If you’re looking for a shade plant, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll discuss some of the best fast growing shrubs for shade, as well as the reasons why they’re so popular. Cherry Laural, St John’s wort, and Japanese maples are all great choices. All three are drought-tolerant, but don’t expect them to live long in a sunny spot.
Aucuba shrubs
If you’re looking for fast-growing shade plants, Aucuba is a great choice. This plant tolerates a variety of soil conditions, including dry, sandy, and clay. If the soil is constantly wet, aucuba may develop root rot and other diseases. Heavy clay soil should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage. Alternatively, you can plant your shrub in a pot and add more soil to it periodically as needed.
The best way to plant an Aucuba shrub is to start at the middle of the hole, extending its roots into the soil. Ideally, the top of the root ball should be about 2 inches above the soil surface. Once the planting hole is filled, you can backfill the soil with a mixture of compost, peat, or other fertilizer. You should be aware that soil that is poorly drained should be amended before planting.
Cherry Laural
The best time to plant your cherry laurel is between October and March. This allows the root system to develop before the winter months set in. You should water regularly during the growing season, as it will not tolerate cold temperatures. This fast-growing shrub can grow as tall as 25 feet, but can also be pruned into a more treelike shape. If you are planning on planting it in the shade, you should choose a location that is protected from wind.
The foliage of the cherry laurel varies. The different varieties vary greatly, ranging from two inches long to twelve feet in length. The leaves of cherry laurel are dark forest green, while those of some varieties are lighter Kelly-green. The stems and foliage are upright or slightly drooping. If you have a location that gets a lot of afternoon shade, this shrub can grow to the height of its full height in just a few years.
St John’s wort
If you want a dense plant without the need to weed or water, St. John’s wort is the plant for you. This shrub prefers partial shade to full sun. However, too much sunlight can lead to scorched leaves. In addition, too much shade can inhibit growth, resulting in leggy plants. This plant does not like the cold so consider planting it in the shade.
This fast-growing shrub will do best in semi-shade or full shade, but it will tolerate a wide range of soils. Partially shaded St. John’s wort will have fewer blossoms than those in full sun. It also tends to be short-lived during wet winters. Plant it in the spring or early summer, and make sure to mulch the soil well. Water regularly to prevent the soil from becoming too dry or too rocky.
Japanese maples
Although most Japanese maples do well in part shade, they can tolerate some light in the morning. In the south, Japanese maples prefer morning shade and afternoon shade. However, they are also tolerant of morning and afternoon sun as long as they are not overly crowded. Also, plant them in a spot with consistent moisture and avoid extreme temperatures. You can also plant Japanese maples in containers, which require less care.
When planting your new Japanese maple, be sure to dig a hole that is deep enough to accommodate the root ball, but not so deep that it’s too shallow. Make sure the root ball is slightly raised and has good drainage. Because Japanese maples prefer moist, cool soil, they will grow best in a spot with good drainage. A little bit of fertilizer at the site of planting will go a long way in keeping them healthy and happy.
PJMs
PJMs are a hardy variety of Rhododendron. They can thrive in climates from New England to the upper Midwest. Especially purple-flowering varieties are ideal for the Hudson Valley. PJMs thrive in moist, acidic soil, and they grow in both sun and part shade. Watering PJMs once a week in dry weather will maintain their healthy growth.
The berries from Mahonia are edible and are a great addition to any garden. These berries are high in vitamin C and have a sharp taste. Mahonia shrubs also make attractive winter additions. They change their leaves to a bronze color in the winter, making them a lovely addition to any landscape. And because they grow quickly, they can be left in the landscape for years, providing shade and beauty to the garden.
Kerria
Kerria is a great choice for shade gardens. It is a vigorous grower and requires low maintenance. It can tolerate varying soil conditions, including full shade and poor drainage. Once established, it is drought tolerant, although it will still need regular watering during periods of dry weather. Kerria is an excellent choice for areas of partial shade, and is usually planted six to eight feet apart. For best results, use a soil amendment that includes compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
This shade-loving shrub thrives in partial shade or full shade and prefers moist, organic soil. It will grow slowly if exposed to direct sunlight. For best results, use soil that drains well and has a slightly acidic pH. The Kerria variety will thrive in zones seven to nine. For optimal growth, plant it in a rich, slightly acidic soil. After planting, mulch with pine bark to provide shade for the plant.
Viburnums
While they are generally grown in full sun, viburnums can be grown in part shade as well. Those with good air circulation and moderately fertile soil will have minimal problems. A typical viburnum will thrive in a pH range of 5.6 to 6.6. Most varieties of viburnums will turn a beautiful shade of purple or rosy in the fall. This shade-loving shrub can help reduce the amount of watering needed by your lawn or garden.
Viburnum opulus is the most common snowball bush. It has large round flowers and scarlet berries in the fall. It is a multi-stemmed shrub with deep-veined leaves. However, in some areas it is considered invasive and is discouraged. So, you’ll have to be careful when planting this species in your yard. Despite its fast growth rate, viburnums will tolerate shade and dry conditions, making them a perfect choice for many landscapes.
Kerria x media ‘Winter Sun’
A low-maintenance, hardy shrub that is excellent for woodland gardens, Kerria ‘Winter Sun’ grows three to eight feet tall and six to ten feet wide. It is adaptable to full sun or partial shade, and requires medium to rich soil, but will tolerate some shade as well. Kerria loves moist, well-drained soil and prefers a slightly acidic pH.
A beautiful, old-fashioned shrub from eastern Asia, Kerria x media ‘Weekend Sun’ is a hardy shrub in USDA zones 5-9. The showy yellow flowers on the plant’s arching stems appear after the forsythias. The foliage is prominently veined and turns yellow in fall. Its flowers are pleasant to look at in every season.
Serviceberry
The serviceberry is an excellent choice for a landscape. It can be used as a screening plant, blended into shrub borders, and in group and specimen plantings. The shrub’s berries are also an excellent food source for birds and other wildlife. It can be grown in full or part shade, and it will tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. If you are unsure of your soil’s pH level, consult the U.M. Soil Testing Lab.
This shade-tolerant plant is generally free of pests and diseases. Serviceberries are closely related to roses and are prone to some of the same plant disease and insect pest problems. Some common pests include leaf spot and aphids. Cedar-serviceberry rust affects the twigs and can cause disfigurement. Other minor problems include fire blight and powdery mildew.
