Direction & Shade
EASTERN EXPOSURE
from sunrise to noon is considered perfect for a shade garden. Sunrise is the most gentle kind of light.
NORTHERN EXPOSURE
is light without direct sun, a lack of shadows and is often referred to as “artist light”. This would be the second best place to create a shade garden.
SOUTHERN EXPOSURE
will need something to create a screen from the sun such as trees, shrubs or other garden structures. Sun will travel across the garden in this location and can be a good site for mixing some sun and shade plants together.
WESTERN EXPOSURE
is the least desirable spot for a shade garden as the sun in the afternoon will be too hot.
Needled Evergreens
Microbiota, Siberian Cypress
Taxus, Yew
Thuja, Arborvitae
Tsuga canadensis, Canadian Hemlock
Broadleaf Evergreens
Azalea, Azalea
Buxus, Boxwood
Euonymous, Euonymous – Evergreen types except gold variegated forms
Ilex, Holly
Kalmia, Mountain Laurel
Myrica, Bayberry
Pieris, Japanese Andromeda
Rhododendron, Rhododendron
Evergreen & Deciduous Trees
Amelanchier, Serviceberry
Cercis, Eastern Redbud
Cornus, Dogwood
*Cornus florida will tolerate part shade only because of anthracnose disease
Corylus, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
Tsuga canadensis, Canadian Hemlock
Deciduous Shrubs
Aronia, Chokeberry
Azalea Exbury, Exbury Azalea
Clethra, Sweet Pepper Bush
Hydrangea, Hydrangea, Snowball
Itea virginiana, Virginia Sweet Spire
Viburnum
Perennials
Aegopodium, Snow-on-the-Mountain/Bishop’s Weed
Aquilegia, Columbine
Ajuga, Bugleweed
Aruncus, Goat’s Beard
Asarum, European/Canadian Ginger
Astilbe, Feather Flower
Bergenia, Saxifrago
Brunnera, Alkanet / False Forget-Me-Not
Corydalis, Corydalis
Dicentra, Bleeding Hearts
Epimedium, Barrenwort
Ferns
Galium, Sweet Woodruff
Heuchera, Coral Bells
Heucherella, Foamy Bells
Hosta, Hosta/Plantain Lily
Lamiastrum, Yellow Archangel
Lamium, Spotted Dead Nettle
Liriope, Lilyturf
Lobelia, Cardinal Flower
Mertensia, Virginia Bluebells
Primula, Primrose
Pulmonaria, Lungwort/Bethlehem Sage
Thalictrum, Meadow Rue
Tiarella, Foamflower
Tradescantia, Spiderwort
Tricyrtis, Japanese Toad Lilies
Ground Covers
Ajuga, Bugleweed
Asarum, European/Canadian Ginger
Euonymous fortunei, Big Leaf Wintercreeper
Galium, Sweet Woodruff
Hedera helix, English Ivy
Lamiastrum, Yellow Archangel
Lamium, Spotted Dead Nettle
Liriope, Lily Turf
Mazus, Mazus
Pachysandra, Japanese Spurge