Shade shrubs: 10 essential varieties for the garden

Aucuba japonica, a champion under trees

Aucuba is a shrub perfect in shade, particularly for difficult planting spots such as under trees. It displays evergreen, thick, glossy foliage, green or variegated with yellow, which is especially valuable in shade. It tolerates almost anything and will even cope with deep shade. Can be planted in borders or as a hedge and its rounded habit provides attractive presence all year round. Its flowering is fairly insignificant but in female plants is followed by numerous red then black berries, decorative throughout winter.

Cultivation :

soil: ordinary, not too alkaline, rather fresh but well-drained.
Can be grown in a large pot on a shady terrace.
Hardiness: -20 °C

Some interesting varieties :

Aucuba Japonica Rozannie- Spotted Laurel

a self-fertile variety that always bears fruit and will pollinate its neighbours so they also bear fruit.

Flowering time May, June
Height at maturity 1,10 m

Aucuba japonica Crotonifolia- Spotted Laurel

a reliable choice whose cream flecking, tending towards yellow, brightens darkest corners.

Flowering time May, June
Height at maturity 1,80 m

Aucuba japonica Golden King- Spotted Laurel

a very striking variety with dark green foliage extensively splashed with golden yellow.

Flowering time May, June
Height at maturity 1,80 m

Our ideas for pairing Aucuba :

Aucuba pairs well, in borders or as a hedge, with Aralia elata, azaleas and rhododendrons, Mexican orange blossom or Enkianthus. In fresh soil you can also pair it with bamboos for an exotic feel, or with camellias for a more classic style. The scene will benefit from being completed with perennial plants. In dry shade, choose tough perennials such as Asaret, Acanthus or hardy geraniums. In fresher soil opt for Japanese anemones, ferns, hostas or bleeding hearts.

An example planting in acidic, fresh soil: Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’, Rhododendron ‘Madame Masson’ to flower in spring, Dryopteris cycadina, Primula florindae to add colour in summer and Japanese anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ to brighten autumn

→ For everything about Aucuba, see our plant page “Aucuba: planting, pruning and care”

Hydrangea, between tradition and modernity

Hydrangeas are a classic choice for shaded borders. The 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 display small fertile flowers grouped in flattened umbels, surrounded by sterile pseudo-flowers. Hydrangea foliage is generally green, but there are cultivars with purple, bronze and even golden leaves. There are also climbing species that can ascend 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 types.

Some interesting varieties :

Hydrangea macrophylla You and Me Romance

A medium-sized variety with many star-shaped flowers, pink in neutral soil and blue in acidic soils. This very romantic hydrangea is particularly well suited to container cultivation.

Flowering time August to October
Height at maturity 1,20 m

Hydrangea serrata Blue Bird - Mountain Hydrangea

A handsome compact shrub with delicate flowers formed by small fertile florets in various shades of blue and surrounded by pseudo-flowers in paler pastel tones. Ideal in shadier areas, this shrub is equally at home planted in the ground or grown in a pot.

Flowering time August to October
Height at maturity 1,20 m

Hydrangea aspera Hot Chocolate

Flowering time August to October
Height at maturity 2 m

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

Ideas for combining hydrangeas :

Make your hydrangea the centrepiece of your border by pairing it with Holodiscus, potentillas, astilbes (in cool soil) or Hostas. Introduce lightness with the delicate foliage of ornamental grasses that tolerate low light, or reinforce the ‘woodland’ effect with ferns. In not-too-dense shade and on a well-sized specimen, why not train a Clematis viticella to climb. Consider festooning the 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’

→ To learn more, discover all the care sheets devoted to hydrangeas

Mahonia, a shrub resplendent in winter

Mahonia shows an original look with its upright habit and strongly divided evergreen leaves. In shade it shines with yellow, sometimes orange, flowering that usually occurs in winter. The flowers, with a lily-of-the-valley scent, are followed by bluish berries that extend its ornamental interest.

