Shade bushes: 10 essential varieties for the garden

Japanese Aucuba, a champion beneath trees

Aucuba is a perfect bush for shade, especially for difficult-to-plant areas such as tree bases. It displays evergreen, thick and glossy foliage, green or variegated with yellow, which is particularly attractive in shade. It tolerates almost anything and even copes with deep shade. Can be planted both in mixed border and as hedge and its rounded habit ensures good presence all year. Flowering is fairly insignificant but, on female plants, is followed by numerous red then black fruits, decorative throughout winter.

Cultivation :

soil ordinary, not too alkaline, rather fresh but well-drained.
Growing in large pot on shaded terrace possible.
Hardiness : -20 °C

Some interesting varieties :

Aucuba Japonica Rozannie- Spotted Laurel

une variété auto-fertile qui porte toujours des fruits et et qui pollinisera ses voisines afin qu'elles en portent également.

Période de floraison May, June
Hauteur à maturité 1,10 m

Aucuba japonica Crotonifolia- Spotted Laurel

une valeur sûre dont les mouchetures crème, tirant sur le jaune, illuminent les coins les plus sombres.

Période de floraison May, June
Hauteur à maturité 1,80 m

Aucuba japonica Golden King- Spotted Laurel

une variété très lumineuse à feuillage vert sombre largement éclaboussé de jaune doré.

Période de floraison May, June
Hauteur à maturité 1,80 m

Ideas for pairing aucuba :

Aucuba pairs well, in mixed border or as hedge, with Aralia elata, Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Mexican orange blossom or with Enkianthus. In fresh soil, can also be combined with bamboos for exotic feel, or with camellias for more classic style. Scene will benefit from adding perennial plants. In dry shade, choose robust perennials such as Asarum, Acanthus, hardy geraniums. In fresher soil, opt for Japanese anemones, ferns, hostas or bleeding hearts.

An idea for a combination in acidic, moist soil: Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’, Rhododendron ‘Madame Masson’ for spring flowering, Dryopteris cycadina, Primula florindae to add colour in summer and Japanese anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ to brighten autumn

→ For full information on Aucuba, see our plant sheet “Aucuba: planting, pruning and maintenance”

Hydrangea, Between Tradition and Modernity

Hydrangeas are a classic choice for shaded beds. Traditional Hydrangea macrophylla is well known, but there are very contemporary species and varieties with refined flowering. This is the case for Hydrangea aspera and serrata, which have small fertile flowers grouped in flattened umbels, surrounded by sterile pseudo-flowers. Hydrangea foliage is generally green, but cultivars with purple, bronze and even golden leaves exist. There are also climbing species that can scale their supports to over 10 metres!

Cultivation:

acidic, light, humus-bearing and cool soil
container growing on a shaded terrace is possible.
Hardiness: variable — down to -10 °C for least hardy varieties.

Some interesting varieties:

Hydrangea macrophylla You and Me Romance

Medium-sized variety with numerous star-shaped flowers, pink in neutral soil and blue in acidic soils. This very romantic hydrangea is particularly well suited to container growing.

Période de floraison August to October
Hauteur à maturité 1,20 m

Hydrangea serrata Blue Bird - Mountain Hydrangea

Attractive compact bush with delicate flowers formed by small fertile flowers in various blue tones, surrounded by pseudo-flowers in more pastel shades. Ideal in regions with little sun, this bush suits both open ground and containers.

Période de floraison August to October
Hauteur à maturité 1,20 m

Hydrangea aspera Hot Chocolate

A variety notable for its pink and mauve flowering in 'lace caps' as well as for its chocolate-hued foliage. Another asset: it tolerates slightly calcareous soils.

Période de floraison August to October
Hauteur à maturité 2 m

→ also discover, “Hydrangeas: 7 remarkable new introductions in 2019”

Ideas for pairing hydrangeas:

Make your hydrangea the centrepiece of your bed by pairing it with Holodiscus, potentillas, astilbes (in cool soil) or Hostas. Introduce lightness with the airy foliage of grasses that tolerate low light, or reinforce the ‘woodland’ effect with ferns. In not-too-dense shade and on a sizeable specimen, why not train a Clematis viticella to climb? Consider festooning trunks of neighbouring trees with a climbing Hydrangea or a Schizophragma, both of which echo hydrangea inflorescences.

An idea for a pairing in cool shade: Ligularia przewalskii, Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’, Hosta ‘Big Daddy’, Hosta ‘June’ and Osmunda regalis ‘Purpurascens’

→ For everything you need to know, discover all care guides dedicated to hydrangeas

Mahonia, a resplendent bush in winter

Mahonia presents an original look with its upright habit and its strongly divided evergreen leaves. In shade, it brightens with yellow, sometimes orange, flowering that most often occurs in winter. Flowers, scented like lily of the valley, are followed by blue berries that extend its ornamental interest.

It is an architectural plant, very easy to to grow, offering many varieties, including ‘Soft Caress’, with long fine leaves, which will appeal to those who fear the prickly foliage of classic varieties.

Culture :

light soil, even poor, neutral to slightly acidic. Mahonia aquifolium (and its cultivar ‘Apollo’ with dark foliage) tolerate some lime.
Compact varieties are very easy to to grow in pots
Hardiness : generally down to -20°C.

Some interesting varieties :

Mahonia x media Charity

C'est l'un des plus populaires. Il est pprécié pour son feuillage vert qui se teinte de pourpre en hiver et pour sa floraison jaune et légèrement parfumée qui illumine l'hiver.

Hauteur à maturité 3,50 m

Mahonia Soft Caress - Mahonia hybrid

Il se distingue aussi par un feuillage fin et doux, qui n'est pas sans rappeler celui d'une fougère. Sa floraison automnale jaune pâle, au doux parfum de muguet, est elle aussi suivie de fruits, noirs à reflets argentés, décoratifs tout l'hiver.

Période de floraison October to December
Hauteur à maturité 1,30 m

Mahonia aquifolium Apollo

Plus tolérant au calcaire que les autres mahonias, cette variété est également plus compacte, ce qui rend sa culture en pot plus facile. Ses inflorescences jaunes au parfum de mimosa s’épanouissent en fin d'hiver, sur un feuillage vert sombre qui se teinte de pourpre sous l'effet du froid.

Période de floraison March, April
Hauteur à maturité 80 cm

Our ideas to pair Mahonias :

Plant these Mahonias on a tapetum of ivy or of periwinkles, and combine them with ferns, b ambous sacrés, together with C arex with fountain habit. Clumps of hellebores complete the scene in mid-winter, and some spring bulbs then take over.

A bright pairing idea: Mahonia media ‘Charity’, Nandina ‘Obsessed Seika’, Helleborus ‘Ice n’ Roses White’ and Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’

→ Find everything you need to know and our tips to to grow these beautiful bushes in our fact sheet : “Mahonia: plant, prune and maintain”

Leucothoé, chameleon foliage

Leucothoe is a must for shaded beds in heather soil. It is a bush described as “heather soil” with a compact habit and generally evergreen foliage, glossy and shiny. Its colours change with the seasons to display a deeper or paler purple in winter. In spring it bears a slightly scented flowering with small creamy‑white to pink‑tinged bell-shaped flowers reminiscent of lily‑of‑the‑valley or Pieris.

Cultivation :

neutral to acidic soil, humus-bearing, light but remaining cool and well drained
easy to grow in pots
Hardiness: -20 °C but quite sensitive to spring freeze–thaw cycles and cold winds

Some interesting varieties :

Leucothoe fontanesiana Scarletta

Foliage of this variety emerges dark green with a red edge, then turns deep purple in response to winter cold. Its abundant flowering displays charming white bell-shaped flowers.

Période de floraison June, July
Hauteur à maturité 1,20 m

Leucothoe axillaris Twisting Red - Dog hobble

Leucothoe 'Twisting Red' is ideal for small spaces or container cultivation on terraces, balconies or patios. Its distinctive twisted foliage and changing colours make it particularly appealing.

Période de floraison May, June
Hauteur à maturité 40 cm

Leucothoe fontanesiana Whitewater

A very bright variety that lights up shade. Its semi-evergreen variegated foliage is borne on purple stems. It changes colour through the seasons: purple in winter, showing a lovely bronze in spring.

Période de floraison May, June
Hauteur à maturité 1,20 m

Our ideas for pairing Leucothoe :

Fond of acidic soils, Leucothoe therefore pairs well with many other heather soil bushes such as Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Camellias, Sarcococcas and Japanese maples . Complete the scene with tapetum of heathers and favour the graphic foliage of ferns or Hostas. Add drifts of spring bulbs such as crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils and don’t forget autumn ones like Colchicums (plant in summer!) if your bed is in light shade.

An idea for a combination in heather soil: Leucothoe keiskei ‘Burning Love’, Chinese Azalea ‘Jolie Madame’, Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ (syn. ‘Senkaki’), Hosta ‘June’ and Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’

→ To find out more and succeed with this shade bush: “Leucothoe: planting, cultivation, pruning and maintenance”

Fatsia: tropical atmosphere in the garden

Very hardy and undemanding, Fatsia or Aralia is a fine shade bush. Its evergreen leaves, strongly palmate, give it a true exotic look. Foliage can be glossy green or splashed with cream, brightening even the darkest corners of garden or terrace. Its flowering in spherical white pom-poms occurs between July and September and recalls that of ivy. This is followed by fruiting into small black berries much appreciated by birds.

Culture :

Good garden soil, not calcareous, cool in summer and not waterlogged in winter.
Can be grown in a large container
Hardiness: -15 °C in position protected from draughts and winds that can damage foliage

Some interesting varieties :

Fatsia japonica Spiders Web - Variegated False Aralia

Une variété particulièrement décorative à feuillage très largement éclaboussé de crème qui attire immanquablement le regard vers les endroits les plus sombres du jardin.

Période de floraison August to October
Hauteur à maturité 2 m

Fatsia polycarpa Green Fingers

Une variété remarquable à feuillage découpé et aux limbes étroits. Un peu plus modeste, il montre également une rusticité moins affirmée.

Période de floraison November, December
Hauteur à maturité 2 m

Our ideas for combining Fatsia :

To accentuate tropical effect, pair Fatsia with other exotic foliage such as Tetrapanax, Acanthus, or Aspidistra, all set on a groundcover such as Asarum. In regions with milder winters, try Wheel tree, with its unusual flowering. Aralia’s Japanese feel can be emphasised by combining it with bamboos (bamboos described as ‘cespitose’ do not spread and do not require a rootstock barrier), Japanese maples, Hostas, Hakonechloas. At their feet, choose Chloranthus for its scented spring flowering, or Helxine for a mossy effect.

→ Read also: 7 ideas to pair Fatsia

A tropical-inspired planting idea: Fatsia japonica, Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Aureocaulis’ (with rootstock barrier), Dryopteris wallichiana and Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Cristatum Group’

→ Read on the blog: “10 exotic and hardy plants for jungle garden”

Sarcococca for difficult spots

Bush with glossy, dense evergreen foliage and dense, which perfumes winter with very discreet flowers but a powerful scent. They are followed by berries red then black. Slow growth and moderate size, this bush with compact habit fits easily into the garden, even in areas where nothing grows, such as between the roots of trees. It spreads and occupies space without becoming invasive. Highly versatile, it resists pollution, diseases and is even suitable for dry shade. It also requires little maintenance.

Cultivation :

Acid to neutral soils, fresh but well drained (tolerates difficult and dry soils, between roots)
Very resistant (diseases, pollution, drought…)
Hardy from -10°C to -15°C.

Some interesting varieties :

Sarcococca confusa

A timeless classic, perhaps the best known. Glossy green foliage, consistently healthy. Perfumes gardens and balconies in mid-winter.

Hauteur à maturité 1,50 m

Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Purple Stem

A variety whose young foliage and flowers are attractively tinged with purple. Colour is enhanced by fine, deep green foliage.

Hauteur à maturité 1,20 m

Sarcococca saligna

An original variety. Less fragrant, it is distinguished by very fine, elongated foliage reminiscent of willow or bamboo. A look that brings a touch of the exotic to challenging spots.

Hauteur à maturité 1,40 m

Our ideas for combining sarcococcas :

In the toughest spots (dry soil, roots…) pair them with robust Hardy geraniums, alongside Hellebores and Asarum europaeum.

