Shade Gardening

all about

shade gardening

What plants grow well in shade? Do any flowers bloom in shade? Are there colorful annuals and perennials for shade, or is everything just green? We get these questions a lot here in Northeast Ohio, where we’re fortunate to have amazing park systems with shade-filled forests that connect us with nature. Many of us also live on beautifully wooded properties dappled with trees and shrubs that create excellent habitats for birds and wildlife. But what’s an eager gardener to do in all that shade? We’ve got answers.

shade is an asset

If you have a shady space, be excited about it! Shade offers a unique type of gardening to explore and there is no shortage of plants that will flourish in shade to lighten & brighten those areas. Plenty of options for flowers, color, and texture are available. It’s just a matter of getting familiar with shade plants and how to care for them!

Some basic tips:

  • Determine the degree of shade (scroll for definitions) and choose plants that fit the conditions.
  • Prepare the soil and plant according to Angelo’s 6 Steps for Success, just as you would any plant.
  • Space carefully to maximize air circulation and prevent any fungal disease from setting in.
  • Fertilize & water new plants frequently because it’s likely they’re competing with established trees & shrubs for nutrients and moisture.

 

plants for shade

With many customers interested to learn more about shade-loving plants, we put together a few lists of our top plants in each category.

degrees of shade

Part Shade | 4-6 hours of direct sunlight
Also known as light shade, dappled sunlight, or intermittent shade. The pattern of sunlight travels across the ground and plants as the day unfolds. Sparsely branched trees and arbors may cast this type of shade. Many plants tagged as “Sun or Shade” or “Part Shade” or “Part Sun” will do well here, and so there’s a wide range of options.

 

Shade | 4 hours or less of direct sunlight
Also known as full shade or medium shade. This may be an open area with northern exposure, or an area under a dense canopy of trees where light is reflected onto plants from surrounding surfaces. Plants designated for “Shade”, as shade tolerant, or as woodland natives will do best here.

 

Deep Shade | No direct sunlight
Areas where tall walls, fences, decks, and evergreens block most direct light. Some reflected, indirect light may be present. Flowering options will be limited. Foliage plants will grow, but they may not display their best color and may become leggy as they reach for light. Consider moss, stones, or gravel as a landscape solution.

shade gardening

like a boss

Shade is an incredible asset to the garden. Start experimenting with new and exciting shade-loving varieties to see what works best for your space. Try to incorporate varying colors and textures of flowers and foliage, and enjoy the process!

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We have ten locations across Northeast Ohio, spanning the Cleveland, Akron-Canton, and Youngstown communities. Search here to find the location most convenient for you.

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