Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Saturday - March 06, 2010
From: Burkburnett, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Small shrub for shady area
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I would like to find a shrub to plant on the north, northeast side of my house, but it will be in mostly shade. It needs to get between 21/2' to 4' tall. Do you have any suggestions please?ANSWER:
These plants will all grow in part shade (2 to 6 hours sun per day) and some will grow in shade (less than 2 hours sun per day).
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Wright's desert honeysuckle) can be pruned to the size you desire.
Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) can be pruned each winter to keep in your size range.
Chromolaena odorata (Jack in the bush) will die back to roots in hard winter.
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) will grow in shade, part shade and sun. There are dwarf varieties and it can be trimmed into a shrub of the desired size. Also, it is evergreen.
Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita) is evergreen and but it does have sharp spines on the end of its leaves.
Salvia regla (mountain sage) grows in shade and part shade and recommended to be pruned to encourage busy growth.
Glossopetalon planitierum (plains greasebush) grows in part shade and is low-growing.
Rhus microphylla (littleleaf sumac) grows in part shade, can be pruned and is fast-growing.
Zinnia grandiflora (Rocky Mountain zinnia) is very low-growing (6-8 inches) in part shade.
Here are some photos of the above from our Image Gallery:
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Native grasses for dry shade in North Central Texas
March 09, 2008 - I live in North Central Texas and have an area that is 80% shade and a dry soil condition. What native grasses would be suitable for this location?
view the full question and answer
Ground cover under Spruces from West Chester PA
December 06, 2012 - Trying to get a native groundcover (or any grass/wildflower/fern) planting established under a small stand of spruces. Established stand (30+ years old), so lots of needles on ground. Just about tot...
view the full question and answer
Plants for a mixed border in Houston
February 22, 2010 - I live in Houston and have a flowerbed I'd like to fill with plants that will look good year-round. The back is already lined with 6-foot shrubs so nothing like that. I'd like something with colorf...
view the full question and answer
Vines for Shade in Upstate New York
April 23, 2013 - Hello! I am looking for a non-invasive vine that will grow in heavy shade near my house in upstate New York.
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant shade shrubs for Lago Vista, TX.
June 24, 2010 - I purchased a home in Lago Vista, Tx. It has a very shady front yard. I want to plant some blooming shrubs that THE DEER WON'T EAT! I would prefer native plants for the area. What should I look f...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
