Nursery Care Sheets
Shade Gardening

While some people think that shade gardens consist mainly of hostas and ferns, the reality is that shade gardens can be just as unique and diverse as any other garden with the proper planning and plant selection. It is important to know how much shade truly exists in an area, as different species of plants require differing amounts of shade. To aid the gardener in placement, most plants come with an informational tag denoting the amount of light it will need to succeed. These tags often include terms such as part sun, part shade, and shade, but what exactly do these terms mean?

  • Full Sun areas receive at least 6 hours of sun, or less than 25% of light filtered by trees
  • Full Sun/Part Shade areas receive 4-5 hours of sun or less, or 50% of light filtered by trees.
  • Full Shade areas receive 1 hour of direct sun or less, or 100% of light filtered by trees.

It is important to note that the amount and density of shade an area receives may vary throughout the year or even over multiple years. When considering a planting , remember to consider the surroundings as well. For example, if the shade provided is a result of a nearby house, then it is reasonably safe to assume that the house will be there to shade the area in the future. However, if the shade is the result of a nearby tree, that tree may grow to provide more shade in the years to come or it may be pruned lessening the amount of shade the area receives.

1. Consider pruning or thinning out closely spaced trees and shrubs to open up the canopy and let the desired amount of light into the area.

2. Inventory the existing plants and identify those that may make it difficult to dig or maintain adequate moisture in the area.

3.When selecting plant material, be inspired by the varying textures and foliage colors available along with the flowers to create depth.

4. Consider the addition of native woodland wildflowers. These plants are often natural shade lovers that provide early season appeal.

5. Experiment with combinations of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees to attain a full and unique garden.

Use the following lists to help determine the best shade tolerant plants for you.

Annuals
Ageratum
Begonia
Browallia
Caladium
Cleome
Coleus
Fuchsia
Impatiens
Lobelia
Pansy
Torenia
Viola

Perennials
Short (6-12”)
Ajuga repens
Anemone sylvestris
Asarum canadense
Bergenia cordifolia
Canvallaria majallis
Epimedium Sspp.
Gallium odoratum
Hedera helix ‘Thorndale
Lamium maculatum

Myosotis alpestris
Pachysandra terminalis
Phlox stolonifera
Primula spp.
Pulmonaria
Tiarella cordifolia
Vinca minor

Medium (12-30”)
Alchemilla mollis
Aquilegia spp.
Aster divaricatus
Astilbe spp.
Brunnera macrophylla
Corydalis lutea
Dicentra exima
Ferns
Geranium macrorhizum
Helleborus foetidus
Heuchera spp.
Hosta spp.
Phlox divaricata
Polemonium caerulea
Polygonatum spp.
Trycyrtis spp.

Tall (Over 30”)
Aconitum spp.
Aruncus dioicus
Baptisia australis
Dicentra spectabilis
Filipendula spp.
Ligularia spp.
Macleaya cordata
Thalictrum spp.

Ornamental Grasses
Carex spp.
Chasmanthium latifolium
Deschampsia caespitosa
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aurea

Trees
Amur Maple
Japanese maple
Buckeye
Serviceberry
FalseCypress
Pawpaw
Hornbeam

Redbud
White Fringetree
Hemlock
Pagoda Dogwood
Korean Dogwood
Cornelian Cherry
Beech
Arborvitae
Hophornbeam
Sourwood
Persian Parrotia
Stewartia
Yew

Shrubs
Boxwood
Beautyberry
Sweetshrub
Summersweet
Dogwood
Fothergilla
Holly
Hemlock
Hydrangea
Rhododendron
Winterhazel
Witchhazel

Be careful to note the soil moisture in the area to be planted. Shady areas tend to hold more moisture than sunny areas and that can play an important role in plant selection.