An idea for an association in a difficult spot: Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’, Helleborus ‘Ice n’ Roses Red’ and Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ which will flower a little later in the season

In cooler spots, turn to Japanese maples, Fatsias, accompanied by Hostas and Ferns. Complete with a few Cyclamens and some spring bulbs.

Daphne, an enchanting fragrance

The Daphne is an essential bush for flowering and perfuming shaded areas of garden, even in mid-winter, and their exceptional fragrances are irresistible. Daphnes usually display evergreen, variegated foliage and can therefore be very bright in some varieties. Flowering in small star-shaped white, pink, purple and even yellow blooms is decorative and literally perfumes the garden.

Cultivation :

Neutral to acidic, humus-bearing soil, fresh but well drained in winter
Container cultivation possible for most compact varieties
Hardiness: down to -15°C but some can tolerate down to -30°C

Some interesting varieties :

Daphne odora Marianni Rogbret

A real marvel! Its thick, evergreen foliage, green broadly marginate with pale yellow, makes it particularly bright in shaded positions. Its fragrance is very strong and noticeable even before the bush is seen.

Période de floraison March, April
Hauteur à maturité 1,50 m

Daphne mezereum var. rubra

A variety to favour on slightly calcareous soil. Its purplish-pink flowers open in late winter on bare wood, before the matt green leaves with bluish tints appear. This is a deciduous species. Its red berries prolong ornamental interest.

Période de floraison March, April
Hauteur à maturité 1,20 m

Daphne cneorum

A groundcover Daphne undemanding about exposure, soil type or soil pH; its only requirement is excellent drainage. Its green foliage is evergreen and bears bright pink flowers in mid-spring. Fragrance is particularly noticeable in the evening.

Période de floraison May, June
Hauteur à maturité 25 cm

Ideas for pairing Daphne :

The ferns (such as the superb Dryopteris erythrosora with coppery foliage), Hakone grass, Ophiopogon, Heucheras and Rodgersias create a beautiful picture where shapes, textures and foliage colours contrast wonderfully. Complement with perennials with showy blooms such as Hellebores, Alchemilla and Japanese anemones. Early-flowering bulbs accompany Daphne flowering perfectly.

A fragrant, colourful planting idea: Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’, Rodgersia pinnata ‘Bronze Peacock’, Dryopteris erythrosora and Heuchera ‘Obsidian’

→ Want to know more about this highly fragrant shade bush? Discover our fact sheet: “Daphne: how to plant, grow and care for it”

Rhododendrons and azaleas, stars of shade gardens!

The term Rhododendrons includes both the ‘true’ rhododendrons and azaleas. This genus offers a very wide choice, with bushes ranging from a few dozen centimetres to several metres. They are true stars of shade and their flowering covers almost the entire colour spectrum: white, blue, mauve, pink, red, yellow and orange. Foliage is no exception: it turns fiery in autumn for deciduous varieties and can be variegated for evergreens. So you are sure to find a rhododendron to suit your garden or terrace.

Growing :

acid or neutral, humus-bearing, moist but well drained soil
Can be grown in pots for smaller varieties
Hardiness: -20 °C

Some interesting varieties :

Rhododendron yakushimanum Grumpy

A variety with evergreen foliage, matt green with a very downy underside, which showcases its flowering. Buds, salmon-pink tinged with yellow, open into pale pink and cream corollas in mid-spring. Modest in size, it fits into small gardens as well as in a pot.

Période de floraison June
Hauteur à maturité 80 cm

Rhododendron Fragrantissimum

Early, this variety flowers in early spring in large white corollas with a green throat and a pink-tinged reverse. A significant asset, the fragrance of this variety perfumes several metres around. Not very hardy, it is grown in the garden in mild climates or in a pot and should be protected from severe cold.

Période de floraison April, May
Hauteur à maturité 1 m

Japanese Azalea Silver Queen

A remarkable variety with evergreen foliage, green variegated with white. It provides a setting for fuchsia-pink flowering in spring. Its small dimensions allow it to be integrated into all gardens, where it continuously brightens shady spots.

Période de floraison May, June
Hauteur à maturité 50 cm

Rhododendron Polar Bear

A very large rhododendron with rather late flowering, luminous white, exuding a scent reminiscent of lily. The foliage, emerald green, is evergreen and gives this large bush a fine presence throughout the year.