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

Cultivation :

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

Some interesting varieties :

Mahonia x media Charity

One of the most popular. Appreciated for its green foliage that turns purple in winter and for its yellow, lightly scented flowers that brighten winter.

Height at maturity 3,50 m

Mahonia Soft Caress - Mahonia hybrid

Also notable for its fine, soft foliage reminiscent of a fern. Its pale yellow autumn flowering, with a gentle lily-of-the-valley scent, is followed by berries, black with silvery reflections, decorative throughout winter.

Flowering time October to December
Height at maturity 1,30 m

Mahonia aquifolium Apollo

More tolerant of lime than other mahonias, this variety is also more compact, making it easier to grow in pots. Its yellow inflorescences, scented with mimosa, come into bloom in late winter on dark green foliage that turns purple in the cold.

Flowering time March, April
Height at maturity 80 cm

Our ideas for pairing Mahonias :

Plant these Mahonias on a carpet of ivy or periwinkle, and pair them with ferns, s acred bamboos, alongside C arex with a fountain habit. Clumps of hellebores complete the scene in mid-winter, and a few spring bulbs then take over.

A bright planting 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 for growing these beautiful shrubs in our guide: “Mahonia : planter, tailler et entretenir”

Leucothoé, chameleon foliage

Leucothoe is a must for shaded beds in acid soil. It is a shrub known as a heather-soil plant with a compact habit and generally evergreen foliage, lustrous and glossy. Its colours evolve through the seasons to display a more or less deep purple in winter. In spring it bears a slightly scented display of small bell-shaped, cream to pink-tinged flowers reminiscent of lily of the valley or Pieris.

Cultivation:

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

Some interesting varieties:

Leucothoe fontanesiana Scarletta

Le feuillage de cette variété débourre vert foncé, souligné par un liseré rouge, puis vire au pourpre intense sous l'effet du froid hivernal. Sa floraison généreuse montre de charmantes clochettes blanches.

Flowering time June, July
Height at maturity 1,20 m

Leucothoe axillaris Twisting Red - Dog hobble

Leucothoe 'Twisting Red' est tout indiqué Parfait pour les petits espaces ou la culture en pot sur les terrasses, balcons ou patios. Son feuillage original est torsadé et ses teintes évoluent également au fil du temps.

Flowering time May, June
Height at maturity 40 cm

Leucothoe fontanesiana Whitewater

Une variété très lumineuse qui éclaire l'ombre. Son feuillage semi-persistant panaché est porté sur des rameaux pourpres. Il change de couleur au fil des saisons : pourprée en hiver, il montre une belle couleur bronze au printemps.

Flowering time May, June
Height at maturity 1,20 m

Our ideas for pairing Leucothoe:

Preferring heather soil, Leucothoe pairs well with many other heather-soil shrubs such as Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Camellias, Sarcococcas and Maples of Japan. Complete the scene with carpets of heathers and play on the graphic foliage of ferns or Hostas. Add groups of spring bulbs such as crocus, snowdrops, narcissi and don’t forget autumn-flowering ones such as 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 learn more and successfully grow this shade shrub: “Leucothoe: planting, cultivation, pruning and maintenance”

Fatsia, tropical ambience in the garden

Hardy and undemanding, the Fatsia or Aralia is a handsome shade shrub. Its evergreen, deeply palmate leaves give it a truly exotic appearance. Foliage may be glossy green or splashed with cream, brightening even the darkest spots of garden or terrace. Its white spherical pompom flowers appear between July and September and are reminiscent of ivy. These are followed by fruiting in small black berries much favoured by birds.

Cultivation:

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

Some interesting varieties:

Fatsia japonica Spiders Web - Variegated False Aralia

A particularly decorative variety with foliage broadly splashed with cream that inevitably attracts the eye to the darkest corners of garden.

Flowering time August to October
Height at maturity 2 m

Fatsia polycarpa Green Fingers

A notable variety with dissected foliage and narrow laminae. Slightly more modest, it also demonstrates somewhat lower hardiness.

