Plants and Shrubs for Shade with

Plants and Shrubs for Shade with Average to Dry Soil

(Adapted from http://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/PlantFacts.html and NCState database http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/shrubs/scientific_namesa-c.html )

P = Partial shade

F = Full shade Most full sun plants will tolerate light shade although they may be less dense than if grown in full sun. No designation is listed for these plants.

W = Tolerates wet soils

D = Tolerates dry shade (If no designation for moisture, assume plant requires regular soil moisture)

Shrubs
Name	Description	Light, Moisture
Acanthopanax sieboldianus Fiveleaf Aralia	6' -10' shrub upright with arching branches that flop over Flower: small greenish-white flowers in umbel in early summer Fruit: modest production of small black fruit Leaf: alternate, palmately compound leaves with 5 to 7 leaflets; 1 to 2.5" long; bright green; non-showy fall color - mostly yellow Comments: Can be severely pruned; easy to transplant and adapts to poor growing conditions; makes a good screen or barrier; tends to suckerfast-growing; holds leaves very late; tolerates deep shade	F,D
Aesculus parviflora Bottlebrush Buckeye	6' -10' wide-spreading multi-stemmed shrub; upright slender stems Flower: creamy-white spidery flowers in summer on 6 to 24" panicles; red anthers; Fruit: 1 to 3" pear-shaped capsules containing a polished brown seed Leaf: Opposite palmately compound leaves with 5 to 7 leaflets; medium to dark green; golden yellow to yellow-green fall color Comments: Attracts hummingbirds; spreads by suckers; foliage is relatively disease-free; can be severely pruned to rejuvenate; native to eastern US	P
Aronia arbutifolia Red Chokeberry	6' -10' multi-stemmed shrub; spreading; open; rounded top; tends to become leggy with age; stiff, upright habit with a vase shape Flower: 0.3" white to pink flowers in spring; Fruit: 0.25" round, bright red fruit in fall that lasts into winter; best fruit production in sun Leaf: Alternate, simple 1.5 to 3.5" leaves, salmon to brilliant scarlet fall color; color varies among seedlings Comments: native; easy to transplant; fruit has astringent taste that birds do not prefer; suckers from roots; best used in a mass planting; tends to become leggy	P,W,D
Aronia melanocarpa Black Chokeberry	3'- 5' multi-stemmed shrub; spreading; open; rounded top; tends to become leggy with age; stiff, upright habit Flower: 0.3" off-white to pink flowers in spring Fruit: shiny blackish-purple fruit Leaf: Alternate, simple 1 to 3" glossy dark green leaves; wine-red fall color; color varies among seedlings Comments: suckers profusely	P,W,D
Calycanthus floridus Sweetshrub	scented leaves and wood; unusual brown-purple flowers that smell like pineapple	P,W,D
Cornus mas Corneliancherry Dogwood	large shrub; tasty berries attract wildlife	P
Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood	Native - potentially invasive 6'-15' tall shrub, with smooth, gray twigs Flower: white, 4-parted; inflorescence a loose, branched cluster (cyme); blooms May-June Fruit: white berry, on red stems Leaf: opposite, stalked, oval to lance-like with a long tip, pale below, 1.5"-4" long	F,W,D
Cornus rugosa Round Leaf Dogwood	Native - 3' - 10' tall shrub; stems green, smooth with warts. Flower: white, 4-parted; inflorescence a 1 1/2" - 2 1/2" rather dense, branched cluster (cyme); blooms May-June Fruit: light blue berry Leaf: opposite, stalked, broadly ovate, pale and softly hairy below, 2"-6" long	F, D
Corylopsis glabrescens Fragrant Winterhazel	early yellow fragrant flowers; no pests or diseases	P
Cotoneaster lucidus Hedge Cotoneaster	beautiful fall color; tolerant of pruning; glossy leaves	P,D
Euonymus alata Burning Bush	brilliant fall color even in shade	F
Euonymus fortunei Wintercreeper	evergreen; many variegated cultivars available; shrubby or vining	F
Fothergilla gardenii Dwarf Fothergilla	beautiful fall color; showy white fragrant flowers; 2-3 feet high	P
Hydrangea arborescens Snowhill Hydrangea	large white flowers on new stems; flowers dry on plant	P
Hydrangea paniculata Panicle Hydrangea	flowers well in partial shade; coarse texture, big flowers	P
Hypericum species St. Johnswort	attractive gold-yellow flowers in summer; blue-green foliage	P,D
Itea virginica Virginia Sweetspire	beautiful fall color; white flowers in summer	F,W,D
Kerria japonica 'Picta' Japanese Kerria	white-edged leaves; profuse yellow flowers	F
Ligustrum obtusifolium var. regelianum Regelís Border Privet	attractive persistent berries; unique horizontal branching pattern	P,D
Lindera benzoin Spicebush	good naturalizing plant; does well in deep shade and moist areas; stems aromatic	P,D
Mahonia aquifolium Oregon Grapeholly	glossy evergreen foliage; clusters of yellow flowers followed by blue berries; does well in dry shade	P,D
Myrica pensylvanica Bayberry	fragrant leaves and stems; suckers to form colony; does well on poor soil	P,D
Rhododendron Rhododendron or Azalea	beautiful flowers in spring; evergreen foliage is nice foil for rest of summer	P
Rhus aromatica Fragrant Sumac	glossy leaves, suckering habitómakes dense mass; roots easily where stems touch soil	F
Ribes alpinum Alpine Currant	dense foliage plant; tolerates pruning well; excellent foil for plants with colored foliage	F
Rubus odoratus Flowering Raspberry	attractive red fruits (inedible); spreads as groundcover	P,D
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Indiancurrant Coralberry	small blue-green leaves; attractive abundant red fruits even in shade	F,D,W
Taxus Yew	good background plant with rich green evergreen foliage	F
Viburnum carlesii Koreanspice Viburnum	fragrant flowers in partial shade; attractive fall color	P
Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum	brilliant fall color in partial shade; attractive blue fruits birds love	P
Viburnum prunifolium Blackhaw Viburnum	blue-black fruits; horizontal habit; attractive fall color	P
Viburnum trilobum American Cranberry Viburnum	attractive lacecap flowers and red translucent fruits that persist through winter	P

