Part shade shrubs are an excellent choice for a garden that doesn’t receive full shade or full sun all day. They provide interest in a shady spot, with bright colors, evergreen leaves, and profuse blooms. Whether your garden is in deep shade, partial shade, or transitions from shade to full sun, there are many varieties of part-shade shrubs that can enhance your landscape, making it more enjoyable year-round.

The best part shade shrubs will thrive in acidic soil and moist conditions. Popular options include small ornamental trees like rhododendron, or broadleaf evergreen shrubs like boxwood. There are also many flowering shrubs that add colorful beauty to the landscape.

Viburnums, hydrangeas, and azaleas are just a few of the blooming bushes that look great in part shade areas. For a bright splash of color, consider holly with its bright red berries or mahonia with its bright yellow blooms. To brighten a green space, consider euonymus which is an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and can be pruned into a variety of shapes.

If you are looking for shrubs for your shade garden, there is no shortage of options available in a wide array of colors and sizes. In order to make the best choice for your landscape it is important to consider the light and moisture requirements for each plant type. If you’d like to learn more about the best part shade shrubs for your garden, read on to find out which type of shade loving shrub is right for you!

The Best 17 Part Shade Shrubs For Your Garden

1. Fothergilla 

Fothergilla is a native, deciduous, part shade shrub. They are low-maintenance shrubs and have few pest or disease problems.

Fothergilla produces small, white, fragrant flowers in the spring. The fall foliage is multicolored, including shades of yellow, orange, and red. Fothergilla is a good choice for mass plantings, hedges, or specimen plantings.

Fothergilla shrubs are a great choice for adding interest and texture to your landscape. They are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of ways, and they are well-suited for growing in part shade.

Fothergilla shrubs are deciduous, meaning they will lose their leaves in the fall. This can be an advantage, as the plants will take on a different look in the winter months.

The leaves of fothergilla shrubs are small and oval-shaped, and they are often a deep green color. In fall, the leaves turn a range of beautiful colors, including yellow, orange, and red. Fothergilla shrubs are relatively easy to care for.

2. Kalmia

Kalmia shrubs are part of a group of shrubs that thrive in partial shade. They are known for their beautiful flowers and foliage and make an excellent addition to any garden.

Their flowers are borne in clusters and have a distinctive shape that makes them resemble miniature roses. Kalmia shrubs prefer to grow in partial shade and require moist, well-drained soils.

Kalmia shrubs are native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats. They are a popular choice for landscaping and can be used to create a variety of looks.

They are versatile and easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Kalmia shrubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can easily find one to fit your specific needs.

Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance option or something that will add a pop of color to your garden, Kalmia shrubs are a great choice.

3. Camellia

Camellias are part shade shrubs that are known for their beautiful flowers. They are native to Asia and have been cultivated in Japan for centuries.

Camellias are popular in the southern United States, where they are often grown as ornamental plants. Camellias are evergreen shrubs that can range in height from six inches to 25 feet.

It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of climates and soil types. Camellia is an evergreen shrub, meaning it will retain its leaves year-round.

This makes it an ideal plant for use as a privacy hedge or screening plant. Camellia is a fast-growing shrub and can reach heights of up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

It has dark green leaves that are 2-4 inches long and produces small white flowers in the spring. They have glossy, dark green leaves and large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple.

Camellias bloom in the fall and winter, and their flowers can last for several weeks. Camellias are relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a wide range of soils.

4. Forsythia

Forsythia is a popular part shade shrub that is known for its beautiful, bright yellow flowers. Forsythia part shade shrubs are a popular choice for landscaping because they are relatively easy to care for and provide season-long interest.

Forsythia is best planted in spring or fall. When planting, be sure to choose a location that receives at least 4 hours of sunlight per day.

Forsythia shrubs do not tolerate wet or soggy soil, so be sure to choose a well-drained spot. Once planted, water your shrub well and apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.

It is a fast-growing shrub that can reach up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Forsythia is a deciduous shrub, which means it will lose its leaves in the fall and winter.

It is typically planted in the spring and blooms in the early spring. Forsythia is a low-maintenance shrub and is relatively disease and pest-resistant.

5. Tea Rose 

When it comes to tea roses, most people think of them as delicate flowers that need a lot of care and attention. However, tea roses can actually be quite tough and resilient, especially when it comes to growing them in part shade.

