Suggestions for plants/bushes in dry shade

17 years ago

We have a large overhang on the front of our house. I would say that it comes out at least six feet. Our house is north facing as well. Anyway, we currently have nothing growing in this area and it is very bare. Any ideas for plants, bushes, etc. that will grow in dry shade? I don't have a problem watering in the spring and summer, but will not water in the winter months. NO IVY either! Thanks

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Comments (7)

Iris GW
17 years ago
Look at this previous messages on the shrub forum for dry shade (just click the link below). There might be some ideas for you there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dry shade search on shrubs forum
garden4510
17 years ago
Aspidistra and Aucuba are about all you can use that will do well. Maybe Fatsia or Fatshedera. Maybe Mahonai bealei or one of the other Mahonias. Maybe some ferns. The situation you described is very difficult indeed. If it is not too large an area, buy houseplants like Dracaena and Strelitzia nicolai and bury the pots each summer. Then move them into the garage over winter.
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brampton
17 years ago
My suggestion would be to put plants into the edge of the shade, especially those that spread, and see how they do. If you enrich the soil with organic matter, so that it will hold water, and mulch deeply so that it stays moist, you should be able to do well with many different woodland plants.

Shrubs:
Berberis; Euonymus; Lonicera (most kinds); Sarcococca (I wish I could grow this one!)

Aconitum - Monkshoods, some species
Aegopodium -Goutweed - less vigorous in dry shade
Ajuga
Alchemilla - Lady's Mantle
Alliums (not too far into the shade)
Anemone x hybridas
Aquilegia
Arum italicum
Aster divaricatus
Bergenia
Brunnera in all forms
Campanula portenschlagiana
Campanula poscharskyana
Carex - several varieties
Ceratostigma plumbaginoides -- "Plumbago"
Chiastophyllum oppositifolium
Chrysogonum virginiana - "Green and gold"
Cyclamen -- the hardy tuberous species
Dicentra spectablis
Digitalis
Dryopteris ferns
Epimediums
Eucomis
Eupatorium -- several varieties suitable
Euphorbia
Galium odoratum
Geraniums - some of the perennial species
Helleborus
Hemerocallis - Daylilies
Heucheras
Hosta
Hyacinthinoids
Indigofera kirolowii
Iris cristata
Iris tectorum
Kniphofia
Lamiums
Liriope
Luzula
Melissa officinalis
Ophiopogon - many kinds
Pachysandra procumbens
Phlox divaricata -Woodland Phlox
Polygonatum
Polystichum Ferns
Primula veris & vulgaris
Pulmonaria
Sanguinaria - Bloodroot
Saruma henryi
Scilla
Sedums -- some shade-tolerant
Symphytum
Tellima
Thalictrum -- several species
Tiarella
Veronica 'Georgia Blue'
Viola - canadensis, labradorica, etc.
Waldsteinia
Zizia aptera and Z.aurea
terryisthinking
16 years ago
Winter Honeysuckle bush
Mock Orange
tinylady
16 years ago
I have the same question. Here is my side yard that the only thing that grows is moss. I would like to add something to the edge of the woods, besides a fence if any one buys that lot.

{{gwi:1065773}}
lizfriedel
16 years ago
Tiny Lady, OMG! What a pallat! My mind is spinning. I could suggest so much. My favorite off the top of my head is a mixed Camellia walk. OOOOO the possibilities.
moscenicrivers
16 years ago
If you can keep the soil semi-moist, then this may be an option:

http://www.missouriscenicrivers.com/shade-shrubs.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Best Full Shade Shrub (Bush)