Perennials (many of these can be used as ground cover)
Name	Description	Light, Moisture
Aconitum species Monkshood	attractive foliage, fall flowers (all parts of plant are poisonous)	F, D
Actaea pachypoda White Baneberry	attractive white flowers followed by white berries in deep shade (berries poisonous)	F
Actaea rubra Red Baneberry	same as White Baneberry except red berries (also poisonous)	F
Astilbe chinensis False Goat's Beard	many colors; finely dissected foliage; excellent border plant	P,W, D

Bergenia species Bergenia	bold, evergreen foliage; flower best in partial shade; drought tolerant; stalks of rose flowers in late winter	P,D

Brunnera macrophylla Siberian bugloss	large, heart-shaped leaves, forget-me-not type of flowers	F,D
Carex morrowii var. expallida Japanese Sedge Grass	6-12 inch striped green and cream arching leaves; forms clumps	P
Chasmanthium latifolium Northern Sea Oats	flowers dangle on thread-like pedicels, resemble oats; only grass that does well in deep shade	P,D
Chelidonium majus Greater Celandine	nice in naturalistic type of garden; self-sows readily	P
Cimicifuga racemosa (syn. Actaea racemosa) Black Snakeroot	dissected leaves; 2-3 foot wands of white flowers; no maintenance	P
Convallaria majalis Lily-of-the-Valley	spreads readily (to the point of being a nuisance); sweetly scented white flowers tucked into rich green leaves (does not flower well in deep shade) INVASIVE	F,D



Dicentra eximia Fringed Bleeding Heart	flowers all summer; foliage does not die back as with D. spectabilis	P

Dicentra spectabilis Bleeding Heart	pink or white attractive flowers; dies to ground in midsummer	P

Epimedium species Barrenwort	tolerates dry shade; unusual flowers; dense ground cover; emerging foliage bronze; competes well with tree roots	H,D


