Top Six Plants for Shade

Video by Michaela Parker 

With some spare time on your hands, now is a great time to think about ways to spruce up your landscape over the next year. If you have shady areas in your landscape, the Smart Landscapes team recommends six plants that tolerate partial to full shade areas: 

1. Hostas – If you want to add a tropical look to your landscape, this is the plant for you! It’s one of the best perennials for a shade garden and comes in a variety of blue and green variations. Hostas can be planted in either fall or spring. If planting in spring, make sure you wait until colder temps are out of the forecast. 
2. Salvias - Salvias are another great perennial to plant in your landscape. There are several different varieties that grow well in partial to full shade areas. Salvias grow great in large containers and often attract bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies! 
3. Camellias - Adding camellias to your landscape is a great way to add a major pop of color! It is recommended to plant camellias in the fall to ensure proper moisture, but planting in the spring is also fine. 
4. Native azaleas - Don’t confuse these with the evergreen shrubs with stunning blooms that grow in most Southern yards. Native azaleas almost have a honeysuckle look to them and are very fragrant! These shrubs are best planted in late fall or early spring. 
5. Native dogwoods - Native dogwoods are ideal for small landscapes and attract a variety of birds to your yard. They can be planted anytime if watered carefully, but it is recommended to plant in either fall or spring. 
6. Japanese maples - Planting a Japanese maple tree will incorporate beautiful colors to your landscape. If you have a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, that is the ideal spot for the Japanese maple to thrive. Fall is a great time to plant your tree. 

If you want to incorporate a few of these plants into your landscape this spring, be sure to call your local garden store to see what they have available. Many stores have pick-up or delivery services available. If you don’t want to worry about planting right now, you can grab crayons or colored pencils to sketch out your plan for when you’re ready.

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Feel free to reach out to our Smart Landscapes experts, Bob Brzuszek, Pat Drackett, and Eddie Smith, with all your landscape questions!