for.  Its one downside as an evergreen is that it is evergreen in most places; if you plant outside the hardiness zone, you may not be able to enjoy it year-round. 

Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis

This plant provides a beautiful dark green coverage of shady areas.   It blooms with small colorful flowers in the spring, but its uniquely shaped leaves and rich color are its main attractions. 

This is a perfect plant for low maintenance.  Once planted, it can be left to grow without much attention, as it is resistant to most pests (including deer), air pollution, and diseases.  It prefers moist soil, but can handle dry conditions well.

Coral Bells ‘Autumn Leaves’

Heuchera

This is an incredible option for gardeners who want year-round color besides green.  Coral Bell leaves take on different hues of red throughout the year and produce flowers in the early summer. It is a colorful addition to borders, coverage, and even containers.

Coral Bell is a low-maintenance plant for many reasons.   It handles heat and humidity well, does well in drought conditions, resists pests and diseases, and attracts butterflies.  While it can be planted in full sun, this would require extra watering.  As an evergreen, the only downside is that it is a semi-evergreen.  Even so, it is a perennial.  If your hardiness zone does not support it as an evergreen, it will revive in the next growing season.

Korean Boxwood ‘Justin Brouwers’

Buxus sinica var. insularis

Boxwoods are popular, sturdy, reliable options for shady evergreens, and the Korean Boxwood is no different.  Showcasing a classic green foliage year-round, this plant will grow in a dense, rounded manner.  It makes a perfect addition to a small garden or border.

The Korean Boxwood is low maintenance and grows best in partial shade.  Like other similar plants, it should be mulched and watered to keep it from dehydrating, although it will survive in dry conditions.  It is susceptible to certain pests and diseases, so watch for leaf spots and small bugs. 

Variegated Lily Turf

Liriope muscari

Variegated Lily Turf can be used as an ornamental grass due to its long, showy, ivory-striped leaves.  The purple flower clusters do not appear until late summer/fall, so its addition to a garden will add color in the late growing season.  It does well as anything from a border to a coverage plant.

This is another low maintenance plant because it resists pests, diseases, deer, rabbits, and does well in humid and dry conditions.   While it can survive in full shade, it will not grow as quickly or as full as it would in partial shade or full sun. 

Glossy Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’

Abelia x grandiflora

This dwarf semi-evergreen changes color with the season.  With white blooms lasting for most of the warm season, it starts with yellow and green in spring, it morphs to gold in the summer, followed by orange in the fall, and finishing with a bright red for lively winter color. 

The Kaleidoscope provides the best coloration in full sun, but it also does well in partial shade.  Its soil needs are normal, and it is resistant to most pests and diseases.  It’s suggested that you keep it protected from hard freezes.

‘Anne Marie’ English Ivy

Hedera helix

This plant is another great coverage plant, with leaves of different shapes based on their maturity.  It sports a soft green color with an ivy edge and is popular for its visual interest. 

This is a low-maintenance plant, but it can’t be left fully alone.  It prefers semi-moist, well-drained soil and is only mildly resistant to drought conditions. It should be monitored for leaf spots and various pest infestations, including aphids and vine weevils.

Boxwood ‘Green Velvet’

Buxus

Perhaps the most popular evergreen shrub, the Boxwood is a very traditional-looking bush.   It holds a dense, uniform look that is consistent year-round.  It produces a rich, dark green foliage that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.

While planting takes a bit of preparation, this is a fairly low-maintenance plant.  It should be planted in a partially-shaded area (too much shade will slow its growth, too much sun could damage the foliage) that is protected from strong wind. 

It can survive in drought conditions, but it should be mulched when planted and watered in dry weather.  It is mildly susceptible to pests and diseases, so keep an eye out for leaf spots and bugs.

Anglo-Japanese Yew

Taxus-media

This is another traditional-looking shrub when it comes to evergreens.   It is a dense formation of bright green needles that produce seeds in red cones.  It grows slowly, staying round when young growing out as it ages. 

This thrives in full sun and partial shade but survives in full shade.  It is extremely low-maintenance, as it can survive in drought conditions and does not need to be pruned.  It is a poisonous shrub if eaten, which should be carefully considered by parents and pet owners. 