Ferns: Ostrich Fern, Cinnamon Fern, Lady fern, etc.	add a lush, soft look to the shade garden; dramatic vase shape	F

Helleborus niger Christmas Rose	evergreen foliage with white to pink flowers in late winter	P

Helleborus orientalis Lenten Rose	low-maintenance ground cover; flowers range from white to pink to maroon	P

Hosta species Funkia	endless cultivars of many colors and variegations; maintenance-free; spikes of white or purple flowers, some fragrant	F

Iris cristata Dwarf Crested Iris	Pale blue with gold-crested falls	P, D
Iris tectorum Roof Iris	Deep lilac-blue purple with white crest	P, D
Iris pumila Dwarf Bearded Iris	Various colors, spring blooming	P, D
Ligularia przewalskii Ligularia	bold foliage on most species; strong stems of bright flowers; will not tolerate western exposure	P,W, D

Liriope muscari Big Blue Lilyturf	tolerant of dry shade; spikes of purple flowers; excellent groundcover; variegated forms available (may not survive very cold winters)	F,D


Phalaris arundinacea var. picta Ribbon Grass	green and white variegation; spreads by rhizomes; does well in moist partial shade; can be aggressive. More restrained in dry conditions.	P,W, D
Phlox divaricata Woodland Phlox	Pale blue/violet flowers May to June	P, D


Polygonatun odoratum 'Variegatum' Solomon's Seal	woodland plants with arching stems that hold pendulous flowers; leaves have cream edges and tips	F


Pulmonaria Lungwort	form clumps or rosettes, leaves are often spotted in silvery-white, spring-blooming	F, P, D
Primula species Primrose	many colors available; spring-blooming; attractive rugose leaves	P

Pulmonaria saccharata Bethlehem Sage	leaves dappled silver and gray; pink, purple, blue, white flowers; many cultivars available; flowers in deep shade	F


Tiarella cordifolia Foamflower	makes compact mat with spreading underground stems; flowers resemble Astilbe	F


Thalictrum species Meadow rue	Delicate ferny foliage, frothy flowers	F, P, W, D
Tricyrtis hirta Hairy Toad Lily	arching stems with unusual flowers; plant where flowers can be observed	P
Uvularia grandiflora Bellwort	nodding yellow flowers; drooping leaves	P
Zizia aptera Heart-leaved Alexander	Woodland plant, tiny flowers in a flat-topped cluster 2 inches across – May to August	P, D

Ground Covers
Name	Description	Light, Moisture
Ajuga reptans Bugleweed	spreads quickly; spikes of purple flowers; many cultivars available with varying leaf textures	F
Asarum europaeum European Ginger	shiny, evergreen carpet-like groundcover; thrives in deep to partial shade; tolerates dryness	F,D
Chrysogonum virginianum Goldenstar	attractive yellow flowers cover the mat-like plants; blooms from spring to late summer	P
Euonymus fortunei Wintercreeper Euonymus	many cultivars available; evergreen; covers quickly	F,D
Galium odoratum Sweet Woodruff	delicate white flowers held above palmate leaves	F
Hedera helix English Ivy	dark, glossy evergreen leaves; thrives in deep shade	F,D
Iris cristata Crested Iris	early blooming; spreads by rhizomes to form a 6-inch-tall ground cover; grows best in poor soils	P
Lamiastrum galeobdolon 'Variegatum' Yellow Archangel	bright silver variegated foliage with yellow flowers	P
Lamium maculatum Spotted Nead Nettle	white variegated foliage with purple or white flowers in early spring; tolerates dry shade	P,D
Pachysandra terminalis Japanese Spurge	bright evergreen leaves; inconspicuous but fragrant flowers	F
Phlox divaricata Woodland Phlox	twelve to fifteen inches tall; blue fragrant flowers	F
Phlox stolonifera Creeping Phlox	forms heavy mat under very shady conditions; violet to lavender flowers	F
Sedum ternatum Whorled Stonecrop	only sedum that tolerates shade well; white flowers in late spring; 2-6 inches tall	P,D
Veronica prostrata Prostrate Speedwell	bright blue flowers; 8-10 inches high	P
Vinca minor Periwinkle	blue, purple or white flowers; glossy evergreen leaves	F
Waldstenia Barren Strawberry	Looks like strawberry plant with bright yellow flowers	P, D

