Plants for Dry Shade

Suggestions for groundcovers that can be planted in dry, shady areas.

Vinca major
Item # 98250 		Vinca major
Big Leaf Periwinkle

each $4.99
3 or more $4.79
Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’
Item # 10910 		Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegatum’
Variegated Bishop’s Weed

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

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Of course our favorite annuals—violas, petunias, begonias, coleuses, fuchsias, lobelia – all find a way into the moister, richer parts of our gardens. But what happens to those other areas, the spots that are shady and dry?

Usually around here this means areas under ponderosas, pinons, other conifers and other trees in general. Lots of times dry shady areas are also along the outside walls of houses.

Dry Shade

The area under trees is dry because the tree canopies shed the rain and snow, which keeps the water from getting under the trees. So the main problem is lack of moisture.

In keeping with the xeric principles of low-watering, the following groundcovers like dry, shady areas. They are just a sample of what’s available so ask our staff members for other recommendations.

  • 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.
  • Symphytum grandiflorum ‘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 ideal for many inhospitable of spots. It’s a large leafed evergreen that grows equally well in deep shade or semi-shady spots. Good by itself on hillsides. Will overrun other flowers. Zones 4-9.

When planting in dry shade areas, you open up a garden’s “visuality”—corners lost in the dark brighten and this tends to expand the feel of any garden.