American Yew

Taxus canadensis

Opposing several shrubs on this list, the American Yew does not grow in a tight, compact manner.  Rather, it has a more open and free structure.  Females will produce small red cones in the summer. Its foliage is dark green on the top and light green on the bottom through the summer and changes to hues of auburn in the winter.  

The American Yew is low-maintenance, but it does need protection from various dangers.  Full winter sun, heat, dry conditions, and strong winds will all pose a threat to the plant’s health.  It grows best in partial shade but will do well in full shade as well.

Oregon Grape Holly

Mahonia Aquifolium

The Oregon Grape Holly is a unique evergreen in that its produce is edible.  Its colors are vibrant all year long, starting off with bronze leaves and light, golden flowers in the spring.  In the summer, it gives way to dark green foliage and indigo berries that are edible raw and can be used for making jam.  The fall brings in a burgundy hue which provides color through the cold months.  

This plant thrives in partial and full shade and will not handle full sun well.  It is slightly higher maintenance than most on this list, as it needs consistent moisture, protection from wind, rich soil, and grows best in colonies.  However, it is resistant to most serious pests and diseases. 

Dog Hobble

Leucothoe fontanesiana

Dog Hobble is an elegant-looking plant.  Its dropped groupings of white flowers emerge in the summer as the leaves turn dark green.  Outside of the flowering season, the foliage alternates between hues of bronze, red, and purple. 

Another low-maintenance plant, the Dog Hobble is described as a ‘shade lover.’ It does not need pruning and it resists most pests and diseases.   However, it needs consistent moisture and calm conditions and its leaves and flowers are poisonous, so it does come with its share of concerns. 

Fernspray Gold

Chamaecyparis obtuse

This tree may not produce many colors, but its growth habits make it an interesting addition to landscapes.  Its branches can grow somewhat whimsically, while generally keeping a triangular shape to the tree.  The foliage exposed to the sun will keep a lighter green coloration than the foliage inside the tree. 

The Hinoki Cypress enjoys full sun and partial shade.  It is low-maintenance, but it should be protected from strong winds and watched for aphids and root diseases.  Acidic soils work best for this plant, but it will grow in other conditions.

Red Chokeberry

Aronia arbutifolia

This plant provides an ever-changing colorful interest to any garden.  With light pink flowers in the spring, dark green foliage in the summer, and vibrant red leaves and berries through the fall and winter, there is no season where this tall shrub will not shine. 

Along with its aesthetic interest, the Red Chokeberry provides food to bees, butterflies, and birds all year long. 

Another low-maintenance plant, the Red Chokeberry is resistant to most pests and diseases and grows naturally in wet and dry northern climates.  It thrives in full sun and partial shade, although it does produce more fruit in full sun.  It is also only semi-evergreen, so check your hardiness zone to see if it would support this plant as an evergreen.

See our guide on the seven key differences between Chokeberry and Chokecherry.

Toyon

Heteromeles arbutifolia

This picturesque plant is popular with Christmas lovers.  Following its prolific white flowering stage in the summer, the Toyon produces red berries that keep their color through the winter.  Its leaves are consistently dark green and provide a rich point of interest regardless of the season. 

This is another low-maintenance plant because of its growing ease, ability to thrive in full sun and partial shade, and adaptability to most soil conditions.  An interesting characteristic is that, while the tree does not need much water to survive, consistent watering will render this tree fire-resistant.   While it seems to handle pests well, Toyon unfortunately is not resistant to disease.  Watch out for root rot, black mildew, fire blight, and other diseases.

Spotted Laurel

Aucuba japonica

To appreciate the full display of this plant year-round, make sure to plant a male and female close together.  Both will produce rich green leaves with speckles of gold scattered throughout, and the spring will bring purple flowers with white anthers.  The females will then yield bright red berries that will last through the winter months, but only when pollinated. 

While the Spotted Laurel needs to be kept from strong gusts of wind, it is mostly low-maintenance.  It grows best in partial to full shade, survives through dry spells, and is adaptable to most soil conditions (although rich soil will make a difference with its vibrancy).  

