Finding interesting plants for shade can be a daunting task, but add that plant’s desire to become a shrub, and the list becomes even narrower. It is essential to give the borders depth and real presence.
Whether you’re looking for colorful foliage, stunning flowers, or out-of-this-world textures, there’s sure to be at least one shade-loving shrub that fits the bill. To help you find out, we asked area experts to pick four of their favorite shrubs for shade. Discover even more shade-loving shrubs.
1. naptonensis cedar
name: Japanese cedar “Naptonensis”
zone: 5–9
size: 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide
conditions: Partial to full shade.Medium to moist, well-drained soil
Native range: Japan
This rare and versatile conifer is popular for its bright, shiny white young leaves that are slow and steady. But I definitely don’t like direct sunlight burning my delicate white tips.It’s a great choice for conifer lovers A sunny planting site. ‘Knaptonensis’ is perfect for containers as it is slow growing, plump and pyramidal. Regular moisturizing is essential. But otherwise, this standout selection requires no human intervention to look its best.
2. ‘Filamentosa’ Heavenly Bamboo
name: Nandina Domestica* “Filamentosa”
zone: 6–10
size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
conditions: From full sun to partial shade.average soil
Native range: Japan, China, India
It’s not actually bamboo, but this little shrub is very heavenly. Nandina, ‘Filamentosa’ is strikingly different due to its extremely finely dissected leaves, offering incredible texture all year round. To do. New growth is dyed red and fades slightly before becoming a coppery-orange hue in the fall. , very low maintenance. Its low, raised habits make it useful as a container or as an underlying ground cover.
3. ‘Elegantissima’ English Boxwood
name: Buxus sempervirens “Elegantissima”
zone: 6–8
size: 6 feet tall, 4 feet wide
conditions: From full sun to full shade.Adaptable to a wide range of soil types including clay and sand
Native range: Europe, Asia, Africa
Boxwood may seem ubiquitous, but this underutilized evergreen variety is a particularly valuable hard worker in dry shade. But if left unpruned, its naturally relaxed habit provides structure year-round. The variegation is more subdued in deeper shade, but in light shade this shrub literally shines.
4. ‘Mt. Vernon Dwarf English Laurel
name: Prunus lauroceras ‘Mt. Vernon
zone: 6–9
size: 2 feet tall and 5 feet wide
conditions: From full sun to full shade.Medium to moist, well-drained soil
Native range: Southwest Asia, Southeast Europe
The strong, glossy leaves and low, neatly spreading habit make it a worthy laurel to have even in a small space.elaborate Neat, rarely blooms or sets seeds.it doesn’t Rampant like its larger cousin, but create instead Tall, dense ground cover that tolerates nearly all growing conditions. It is a splendid foot that spreads under the hydrangea (hydrangea seed. and cvs., Zones 3–9) and other deciduous shrubs that produce spectacular winter structures in the ground. It is also the perfect partner for all other shrubs on this page. No pruning required, ‘Mt. Vernon’ requires minimal maintenance but delivers great results.
*Invasive Warning:
heaven bamboo (Nandina Domestica)
barberry (Barberry Thunbergia)
This plant is considered invasive AL, FL, GA, MD, MO, and SC.
Please come invasive plants atlas.org For more information.
Barbara Ribner Head Container Designer and Chief Merchandiser for Ravenna Gardens in Seattle.
