Native Plants
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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.
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Tuesday - January 08, 2008
From: Charleston, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Shade-loving native plants for South Carolina
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am looking to incorporate a native plants section in my backyard. Shade seems to be a limiting factor in some parts, especially where I would look to create a natural hedge bordering my neighbor's yard. Any ideas for plantings?ANSWER:
You can find a list of native plants for South Carolina on our Recommended Species page. You can narrow your list for South Carolina by selecting the plants' characteristics or growing conditions, e.g., select "Shrubs" under Habits and "Part shade" and "Shade" under Light requirement. This will give you a list of shrubs that are native to South Carolina that will grow well in shade and/or part shade. These should be good choices for making a natural hedge. Mr. Smarty Plants has a few suggestions from that list:EVERGREENS
Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel)
Rhododendron maximum (great laurel)
DECIDUOUS
Comptonia peregrina (sweet fern)
Euonymus americanus (bursting-heart)
Hydrangea arborescens (wild hydrangea)
Hypericum prolificum (shrubby St. Johnswort)
Lindera benzoin (northern spicebush)
Physocarpus opulifolius (common ninebark)
Rhododendron calendulaceum (flame azalea)
You can, of course, narrow the South Carolina list for herbs, trees, vines, etc., also, and for other growing conditions.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
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August 02, 2009 - I am in zone 9. What shade trees can I plant that will not be invasive to foundations or driveways?
Thank you,
Mr. Smarty Plants
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