English Yew

Taxus baccata

This large shrub/tree is a unique-looking plant.  While its foliage is a sturdy, dark green, its branches look somewhat whimsical.  At times, female branches produce red cones even though the tree itself is male.  You can prune and shape this tree however you desire.

This is a low-maintenance tree that is flexible with its conditions.  It prefers full sun or partial shade, but grows well in full shade as well.  Other needs are average, but flexible.  Most elements are poisonous if eaten, like other similar plants.

See Is an English Yew Tree Hardwood? (Many People Get This Wrong)

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

While this Boxwood resembles needled trees, it is actually a broadleaf evergreen.   Its picturesque growth habit is completely natural; you do not need to prune or train this tree to achieve this structured look.  Its deep green foliage will keep this color year-round.

The best environment for the Boxwood is partial shade.  It will grow – although with less volume – in full shade, but full sun could damage its foliage.  Mulch will help keep this plant hydrated.  It can survive dry spells, but should still be watered in these phases.  It is susceptible to certain pests and diseases like box red spider mites and leaf spots, so watch for these threats. 

Florida Hobblebush

Agarista populifolia

This plant is an ornamental, colorful addition to a border or large section of ground.   Its flowers emerge in the late spring/early summer and stay until its seeds drop, but the green foliage is year-round.  The shade of green will change throughout the seasons. 

This is a low-maintenance plant because it resists most pests, diseases, and flooding conditions.  It needs clay, loam, or sandy soil and an average water intake.  While its natural height is quite tall, it can be pruned and kept at any desirable height.  A unique concern with this plant is its leaves; they can be fatal upon ingestion, which parents and pet owners should seriously consider.

Conclusion

Choosing the right evergreen should include considerations of your hardiness zone, soil properties, sun exposure, and your particular tastes. There are plenty of options to choose from. Make the choice that’s right for your yard.

Sydney Bosque

Sydney has over 15 years of experience in lawn maintenance, landscape design, and organic gardening. She has an A.A.S. in Landscape Design/Organic Produce Production from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

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Shade-tolerant and shade-loving deciduous and perennial garden plants

Starting gardening of the site, many owners are faced with a frequent problem associated with the selection of seedlings. When choosing species and varieties, it is necessary to build on not only the appearance of plants, but also their whimsicality. Knowing the characteristics of their growth, we can properly plant them on the site. For example, the well-known hydrangea prefers partial shade, and by planting it in the light, we simply create uncomfortable conditions for the plant, which can seriously harm the decorativeness of the seedling.

If your site is located in an open area and a sufficient amount of light enters it, you are unlikely to encounter a problem in selecting seedlings, since there are much more light-loving plants than those that can tolerate shading. Today we will talk about what plants grow in the shade.

First, let's understand the concept of shading. As the name implies, shade-loving garden plants are those that are able to grow in dimly lit areas, feeling quite comfortable and do not lose their decorative qualities in the absence of light. A shaded place is an area where the sun's rays fall less than 3 hours a day. In full shade, many seedlings feel unfavorable and in such conditions grow mainly herbaceous plants that grow in our forests.


Shade-loving perennials

When choosing plants for planting in the shade, pay attention to all kinds of forest geraniums, gravel, lilies of the valley, pachysandra, brunner (and a beautiful variegated form too) aquilegia, columbine, volzhanka, astilba, dicentra, tiarella, geyhera, periwinkle, fern, hosts, survivor and much more. Such plants can be planted together at a certain distance from each other. After 3-4 years, the "clearings" will close up and you will get a very interesting picture in shady areas.

If the projected place has more than 3 hours of sun a day, here you can already talk about mixborders - compositions not only with planting herbaceous plants, but also with the use of woody representatives. Such places are usually formed in the forest part of the site or near the bay window on the east or west side of the house.


As we discussed above, shade-tolerant plants with a dying aerial part, or in other words, shade-loving perennials are able to create whole litter in the forest. With such plants, there will be no problems when creating a flower garden. But what if you still want to use not only herbaceous, but also woody and shrubby plants?