While they do need some sunlight to thrive, they can also tolerate some shade, making them a great option for those who want to add some color to their landscape without having to deal with the full sun.

They are popular garden plants, and their flowers are often used in bouquets. Tea roses are usually vigorous growers and can reach heights of 6 feet or more.

They have large, deep green leaves and blooms that range in color from white to pink to red. The tea rose (Rosa rugosa) is a species of rose that is native to Asia. It is a shrub that has dark green leaves.

The flowers of the tea rose are pink or white and have a strong fragrance. The tea rose is tolerant of shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils.

6. Plum 

Plum part shade shrubs are an excellent choice for adding color and interest to your landscaping. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and can provide both evergreen and deciduous options.

Part shade means that they will do best in an area that receives some direct sunlight but can also tolerate some shade. This makes them versatile and easy to care for.

There are many benefits to planting plum part shade shrubs in your garden. For one, they are low maintenance and require little to no pruning.

Secondly, they are very drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry conditions. Thirdly, they are great for attracting bees and other pollinators. Lastly, they produce an abundance of fruit that can be used for jams, pies, and other culinary creations.

 7. Heuchera

Heuchera plants are beautiful part shade shrubs that are perfect for any garden. Heuchera shrubs are a great choice for adding color and interest to part shade areas in the landscape. There are many different cultivars of Heuchera available, with a wide range of flower colors and leaf colors, and textures.

Heuchera is relatively low maintenance and is quite drought-tolerant once established. Flowering typically occurs in late spring or early summer.

They are easy to care for and require very little maintenance. Heuchera plants come in a variety of colors and sizes, so there is sure to be one that is perfect for your garden.

They are evergreen or herbaceous perennial plants, growing 10–60 cm tall, with basal leaves on long petioles. The leaves are variable in shape, with a palmate or deeply lobed structure.

The flowers are borne on loose inflorescences and are typically bell-shaped, pink or white in color. Heuchera is a genus of shade-loving shrubs that are native to the Americas.

8. Ligularia

Ligularia is a great part shade shrub that is perfect for any garden. They have beautiful, bright flowers that add a splash of color and the perfect amount of texture to any garden.

Ligularia is native to Asia. They are known for their large, leathery leaves and tall, spiky flowers. These plants prefer moist, shady conditions and will do poorly in dry or sunny areas. Ligularia is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and can make a beautiful addition to any landscape.

Ligularia is mostly herbaceous perennial plants, but some are annuals or biennials. They typically grow to 1-3 m tall and have large, toothed leaves.

The flowers are borne in capitula, which are typically yellow, orange, or red. Ligularia is commonly found in damp habitats, such as wetlands, bogs, and streamsides. Ligularia is also very low maintenance, making them a great choice for any gardener.

 

Nandina Domestica, commonly known as nandina, heavenly bamboo, or sacred bamboo, is a part shade shrub from the family Berberidaceae. The plant is native to eastern Asia and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens in many parts of the world.

Nandina Domestica is an evergreen shrub with broad, erect stems and spreading branches. The leaves are compound, with each leaf having up to 30 oval-shaped, toothed leaflets. The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters of up to 30 blooms. The fruits are red berries that ripen in autumn and persist into winter.

They are easy to care for and require little maintenance. Nandinas are available in a variety of colors, including green, red, and yellow. They can be planted in the sun or partial shade and will thrive in most soil types. Nandina part shade shrubs are a great way to add beauty and interest to your landscape.

They are perfect for use in foundation plantings, as accents, or in mass plantings. With their beautiful foliage and attractive berries, they are sure to add curb appeal to your home. Nandinas are a low maintenance plant that will provide color and interest to your landscape for many years to come.

10. Polemonium

Polemonium is a beautiful shrub that can thrive in both full sun and part shade. It has long, slender leaves that are deep green in color.

They are hardy plants that are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor soils. Polemonium is a relatively low-maintenance plant, and it can be an excellent addition to any garden. The flowers are small and delicate, and they can be either white or blue in color.

11. Tiarella

Tiarella is part shade shrub native to North America. They are characterized by their showy flowers and lush foliage. Tiarella is a forest floor Plant, which means they grow under the canopy of taller trees in shady areas.

