Plants for Shade

Many homeowners find it difficult to landscape shady areas. The solution is in the selection of plants. Some plants prefer shade, some will tolerate it and some won't do well at all. Before you begin to landscape a shady area, you need to note exactly how much shade there is, what time of the day the area is shaded, and what causes the shade. We generally define a shady area as one that receives less than 4 hours of sun a day year round.Areas shaded by large trees are a special situation. Determine how much light the site will receive in the winter before you choose your plants.

Evergreens

Japanese Yews
Arborvitae

Broadleaf Evergreens

Azaleas
Rhododendron
Boxwood
Euonymus - Emerald Gaiety and Manhattan
Japanese Holly
Oregon Grape Holly
Japanese Andromeda
Blue Holly
Inkberry Holly
Bayberry
Viburnum varieties; Allegheny, Willowwood, Leatherleaf, Juddi

Trees

Dogwood
Redbud
Magnolia 'Sweetbay'
Contorted Filbert - Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
Hemlock
Japanese Maples

Shrubs

Chokeberry
Exbury Azalea
Yellowtwig Dogwood
Redtwig Dogwood
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Climbing Hydrangea
Virginia Sweet Spire
Clethera
Cotoneaster
Japanese Kerria

Perennials

Hosta
Spiderwort
Cardinal Flower
Ferns
Primrose
Astilbe
Berginia
Columbine
Coral Bell
Bleeding Hearts

Annuals

Impatiens
Begonias
Fuschia
Lobelia
Coleus
Torenia
Browallia

GroundCovers

Ivy
Euonymus
Pachysandra
Lirope
Sweet Woodruff
Russian Arborvitae
Ajuga
Houttunia