Top 10 shade-loving garden shrubs

1. Canadian hemlock is a slow-growing coniferous tree, reaching a height of 5-7 meters. It has a broad pyramidal and slightly weeping shape. It has very interesting needles: it is flat, dark green, with small young growths of a light green shade. If you want to create an undergrowth, or, for example, you don’t want to look at the fence from the north window, Canadian hemlock can easily close it. In our garden center there are beautiful and interesting varieties, for example "Gentsch White" - needles with white stripes, or "Golden King" - a seedling with a golden color, which is also very unusual for conifers.

2. Continuing the theme of conifers, it is impossible not to mention the cross-pair microbiota. A seedling already at 10 years old reaches 1.5 -2 m in width, and is able to create plantations that are not inferior in beauty to the perennials presented at the beginning of the article. The microbiota easily endures strong winds, frosts down to -40, forms insurmountable curtains two meters in diameter. It has a decorative appearance: scaly dense green needles create a spectacular backdrop for flowering plants.


3. Yew berry - no less interesting coniferous species. It is a dioecious plant (that is, a female and a male are needed to set those same fruits), it grows slowly. At the age of 30, it reaches only 3-3.5 m in height. The yew has very dark needles, which allows you to create contrasting compositions with it. Numerous yew berries are attractive: bright red, unusual shape. Unfortunately, they are not edible and it is strongly not recommended to use them for food or preparations, but they look great against the background of emerald needles! Landscape designers appreciate the berry yew not only for its decorative effect, but also for its good tolerance to all kinds of haircuts. From it you can form a topiary even in shady, hidden corners of your garden. In "Romashkino Park" there are creeping and columnar varieties, and new arrivals with berries are among the first to be sorted!

4. Smoothly moving on to deciduous plants, we will start with the winged euonymus. A slow-growing shrub, reaching only 2 meters in diameter. From such a shade-loving plant, beautiful forms are also created: umbrellas, balls, and even deciduous bonsai! The plant has a small leaf, which gives it a noble appearance. And just imagine, in the fall, when all the plants have already faded, the euonymus turns bright crimson - from a distance it seems that the plant is only blooming on the eve of frost. I would like to note the unusual shoots of a chic shrub: they are faceted, with growths, because of which, in cross section, the branch resembles a diamond shape. Even in winter, thanks to this unusual feature, the euonymus will decorate your landscape.


5. No less popular for planting in the shade is turf. It is a shrub up to 4 meters in diameter, but its growth can be restrained at any level with the help of regular haircuts. It has an unusual variegated, white-green leaf. When looking at a derain bush, one gets the impression of an ever-flowering tree. It grows in any conditions and requires only top dressing and pruning, thanks to which it acquires a magnificent shape.

6. Rowan ordinary and viburnum ordinary.

We don't just give one place to two different species. We did this, because in terms of care and growth, they are very similar to each other. These shade tolerant garden plants will look great anywhere without requiring much maintenance. If the sun illuminates the area where you are going to plant them for at least 5 hours, you can take a closer look not only at the species representatives, but also at the varieties. So, modern mountain ash has many varieties: Titan, Pomegranate, Liquor, Scarlet Large and others. All of them are crossed with aronia, or hawthorn, and the taste with the first frosts is revealed in every berry!

Kalina without light will grow only ordinary, but she also has a variety of "Sargent", which feels great in the shade. Also in our garden center there are standard forms of viburnum, which are lantern-shaped shrubs that bloom in spring, turn orange-red in autumn, and stand with red berries in winter.


7. Crown mock orange (or garden jasmine) feels great in the shade and does not lose bloom due to lack of light. The second name was due to the aroma, similar to real jasmine - a liana growing in the tropics and subtropics. Mock orange grows up to 4 meters in height and slightly less in width. Regular pruning can and should be restrained in any form, otherwise it is able to quickly stretch in height, and lose in diameter and be “bald”. It is important to do this within 2 weeks after flowering, otherwise the bush then lays flower buds for the next year. A lot of varieties have been brought out, and even if you already have jasmine, try planting terry varieties, or strawberry jasmine - a plant with a characteristic aroma during the flowering period.

8. Holly mahonia - a low, slow-growing shrub up to 1-1.2 m in height with unusual shiny leaves covered with thorns. One of the few evergreen deciduous plants that can grow in the Moscow region. It blooms with yellow racemose inflorescences, then it forms dark blue, completely edible fruits. And in autumn, the leaves are painted in bright red-cherry shades. If you decide to choose mahonia for your shady area and enjoy its fruits, you must select at least two seedlings - this is the only way it will bear fruit.


