Plants for Shady Areas

The Southwest is not a place for tropical lush gardens. Still, the feeling of coolness can be created -- by growing plants in the shade.

Achillea x 'Paprika'
Item # 10090 		Achillea 'Paprika'
Paprika Yarrow

each $4.99
3 to 6 $4.79
7 or more $4.59

Sale! $4.49
Vinca major 'Variegata'
Item # 98255 		Vinca major 'Variegata'
Variegated Big Leaf Periwinkle

each $4.99
3 to 6 $4.79
7 or more $4.59
  • Topic: Plant Selection
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: shade, sun, cultural needs, Site Solutions
  • Date: June 2004

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The Southwest is not a place for tropical lush gardens. Still, the feeling of coolness can be created—by growing plants in the shade.

There are two types of shade: Dry shade, such as under pines, and areas that can be kept a bit moist.

Dry Shade

Pine needles don’t poison the soil. Actually, they’re helpful in bringing down the alkalinity in our clay soils. The main problem under pines is lack of moisture.

The tree canopies shed the rain and snow, which keeps the water from getting under the trees. Cut the lower limbs and trim the canopy so more light and moisture can get closer to the trunk Following are groundcovers that work well under pines and other dry shade areas:

  • Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’ is a variegated Bishop’s Weed and a vigorous grower in dry shady areas. It doesn’t mind clay soil. Zones 3-9.
  • ‘Hidcote Blue’ (Blue Flowered Ornamental Comfrey) is an early spring flowering perennial with numerous clear blue nodding flowers. Not picky about soils, it forms a weed resistant carpet of deep green foliage. Zones 4-9.
  • Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’ and ‘Red Nancy’ is sturdy and fast growing for shade and semi-shady spots. It tolerates a wide range of soils and moisture levels. The white-edged leaves light up dark garden corners. Zones 3-8
  • Vinca major (Big Leaf Periwinkle) is best for most inhospitable of spots. It’s a large leafed evergreen that grows equally well in full sun or deep shade. It will overrun other flowers, however, so plant in a spot by itself. Zones 4-9.
  • Hedra helix ‘English Ivy’ and ‘Thorndale Ivy’ are both hardy species of this groundcover that usually isn’t seen in the Southwest, but does fine and is evergreen. Careful, though. The English variety has a tendency to climb and loves to take over trees, even other vines. On the other hand, for an added touch it can be trained to climb walls. Keep out of afternoon sun. All zones.
  • Ajuga reptens Bungleweed ‘Burgundy Glow’ is a groundcover and likes any kind of soil. Zone 3.
  • Tradescantia ‘Concord Grape’ Spiderwort is a bluish-green grass that grows in dense drifts and likes dry shade. Zones 4-9.
  • Ceratostigma plumbaginoides ‘Hardy Plumbago’ is a groundcover that weaves into flowerbeds and likes any type of soil. It has deep blue, long lasting flowers. And the leaves turn red in the fall. Zones 5-9.

Other Shady Spots

Many shady corners are great for the annuals such as tuberous begonias, coleuses and fuchsias. We have many others in stock as well.

A perennial that takes nicely to the moist shade is Pulmonaria ‘Mrs. Moon,’ which is a groundcover valued for its ornamental silver spotted foliage and blue flowers in the spring. It likes rich composted soil.

Soil

Dealing with clay soil under pine trees can be tricky. Loosening it down about least a foot is necessary. Then amend it generously with compost. Even with plants that are “indifferent to soil types” amending the clay will give the new plants a head start. Also, water frequently to establish the roots.

Whether you’re planting annuals or perennials, be sure to use lots of mulch to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool.