Trees and Plants That Love the Shade

Some gardeners may think that shady areas are doomed to be dull and lifeless, but that’s not true. There are many trees and plants that can thrive in low-light conditions and add beauty and interest to your landscape. Whether you have a small courtyard, a woodland garden, or a spot under a large tree, you can find shade-loving plants that will suit your needs. Here are some of the best trees and plants that love the shade.

Trees for Shade

Trees are often the backbone of a garden, providing structure, height, and shade. However, not all trees can grow well in shady locations. Some trees need full sun to produce flowers or fruits, while others may become leggy or weak without enough light. Fortunately, there are some trees that have adapted to grow in low-light environments, such as forest floors, deep valleys, or caves. These trees can tolerate full shade or partial shade, depending on the species. Here are some of the best trees for shade:

• American beech (Fagus grandifolia): This deciduous tree has silky, oval pale green leaves that darken in summer and turn yellow-brown in autumn. It produces edible beech nuts that are favored by wildlife and humans. It can live up to 400 years in full shade in dense forests¹².
• American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana): This deciduous tree has a fluted, gray trunk with green catkins appearing in spring. It produces clusters of winged nuts in autumn as the leaves turn orange and red. It is also known as ironwood for its strong wood²³.
• Big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum): This deciduous tree has huge leaves that can grow up to two feet long, deeply lobed, and dark green turning to yellow and orange-yellow in autumn. It can thrive in dark and dense areas as well as sunny areas. It needs plenty of water to grow well²⁴.
• Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis): This evergreen conifer has fine-textured needles that are dark green above and silvery-white below. It produces small cones that hang from the branches. It is one of the few evergreens that can tolerate shade²⁵.
• Japanese maple (Acer palmatum): This deciduous tree has delicate leaves that are palm-shaped, serrated, and often colorful. It comes in many varieties that differ in size, shape, color, and leaf pattern. It prefers partial shade to protect it from scorching sun²⁶.
• Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia): This deciduous tree has a distinctive horizontal branching pattern that resembles a pagoda. It has clusters of white flowers in spring followed by blue-black berries in summer. It has dark green leaves that turn purple-red in fall² .
• Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): This deciduous tree has large, tropical-looking leaves that are dark green above and silvery-green below. It produces edible fruits that taste like bananas or mangoes. It can grow in full shade or partial shade, depending on the climate² .
• Sugar maple (Acer saccharum): This deciduous tree is famous for its sap that is used to make maple syrup. It has lobed leaves that are green in summer and turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. It can grow in partial shade but needs some sun for optimal growth² .
• Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata): This evergreen conifer has needle-like leaves that are dark green above and pale green below. It produces red berries that are attractive but poisonous. It can grow in full shade or partial shade but needs well-drained soil.

Plants for Shade

Plants are often the stars of a garden, adding color, texture, and fragrance to your space. However, not all plants can flourish in shady areas. Some plants need full sun to bloom or produce fruits, while others may become spindly or diseased without enough light. Luckily, there are some plants that have adapted to grow in low-light conditions, such as under trees, along walls, or in containers. These plants can tolerate full shade or partial shade, depending on the species. Here are some of the best plants for shade:

• Hostas (Hosta spp.): These perennials are valued for their lush, dense foliage and large decorative leaves. They come in many varieties that differ in size, shape, color, and pattern. They also produce spikes of purple, white, or pink flowers in summer. They can grow in deep shade and difficult sites, such as underneath trees .
• Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana): These annuals are popular for their bright and cheerful flowers that come in many colors and shapes. They bloom profusely from spring to frost and can fill shady areas with color. They prefer moist and rich soil .
• Begonias (Begonia spp.): These annuals or perennials have attractive foliage and flowers that vary in color, shape, and size. They can grow in containers or beds and can tolerate sun or shade. They need well-drained soil and regular watering .
• Ferns (Various genera): These perennials are ancient plants that have feathery fronds and no flowers. They can create a lush and elegant look in shady areas. They come in many types that differ in size, shape, and color. They need moist and acidic soil .
• Coral bells (Heuchera spp.): These perennials have colorful foliage that ranges from green to purple to bronze. They also produce spikes of small flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They can grow in sun or shade but prefer some shade to prevent leaf scorch .
• Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): These perennials have delicate flowers that resemble butterflies or birds. They come in many colors and patterns and bloom in spring or summer. They can grow in sun or shade but prefer some shade to prolong flowering .
• Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): These evergreen or deciduous shrubs have showy clusters of flowers that come in various colors and shapes. They bloom in spring or summer and can brighten up shady areas. They need acidic and well-drained soil .
• Boxwoods (Buxus spp.): These evergreen shrubs have small, glossy leaves that are dark green or variegated. They can be pruned into formal shapes or left to grow naturally. They can grow in sun or shade but prefer some shade to prevent leaf burn .
• Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): These deciduous shrubs have large, round clusters of flowers that come in various colors and types. They bloom in summer or fall and can create a dramatic effect in shady areas. They need moist and fertile soil .
• Camellias (Camellia spp.): These evergreen shrubs have glossy leaves and elegant flowers that come in various colors and forms. They bloom in fall, winter, or spring and can add color to shady areas when other plants are dormant. They need acidic and well-drained soil .

These are just some of the trees and plants that love the shade and can enhance your garden with their beauty and charm. You can mix and match them to create different combinations and effects. With the right plant selection, you can turn any shady spot into a stunning feature of your landscape.