9. Rhododendrons are truly spring garden kings! The thing is that the inflorescence of these evergreen shrubs consists of several bell-shaped flowers. And, when in the spring they bloom, it seems that the "bouquet" bloomed immediately. They require acidic soil, so they must be planted either in a special soil mixture for heather (rhododendrons belong to the heather family), or using acidic peat. Starting from the next year after planting, it is necessary to purchase fertilizers for rhododendrons. Such kings of the garden also require frame shelter. But not from the harsh climate of Russia, but from wet snow, which falls 2-3 times during the winter. At first glance, it may seem that the plant is too picky, but believe me, when you see it bloom in the spring, it will become your favorite in the garden.

10. Hydrangea paniculata is a stunning shrub that begins to bloom in the second half of summer, when lilacs, mock oranges, viburnums, rhododendrons, budley and others have already blossomed. A large selection is now underway to develop new varieties: they are small (Bobo, Little Lime), there are rich red (Diamond Rouge, Frize Melba), there are varieties that change color - first they bloom white, then they turn into raspberry shades, and many others worth noticing. All of them take root perfectly in our climate, but paniculate hydrangeas have one small feature - they wake up later than all other plants in your area. Therefore, you should be patient and wait for the awakening of the leaves.


An example of a corner mixborder near the path leading to the house

The concept of such flower beds is quite simple. You choose one, two or three woody plants (they will also be dominant in your mixborder), and line up the rest of the place with flower crops. Pay attention to the fact that a flower garden with variable flowering will be more interesting, which means pick up seedlings that will bloom one after another.

Very often there are situations in which it is necessary to resort to landscape tricks, which we decided to also mention in this article.

If you need a liana that can quickly close an inconspicuous corner, pay attention to the five-leafed girlish grapes. This is a magnificent plant that can grow under the canopy of the forest and wrap around the inconspicuous trunks of tall, two hundred year old spruces. In autumn, the leaves turn into all shades of red, and quite unusually: with the first frosts, the upper leaves turn red, and (when the wind moves) fresh green ones are also visible under the red leaves.

Beech forest "Dawyck Purple" (Davik Purple) - has a columnar shape with purple leaves. A plant for places where the sun appears at least 4 hours a day. Leaves turn light brown in autumn. It grows quite slowly in our area, but, unlike other coniferous columnar plants, it does not need any shelter.

It also happens that the patio at the house faces the northern part and, apart from annual flowers that need to be planted every year as container plants, it is difficult to pick up anything. Evergreen boxwood will come to the rescue! It grows slowly, so it is perfect for container gardening. Ideal for lovers of something unusual, as it easily supports any topiary shape.


By choosing all of the above shade-loving unpretentious plants for the garden, you can easily decorate your site, even if it is located in a forest zone!

We bring to your attention a video in which the landscape designer of our garden center will talk about the most popular plants for growing in shady areas:

which conifers grow in the shade?

Shaded areas can be effectively used by planting them with fruit and ornamental plants. Various shade-loving shrubs for the garden will be a real find. They will decorate the territory with lush foliage and flowers, divide it into zones, and also delight with generous harvests of juicy berries.

Contents

Features of garden species

Recommended

Some shrubs feel comfortable in the shade. In a darkened area, they have a bright color, long and densely bloom. In conditions of abundance of light, shade-loving plants are not entirely comfortable. Their delicate leaves can burn in direct sunlight. Unprotected places for shade-loving species are not suitable. However, such plants need light. The constant deep shade under the northern wall of the house will be a difficult test for them. The best option is diffused light under the canopy of trees.

Unlike shade-tolerant species, shade-tolerant shrubs prefer areas that receive direct sunlight. But they do quite well in dark areas. Under the shade of trees, they may have less vibrant colors and fewer flowers.

Since most shade-loving shrubs naturally live in forests, appropriate soil should be prepared for them. It should be fertile and neutral in acidity. These conditions are suitable for most species. Although there are some shade-tolerant shrubs that prefer acidic soil. When the earth meets the requirements of the plant, it will be lush and bright. If you choose a plant that grows well in this region, you will not need to create special conditions for it.

