Partial Shade Landscaping Ideas

I can’t think of ever having been in a garden that did not have some shady areas, and the question arises what to plant there.  Adding the right kind of plants to partly shaded spots in your yard will not only brighten the dark area but also increase its attractiveness.  But you must consider the requirements of this landscape when selecting plants for shady or partially shady areas.  Evaluate if the area is shady all day long or does it get some sun at some point? I came across this article talking about partial shade landscaping ideas and was originally published here.

Read on for some partial shade landscaping ideas for your consideration.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are low-growing plants using a spreading or creeping habit that engulf the area, covering the unattractive ground. Yellow archangel (Lamium Galeobdolon) is a shade-loving plant reaching 1 to 2 ft tall and grows well in USDA zones 4 through 9. Its green leaves are splashed with silver accents and little yellow flowers appear in spring. Yellow archangel tolerates dry, shallow, and rocky dirt and is resistant to deer and drought. Cymbalaria (Cymbalaria aequitriloba) grows to just about 2 inches tall in USDA zones 6 through 10. This compact mat-forming perennial has small dark green leaves and lilac-blue flowers. Cymbalaria is a quick grower, tolerates foot traffic, and functions well as a ground cover in dense shade but can also grow in partially shaded areas.

Evergreen Shrubs

Evergreen shrubs are versatile plants you can use to conceal unsightly foundations and border walkways. They can also act as a living fence. There are several evergreen species that grow well in areas where they will get little to no sunlight. The North Star Boxwood shown in the image (Buxus sempervirens “Katerberg”) is a compact evergreen shrub suitable to plant in hardiness zones 5 through 9. This shade-loving plant attains 24 to 32 inches high and is resistant to deer. North Star boxwood is an easy-care plant. It also functions well as a border, hedge, or base pant. “Picturata” aucuba (Aucuba japonica “Picturata”) commonly know as Spotted Laurel grows in shaded areas in USDA zones 7 through 10. 4 to 6 feet tall, producing deep green foliage accented with golden yellow centers. This evergreen has various landscaping applications like a specimen or — when planted in groups — border plant.

Flowering Perennials

Flowering perennials offer color to partially shaded areas. “Do Tell” Peony likes part shade to full sun in USDA zones 3 through 8 and attracts butterflies. This moderate grower functions well as a specimen plant or planted en masse to make a border. “Floating Hybrid Yellow” bush lily (Clivia miniata “Belgian Hybrid Yellow”) is a tropical perennial growing in areas with partial shade or full sun. In spring, clusters of yellow blooms appear on tall flower stems that protrude up from the broad, bladelike leaves. “Belgian Hybrid Yellow” grows in USDA zones 9 through 11 reaching 2 feet tall. It can grow alone or in group plantings.

The blossoms of the “Do Tell” peony and “Belgian Hybrid Yellow” bush lily really are a lovely addition to cut floral arrangements.

Entrances and Corners

Shrubs will help soften the harsh lines of corners and will frame entries, drawing the eye to the front of your property. “Iowa” Chinese juniper (Juniperus Chinensis “Iowa”) will thrive in partial shade to full sun in USDA zones 3 through 9 using a narrow, columnar shape. This evergreen shrub reaches 10 to 15 feet tall and tolerates moist dirt. “Iowa” produces grayish-green foliage and ornamental silvery-blue grapes. “Sky Pencil” Japanese holly (Ilex crenata “Sky Pencil”) grows in partial shade to full sunlight in USDA zones 6 through 8. Its narrow shape gives it a pencil-like appearance because it grows 4 to 10 feet tall but just 1 to 3 feet broad. “Sky Pencil” has little, deep green leaves and small greenish-white flowers. If these flowers are pollinated, purplish drupes using a berrylike appearance will appear once the blooms are spent.

There many more options of plants suitable for partial shade landscaping available.  You can either find them by doing a Google search or by visiting Nursery Centers websites.  Of course, we would be happy to give you advice and assist.

Shamrock Landscape Co, located in Benicia and serving surrounding cities such as Vallejo and American Canyon has been in business since 1978.  While our focus is mainly on residential and commercial lawn maintenance and weed abatement we assist our clients with most of the gardening needs.  When you call us, you speak to me the owner – (707) 647-2000.

This content was originally published here.