Tiarella requires moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought once established. Tiarella is generally pest and disease-free. They are known for their showy flowers and foliage, and they make excellent additions to any garden.

Tiarella is relatively easy to care for, and they are tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Tiarella is a genus part shade shrubs in the family Saxifragaceae, native to North America and eastern Asia.

The genus comprises 19 species, all of which are evergreen. The leaves are simple, alternate, and mostly basal, with a toothed or lobed margin. The flowers are borne in racemes or clusters and are white or pink. The fruit is a capsule.

Tiarella is a genus of evergreen shrubs that grow in partial shade. The leaves of these plants are simple and alternate, with a toothed or lobed margin. The flowers are borne in racemes or clusters and are white or pink. The fruit of these plants is a capsule.

12. Viola

Viola part shade shrubs are perfect for adding a touch of color to any garden or landscape. Its delicate purple flowers add a touch of elegance to any setting, and its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces.

But the viola part shade shrub is more than just a pretty face. This hardy plant is also an excellent choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance shrub.

Viola is drought-tolerant and can thrive in both sun and shade. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for the garden.

They are easy to grow and care for, and they come in a variety of colors. Violas are mostly small perennial herbs, though a few are annual herbs or shrubs.

The vast majority of viola species have small, inconspicuous flowers, which are often purple, blue, or white. The viola part shade shrubs are a type of viola that is typically found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

13. Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a versatile, deciduous shrub that adds a lot of beauty to a shady yard. Its large, lacy blooms come in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple and make it a popular choice for hedges and foundation plantings. Hydrangea shrubs thrive in part shade areas that receive at least 4 hours of sunlight each day.

They are also tolerant of acidic soil and dry conditions. Pruning should be done after flowering to shape your plants and keep them looking their best. The blooms are quite dense and colorful, adding texture and interest to the garden that is sure to be enjoyed by many.

The other advantage of hydrangea part shade shrubs is that they are easy to care for and maintain. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the flower buds begin to form. Watering should be done deeply once or twice a week during the summer months, depending on their location and soil conditions.

Fertilizer should be applied according to the directions on the package. If planted in beds, mulch will help retain moisture and deter weeds from growing close by. With proper care and maintenance, your hydrangeas will provide years of enjoyment in your yard or garden.

14. Rhododendron and Azalea shrubs

Rhododendron and Azalea shrubs are both part-shade shrubs, meaning they thrive when they get some shade throughout the day. Rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs with large, pink, trumpet-shaped flowers known for their sweet scent. They prefer well-drained soil that is acidic and slightly moist. Rhododendrons do best in cooler climates and should be planted in areas of your garden that get partial shade.

Azaleas are deciduous shrubs that feature small, funnel-shaped blooms in shades of pink, white, and purple. Like rhododendrons, azaleas also prefer acidic soil and will do best with partial sun to partial shade.

Azaleas should be planted away from direct sunlight and strong winds as these can cause them to dry out quickly and become damaged. With proper care and attention, both rhododendrons and azaleas can provide stunning color to your yard throughout the traditional growing season.

15. Viburnum

Viburnum is a type of part shade shrub that is popular for its easy-care nature, attractive foliage, and colorful flowers. This low-maintenance shrub is a versatile addition to any landscape since it can thrive in partial sunlight and various soil types. The blooms of Viburnum range from deep pink to white and come in a variety of shapes, including clusters, panicles, and umbel-like shapes.

Depending on the variety the plants can reach heights up to 8 feet. Though Viburnum does not require pruning, annual trimming can help keep it in shape and promote healthy growth. The leaves come in colors ranging from glossy green to dark red or burgundy. In addition to its attractive foliage, Viburnum also provides food for birds and other wildlife, making it an important native plant in many areas.

Viburnum is a great choice for gardeners who want a hardy shrub that will provide year-round beauty to their landscape. It is particularly suited for more shaded areas since it can tolerate partial sunlight and thrive in a wide range of soils. This plant is also known for its resistance to pests and diseases making it an excellent choice for those who want a low maintenance addition to their garden.

Planting it in groups or hedges can provide beautiful coverage, while Viburnum’s colorful flowers will attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. With its attractive foliage and blooms, Viburnum is sure to be an eye-catching addition to any landscape!