To plant a shade-loving shrub, you need to choose a free area so that the plant is not crowded. Undersized specimens are best placed on a hill, this is done to strengthen and decorate the embankments. Their shape, height and flowering is regulated by pruning.

Between trees, the soil can dry out a lot, as tree crowns cover it from rain. If the space around the bushes is filled with creeping shade-tolerant plants, the drying of the soil can be prevented.

Tall views are suitable for zoning the garden, disguising unattractive buildings and furnishing cozy places to relax.

Garden shrubs can be planted in multi-stage cascades with higher views at the back and low views at the front. Alley planting looks beautiful when the plants are planted at an equal distance from each other in 1 or 2 rows.

Usually seedlings are sold with a closed root system, so they can be planted in the ground at any time. But the rest period is optimal - late autumn or early spring.

Barberry and blackberry

Red elderberry is perfect for planting in a shady area of ​​the garden. It is not demanding on the soil and can grow in almost any soil, even with excess moisture. In May or June, the elderberry is covered with small white flowers, collected in paniculate inflorescences up to 20 cm in size. During this period, it looks very impressive. From the end of July, red berries begin to appear on the plant. The fruits of the shrub are eaten and used for medicinal purposes. Red elderberry has the ability to repel mice. For her, it is better to choose a place protected from the wind. Decoctions are prepared from young shoots and flowers of the shrub to protect plants from pests.

The barberry planted on the garden plot will become a source of valuable and tasty sour berries. The plant has a wonderful color of the leaves. Depending on the variety, it is yellow, purple, purple, green, variegated and with edging around the edges. This is a suitable plant for creating garden compositions (mixborders) and a single planting. It can be planted on the slopes and on the banks of reservoirs. A beautiful hedge is formed from the barberry. Due to the abundance of small spines, it will become impenetrable to animals. From dwarf varieties of barberry, you can create a magnificent border fence. The shrub lends itself well to artistic curly (topiary) haircuts. From it form balls, pyramids and other figures. This shade-tolerant plant is drought tolerant and wind tolerant, but does not like standing water in the soil.

Sprawling gooseberry bushes feel great under the crowns of trees. They calmly tolerate the drying of the soil and are resistant to weather conditions. Fruiting steadily. Ripe gooseberries are red in color. Their scattering colorfully stands out against a green background. An excellent amber jam is prepared from the fruits.

Blackberries can be planted in the garden. This melliferous plant in August is covered with raspberry-like black berries. They have a great sour taste. The branches of the shrub can reach a height of 2 meters, so it must be planted at a distance of at least 2 meters from other plants.

In a garden plot in the shade of trees, hazel will easily take root. The shrub is unpretentious and with minimal care will regularly produce generous harvests of hazelnuts. Cultivated varieties can have different leaf colors and decorate the garden.

Ornamental crops

The bright color of the leaves and flowers of the shrub will transform a gloomy garden area covered with shade.

Few plants can compare with the beauty and abundance of flowering with rhododendron. They are literally buried in flowers from June to July. The shrub has beautiful glossy dark green foliage. The color of flowers, reaching a diameter of 3.5-4 cm, can be very different. The plant does not like wet soil and is intolerant of winds. For rhododendron, neutral ground must be acidified with special peat. The shrub calmly tolerates early spring and late autumn frosts. But for the winter, most varieties should be covered.

Luxurious hydrangea attracts attention with the size of the inflorescence caps. Lush and openwork balls reach 25 cm in diameter. Hydrangea blooms from July to September, when other shrubs have already faded. Looks great alone or in composition with evergreen ornamental shrubs. The plant loves abundant watering, especially during the dry season. Not all varieties of hydrangea easily endure winter. Therefore, it is advisable to plant them closer to the buildings. Tree hydrangeas can withstand the harshest winter and deep shade. Ornamental shrubs for the garden are best planted on lawns, near terraces and garden arbors, at the entrance to the house or in the front garden.

