Shady Shrubs
In addition to perennials for shade, there are many shrubs that grow very well in shade and partial shade – and even prefer it to sun. Plants grow more slowly in the shade so they require less maintenance in the way of pruning. Planting shrubs and perennials in a shady garden will keep weeds seeds from germinating by blocking light, so there’s less weeding. And because there’s less sun, the soil doesn’t dry out as fast. Just remember to water newly planted shrubs well until they’re established. They may need more water in the beginning if they’re competing with established trees. So grab a cool drink and let’s explore some great shrubs for shade!
Pictured left is a winner “Mountain Laurel Carol’!
A compact spring blooming broadleaf evergreen shrub with lovely deep pink buds that open to shell pink and white flowers; colorful emergent foliage; must have exacting growing conditions; superbly drained highly acidic and organic soil with a heavy mulch
Diervilla Nightglow
This smaller shrub features attractive sulfur yellow flower clusters in early summer, contrasting the dark reddish-purple foliage that turns a more vivid red in fall; a drought and shade tolerant plant that is great for challenging sites
Dramatic glaucous blue leaves, like faded jeans; showy white “bottle-brush” flowers appear in spring at the ends of the bare branches, spectacular fall colors and dense, rounded habit; prefers light acidic soils; all-purpose landscape plant
Hydrangea arborescens
Hydrangea Incrediball Blush Smooth A choice compact garden or massing shrub featuring showy spikes of flowers which emerge white and quickly turn deep pink; interesting deep green foliage with mahogany fall color, and papery bark; somewhat coarse in appearance, best used in groupings.
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’
Oak Leaf Hydrangea is another very shade tolerant hydrangea. A choice compact garden or massing shrub featuring showy spikes of flowers which emerge white and quickly turn deep pink; interesting deep green foliage with mahogany fall color, and papery bark; somewhat coarse in appearance, best used in groupings
Itea virginica
Sweetspire Scentlandia A dense, compact selection of a native shrub which features long and narrow panicles of white flowers in early summer; chosen for outstanding fragrance; excellent fall colors that persists into winter; great for borders or as a foundation
Rhododendrons
Rhododendron Nova Zembla A popular and attractive broadleaf evergreen shrub with rich red flowers in spring and an upright rounded habit, quite hardy, good in partial shade; absolutely must have well-drained, highly acidic and organic soil, use plenty of peat moss when planting