16. Mountain laurel

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is an evergreen part-shade shrub native to the Eastern United States. They are a popular choice for gardens due to their long flowering season and variety of flower colors. Mountain laurel blooms in spring and can produce pink, white, or even purple flowers.

The foliage on the shrub has a leathery texture and can range in color from light green to darker shades of green. The leaves are also lightly scented with a sweet aroma that can be noticed when brushing up against them.

Mountain laurel is relatively easy to care for and suitable for a variety of soil types. They prefer soil that is slightly acidic, moist, and drained with average fertility. They prefer shady or partially shady areas and should not be planted in full sun as this can cause the foliage to become scorched and weakened.

Mountain laurel requires regular pruning and occasional fertilization but otherwise is a low-maintenance plant that will give your garden a beautiful and fragrant touch year-round.

17. Witch hazel

Witch Hazel is a low maintenance, part shade shrub that is mainly indigenous to North America. The multistemmed shrub can reach up to 15 feet in height and will become an oval shape if not pruned. Its foliage consists of long, narrow leaves that have an interesting crinkled appearance.

In the fall, small yellow flowers will appear, which provides an added touch of natural beauty to any landscape. Witch Hazel prefers moist soil and will grow best in part shade areas and can tolerate full sun but is prone to drought damage when planted in full sun.

This unique shrub is also known for its versatile medicinal properties. The bark of the Witch Hazel has been used historically to treat fevers, skin disorders, and bruises. The bark leaves and twigs of the shrub all contain tannins and they can be used to make topical preparations such as lotions and ointments.

Witch Hazel extracts are also often used to reduce inflammation, cleanse the skin, and improve circulation which makes them popular ingredients in many soaps and creams.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, part shade shrubs can provide a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your home landscape. When choosing which type of part shade shrub to add to your garden, consider the mature size of the plant, the level of sun and shade it will need, and the climate in which it will grow best. With a little research, you can find the perfect part shade shrub to add beauty and interest to your landscape.

Part Shade Shrubs FAQ

What bush is best for shade?

When looking for a bush to plant in a shady area, Camellia is one of the best options. Not only is it evergreen, but its foliage comes in a variety of colors from copper bronze to deep green. It is also low-maintenance which makes it an ideal choice for those who don’t have much time to devote to gardening.

Other great shrubs for shade include oakleaf hydrangeas, Euonymus, viburnum, Aucuba japonica, Serviceberry, Clethra, Azalea, Rhododendron, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Mountain Laurel, Daphne, and Kerria. These choices are sure to make any shady area look beautiful and inviting.

What is the best evergreen for shade?

Boxwoods, hemlocks, and yews are popular evergreens that thrive in shady areas. These evergreens produce sturdy traditional-looking foliage that is sure to make your garden look vibrant and lush. For even more variety you can also consider adding rusty blackhaw viburnum, sweet viburnum, or eastern snowball viburnums to your garden. All of these plants are perfect for shady areas and will bring a refreshing touch of color to your outdoor space.

What is the best low maintenance shrub?

When it comes to low-maintenance shrubs, there is no shortage of options. Bottlebrush buckeye is a top pick with its elongated bloom spikes making a huge statement in any garden. Other popular varieties include Korean Spice Viburnum, Heavenly Bamboo, Loropetalum, and Black Chokeberry. If you’re looking for something truly unique Forsythia and ‘Wynyabbie Gem’ Westringia are great options.

For those seeking a pop of color, Croton, Alexander palm, Agave, Variegated pittisporum and Japanese boxwood provide plenty of vibrancy. For those who prefer something more subtle, Liriope and Shady Lady black are perfect choices. All of these shrubs require minimal care and can bring beauty to any garden.

What is the easiest plant to grow in the shade?

Begonias are one of the easiest plants to grow in shade. They require little maintenance and prefer indirect sunlight or a shady area. Other shade-tolerant plants include impatiens, hostas, ferns, and coleus.

What plant can survive without sunlight but is easy to care for?

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a popular indoor houseplant that can survive without direct sunlight and is known for being very low maintenance. It is not actually bamboo, but rather a type of tropical evergreen.

What plants give Colour in the shade?

Some plants that give color in the shade include Hostas, Caladiums, Coleus, Impatiens, and Begonias.