Dogwood blossoms in early spring, in mid-March or early April, when there are no leaves on the trees yet. For a whole month, he will delight you with many lush pink or golden yellow flowers, densely covering the crown. Flowering dogwood looks amazing. Its early flowers attract many insects. This is an early honey plant. All summer, the shrub decorates the garden with emerald foliage, and by autumn it is covered with scarlet berries. They make wonderful jams and compotes. Dogwood is undemanding to growing conditions and is practically not susceptible to diseases. But for the winter it is recommended to cover it.

In spring, the garden will be decorated with golden large inflorescences of magnificent mahonia. Its flowers look great against the backdrop of shiny dark green leaves. By the end of summer, the bush is covered with purple berries that look like grapes. Mahonia is easy to care for. The plant tolerates pruning very well. So that the bushes are thick and do not stretch upwards, they are cut after flowering. Magonia is resistant to pests. Shrubs for the garden are used in the design of rocky slides, borders and undersized compositions. Magonia looks beautiful as a single plant.

Evergreen species

Shade-loving evergreen shrubs will decorate the garden all year round. They create hedges, borders, backstage, ornamental stripes (arabesques) and even garden figures.

Berry yew does not require careful maintenance. It is frost and wind resistant. Grows in poor soils and easily tolerates drought. A variety of shapes are formed from the shrub, they create a hedge. It looks good in a group and as a single plant. Yew berry does not tolerate excess moisture in the soil.

Holly holly looks like a real Christmas tree. During the winter holidays, it can be dressed up and turned into a Christmas tree. Viable plant easily takes root on different soils. During drought, it should be watered abundantly. It can grow even in deep shade. The branches of the shrub grow slowly and very densely. The plant is formed after the fruiting period. If you plan to collect fruits, then you need to plant several plants, as the shrub needs cross-pollination. Holly reaches its peak of beauty in late autumn. In winter, it is covered with green leaves and blood-red fruits.

Boxwood is a popular garden plant. It must be planted in places protected from the wind. The shrub is especially vulnerable to spring winds. Boxwood is resistant to heat and grows on any soil. If the soil is poor, then the bush will grow small, but very dense. Figures, borders and hedges are formed from boxwood. It is recommended to cover the plant for the winter. For spherical shapes, special boxes made of wood or plastic with holes are used. Hedges and borders can be covered with cloth. Bushes for the winter should be tied up so that they do not break under the weight of snow. With the onset of heat, the insulation must be quickly removed so that the boxwood does not rot and get sick.

Calmia is a favorite garden shrub in the US, Canada and European countries. The evergreen leaves of Calmia resemble bay leaves. The shrub blooms beautifully with large inflorescences of pale pink and white flowers. Calmia is drought tolerant but needs to be watered frequently during hot weather. She needs acidic soil.

How to choose a shrub

It is recommended to give preference to disease-resistant and unpretentious plants that do not require special care. Many species require regular pruning to control shape and size. If you do not want to do pruning, it is better to choose a plant that does not require it. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the maximum height of the variety so that the plant does not grow beyond the boundaries allocated for it.

The shrub must be adapted to the prevailing climatic conditions and soil. Under inappropriate conditions, the plant will be weak or die.

It is advisable to choose a plant that will decorate the garden all year round. The most suitable option would be an evergreen plant. Among deciduous shrubs, those that bloom profusely all summer, have attractive flowers, beautiful and tasty berries, and have a fragrant aroma, are especially popular. Such shrubs need to form a beautiful crown so that it looks aesthetically pleasing in winter.

Conifers and junipers

In addition to shrubs, coniferous plants can be used for the garden. Thuja is one of the most beloved plants of landscape designers. Interesting architectural forms are created from its crown. It is planted to create alleys and hedges. Dwarf types of thuja look better. Rounded dwarf shrub Danica grows very slowly. It is great for small garden areas.

Juniper can grow in the shade of trees. The plant will fill the garden plot with an amazing aroma that has healing properties. The horizontal juniper, creeping along the ground, looks interesting. It is planted to decorate alpine slides.

Gray spruce looks very romantic. Its needles can have shades from light green to blue and golden. In gardens, dwarf conifers are usually planted.

Shade-tolerant trees will help decorate a shady area. Large dissected maple leaves in autumn acquire a surprisingly beautiful color.

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