Période de floraison August, September
Hauteur à maturité 5 m

Our ideas for combining rhododendrons and azaleas :

Opt for Pieris with superb foliage and decorative flowering, camellias that, for some varieties, flower when rhododendrons are less showy, or Japanese maples whose graceful leaves take on sumptuous autumn shades. Complete with perennials that dress the base of the bushes such as Japanese anemones, Brunneras, Cimicifugas, Bleeding Hearts, Hostas or Heucheras. Fill gaps with bulbs such as the bluebell, wood anemones or Cyclamen coum.

associating rhododendrons and azaleas in shade

A planting idea: Rhododendron yakushimanum ‘Grumpy’, Primula japonica ‘Miller’s Crimson’, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Phlox divaricata ‘White Perfume’, Hosta ‘Fragrant Dream’ and Ajuga reptans

→ For everything you need to know to grow these heather-soil bushes, discover our comprehensive guide to rhododendrons and azaleas

Viburnum, simple beauty

Although many prefer open, sunny situations, some viburnums behave very well in shade. Their foliage can be evergreen or deciduous and take superb colours in autumn. Flowering, winter or spring, is white, but some varieties offer refreshing pink shades. Small berries, favoured by birds, succeed the flowers.

Cultivation :

Humus-bearing, cool and well-drained soil
Pot cultivation reserved for dwarf varieties
Hardiness: -10 °C to -20 °C

Some interesting varieties :

Viburnum tinus Spirit

Une valeur sûre, en fond de massif, en haie… Cet arbuste à feuillage persistant et fleurs roses puis blanches est très résistant et accepte tous les sols drainés, même calcaires. Il supporte bien la taille.

Hauteur à maturité 2,50 m

Viburnum dentatum Blue Muffin

D'allure champêtre, cet arbuste cumule les intérêts : des fleurs blanches qui apparaissent au printemps, des fruits bleutés très décoratifs et un feuillage caduc qui vire au jaune puis au rouge profond en automne. Que demander de plus ?

Période de floraison June, July
Hauteur à maturité 2 m

Viburnum davidii - David viburnum

La Viorne de David constitue un couvre-sol efficace. Sa floraison est assez banale mais son jeune feuillage, aux reflets rouges, est porté par des pétioles de la même teinte. Persistant, il est ensuite constellé de petites baies noires à bleues qui persistent jusqu'en hiver. Elle se cultive aisément en pot.

Période de floraison July
Hauteur à maturité 1 m

Ideas for pairing these viburnums?

Pair these viburnums with bushes of simple habit and bold colours such as Euonymus ‘Emerald n’ Gold’ or Japanese Angelica Tree ‘Golden Umbrella’. In acid soil, brighten the mix with bell-shaped flowers of Enkianthus campanulatus. Dress the base of your bushes with ferns with dissected foliage, Hellebores and some spring bulbs.

Association idea: Viburnum davidii, Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ and Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n’ Gold’

→ Find everything you need to know and our tips for growing viburnums in our guide: “Viburnum: planting, pruning, growing”

Xanthorhiza simplicissima, sumptuous autumn foliage

Too rarely used, Xanthorhiza, a groundcover bush that could be described as a wise conqueror. Suckering, it is spreading without ever becoming invasive. It produces small brownish‑violet flowers in the heart of spring, followed by star‑shaped fruits much loved by birds. But above all it is used for its remarkable foliage. Dissected, it is green in season, then gradually takes on yellow, then purple and violet tones as autumn advances.

Cultivation :

Ordinary, fresh, non‑calcareous, humus‑bearing soil. Tolerates clay.
Hardiness: -15°C

Our ideas for combining Xanthorhiza :

Only Xanthorhiza simplicissima is cultivated in gardens. It is wonderful in a shady spot, near a pond, alongside Kalmia latifolia, Rhododendrons or in front of a Clethra with scented flowering that also displays attractive late‑season colours. To perfect the autumn palette, pair it with dogwoods such as Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’ which, besides its fiery late‑season hues, remains decorative throughout winter with its wood coloured red. Punctuate the scene with lush foliage of hostas, ferns, Japanese forest grass or Carex. Add colour with flowering from perennials that like cool conditions such as hardy geraniums, Japanese anemones, Siberian bugloss or Campanulas.