Flowering time November, December
Height at maturity 2 m

Our ideas for pairing Fatsia:

To emphasise the tropical effect, pair Fatsia with other exotic foliage such as Tetrapanax, Acanthus, or Aspidistra, planted over a groundcover such as Asarum. In regions with milder winters, try Wheel tree, with its unusual flowering. The Japanese feel of Aralia can be enhanced by pairing it with bamboos (cespitose bamboos do not spread and do not require a rhizome barrier), Japanese maples, Hostas, and Hakonechloas. At their feet, choose Chloranthus with scented spring flowering, or Helxine with a mossy appearance.

→ Also read: 7 ideas for pairing Fatsia

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

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

Sarcococca, for difficult areas

Shrub with glossy, evergreen foliage and dense habit, whose inconspicuous flowers scent winter with a powerful perfume. They are followed by red then black berries. Slow-growing and of moderate size, this compact shrub fits easily into garden, even in areas where nothing grows, such as among tree roots. It spreads to fill space without becoming invasive. Very versatile, it resists pollution and disease and is even suitable for dry shade. It also requires little maintenance.

Culture :

Acid to neutral soils, moist but well-drained (accepts difficult, dry soils, among roots)
Very resistant (diseases, pollution, drought…)
Hardy from -10°C to -15°C.

Some interesting varieties :

Sarcococca confusa

A classic, perhaps best known. Glossy green foliage, always healthy. Perfumes gardens and balconies in the heart of winter.

Height at maturity 1,50 m

Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Purple Stem

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

Height at maturity 1,20 m

Sarcococca saligna

An unusual variety. Less fragrant, it stands out for its very fine, elongated foliage reminiscent of willow or bamboo. Its look adds an exotic touch to challenging sites.

Height at maturity 1,40 m

Our ideas for combining sarcococcas :

In the most challenging spots (dry soil, roots…) pair them with sturdy Hardy geraniums, together with Hellebores and Asarum europaeum.

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

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

Daphne, an enchanting fragrance

Daphne is an essential shrub for flowering and perfuming shady spots in the garden, even in midwinter. It is impossible to resist their exceptional fragrances. Daphnes typically have evergreen, variegated foliage, which makes some varieties particularly bright. Flowering in small star-shaped white, pink, purple and even yellow blooms is decorative and literally perfumes the garden.

Culture :

Soil neutral to acidic, humus-bearing, fresh but well-drained in winter
Can be grown in pots for the more compact varieties
Hardiness: down to -15°C, but some can tolerate down to -30°C

Some interesting varieties :

Daphne odora Marianni Rogbret

A true marvel! Its thick, evergreen foliage, green broadly margined with pale yellow, makes it particularly bright in shaded situations. Its fragrance is very strong and can be noticed before the shrub is even seen.

Flowering time March, April
Height at maturity 1,50 m

Daphne mezereum var. rubra

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

Flowering time March, April
Height at maturity 1,20 m

Daphne cneorum

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

Flowering time May, June
Height at maturity 25 cm

Ideas for pairing Daphne :

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

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

→ Want to know more about this highly fragrant shade shrub? Discover our fact sheet: “Daphne: planting, cultivation and care”

Rhododendrons and azaleas, stars of shady gardens!

Under the name Rhododendrons are grouped the ‘true’ rhododendrons as well as azaleas. The genus offers a very wide selection, with shrubs ranging from a few dozen centimetres to several metres. They are true stars of shade and their flowering covers almost the full spectrum of colours: white, blue, mauve, pink, red, yellow and orange. Foliage is no exception: it turns fiery in autumn for deciduous varieties and can be variegated on evergreens. It is therefore impossible not to find a rhododendron to suit your garden or terrace.

Cultivation :

acid or neutral soil, humus-bearing, cool but well drained
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 very downy undersides, which showcases its flowering. Buds, salmon-pink tinged with yellow, open into pale pink and cream corollas in mid spring. Of modest size, it fits into small gardens as well as in a pot.