Annuals
Name	Description	Light, Moisture
Anchusa capensis Summer Forget-Me-Not	bright blue flowers on tall stems; cut back after first flush to have rebloom	F
Begonia semperflorens-cultorum Wax Begonia	many colors available; will tolerate dry shade; blooms all summer; no maintenance	F,D
Begonia x tuberhybrida Tuberous Begonia	bold, bright flowers; must be kept moist	P
Caladium x hortulanum Caladium	grown for foliage in all shades of greens, pinks, white and silver; bold addition to any planting	P
Catharanthus roseus Periwinkle	shiny green foliage sets off distinct pink or white flowers; tolerates dry conditions	P,D
Coleus x hybridus Coleus	grown for foliage of all colors; particularly bright in shade	P
Impatiens wallerana Dizzy Lizzy	many colors available; flowers continuously; only maintenance required is fertilization	F
Lobelia erinus Garden Lobelia	tiny, intense blue or white flowers on slender stems; excellent for hanging basket or window box	P
Myosotis sylvatica Forget-Me-Not	tiny abundant blue flowers with yellow centers; make solid carpet under trees	P
Nierembergia hippomanica Cup Flower	violet to blue cup-shaped flowers; bloom all summer but peak in fall	P
Viola species Pansy, Johnny Jump-up, Violet	many old favorites in all colors; usually spring blooming but pansies can be pushed to bloom all summer if well watered	P

Vines
Name	Description	Light, Moisture
Actinidia arguta Bower Actinidia	glossy leaves; holds leaves late; requires support; edible fruits	P
Actinidia kolomikta Kolomikta Actinidia	leaves have pink to white blotch as if dipped in paint; twining stems	P
Akebia quinata Five-leaved Akebia	palmate blue-green leaves; unique purple flowers	F,W,D
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Porcelain Vine	finely toothed leaves; bright aqua and purple berries; 'Elegans' has fine silver variegation on leaves	P
Aristolochia duror Dutchman's Pipe	large, bold leaves; good screen; unique flowers	P
Celastrus scandens American Bittersweet	will not fruit heavily in shade; clear green leaves; quick cover; need male and female for fruit	P,D
Clematis species Clematis	will not flower heavily in shade; twining petioles; tough vine with beautiful flowers; lovely when scrambling up trees	P
Hydrangea anomala subsp. Petiolaris Climbing Hydrangea	clings to tree bark or masonry; peeling stems; lacecap type flowers	F
*Ipomoea alba Moonflower Vine	beautiful white flowers that bloom in the evening	P
*Ipomoea purpurea Morning Glory	twining vine with blue to purple to pink flowers	P
Lathyrus latifolius Perennial Sweetpea	twining vines, sweetly scented flowers	P
Lonicera heckrottii Goldflame Honeysuckle	flowers red and yellow; sturdy vine; flowers all summer	P
Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle	white to yellow fragrant flowers throughout summer; spreads quickly, can become rampant in warm climates	P
Menispermum canadense Moonseed	twining vine; large leaves effective for screening; flowers not spectacular	P
Parthenocissus quinquifolia Virginia Creeper	excellent fall color; quick covering; climbs with sticky holdfasts	F,D
Parthenocissus tricuspidata Boston Ivy	companion to P. quinquifolia; excellent fall color; blue fruits	F,D
*Annual vine

Bulbs
Name	Description	Light, Moisture
Cyclamen species	many types available; most are early spring-blooming	P,D
Erythronium species Trout Lily or Dog-Tooth Violet	yellow or pink flowers; some foliage has pale dappling	P
Fritillaria meleagris Checkered Lily	tall stalks bear purple bells in spring	P
Leucojum species Spring or Summer Snowflake	tall nodding white bells; best in partial shade	P
Scilla species Bluebells	spread readily to make a carpet of blue; use where something else will cover foliage in summer	P

Shrubs

Perennials (many of these can be used as ground cover)

Ground Covers

Annuals

Vines

Bulbs