Flowering time June
Height at maturity 80 cm

Rhododendron Fragrantissimum

Early-flowering, this variety blooms in early spring with large white corollas with a green throat and a pinkish reverse. A notable asset, its fragrance scents the surrounding area for several metres. Not very hardy, it is grown in gardens in mild climates or in a pot, to be protected from severe frost.

Flowering time April, May
Height at maturity 1 m

Japanese Azalea Silver Queen

A remarkable variety with evergreen foliage, green variegated with white. It provides a backdrop for fuchsia-pink flowering in spring. Its small size allows it to be integrated into any garden, where it continuously brightens shady spots.

Flowering time May, June
Height at maturity 50 cm

Rhododendron Polar Bear

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

Flowering time August, September
Height at maturity 5 m

Our ideas for combining rhododendrons and azaleas :

Opt for Pieris with superb foliage and decorative flowering, camellias which for some varieties flower when rhododendrons are less showy, or Japanese maples whose graceful foliage takes on sumptuous autumnal colours. Complete with perennials that dress the base of shrubs 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

→ To learn everything and to grow these shrubs for heather soil well, discover our complete guide devoted to rhododendrons and azaleas

Viburnum, simplicity in beauty

While many prefer open, sunny situations, some viburnums perform well in shade. Their foliage can be evergreen or deciduous and take on superb autumn colours. Flowering, whether winter or spring, is white, but some varieties offer refreshing pink hues. Small berries, favoured by birds, follow the flowers.

Culture :

Humus-bearing, cool, well-drained soil
Container growing reserved for dwarf varieties
Hardiness: -10°C to -20°C

Some interesting varieties:

Viburnum tinus Spirit

A reliable choice for the back of a border or in a hedge… This evergreen shrub bears pink then white flowers, is very hardy and tolerates any well-drained soil, even calcareous. It responds well to pruning.

Height at maturity 2,50 m

Viburnum dentatum Blue Muffin

With a country charm, this shrub combines many qualities: white flowers appearing in spring, very decorative bluish fruits and deciduous foliage that turns yellow then deep red in autumn. What more could you ask for?

Flowering time June, July
Height at maturity 2 m

Viburnum davidii - David viburnum

Viburnum davidii makes an effective groundcover. Its flowering is fairly unremarkable but its young foliage, with red tinges, is borne on petioles of the same colour. Evergreen, it is then studded with small black-blue berries that persist until winter. It is easy to grow in a pot.

Flowering time July
Height at maturity 1 m

Our ideas for pairing these viburnums?

Pair these viburnums with simple-looking shrubs in bold colours such as Euonymus ‘Emerald’n Gold’ or devil’s Walking stick ‘Golden Umbrella’. In acidic soil, brighten your selection with the bell-shaped flowers of Enkianthus campanulatus. Dress the base of your shrubs with ferns with dissected foliage, Hellebores and some spring bulbs.

A planting 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 fact sheet: “Viburnum: planting, pruning and cultivating”

Xanthorhiza simplicissima, sumptuous autumn foliage

Too rarely used, Xanthorhiza, a groundcover shrub that might be described as a restrained conqueror. Suckering, it spreads without ever becoming invasive. It bears small brownish-purple flowers in mid-spring, followed by star-shaped fruits much loved by birds. But it is above all for its remarkable foliage that it is grown. With lobed leaves, it is green through the season, then gradually turns yellow, then purple and violet as autumn advances.

Cultivation :

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

Planting ideas for Xanthorhiza :

Only Xanthorhiza simplicissima is grown in gardens. It performs wonderfully in a shady spot, near water, alongside Kalmia latifolia, rhododendrons or in front of a Clethra with fragrant flowers that also display attractive late-season colours. To perfect autumn palette, pair it with dogwoods such as Cornus like Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’ which, besides its late-season fiery hues, remains decorative throughout winter with its red-coloured stems. Punctuate the scene with lush foliage of hostas, ferns, hakonechloa (Japanese (forest) grass) or Carex. Introduce colour with flowering of perennials that appreciate cool conditions such as hardy geraniums, Japanese anemones, Siberian bugloss or Campanulas.