Shade Gardening
Shade gardening is a challenge in Central Texas. The choices are more limited, and getting enough color can be difficult. I hope this list of plants and ideas helps. The shade gardening video at the bottom of this page has more information and tips on designing a shade garden.
Plants that will grow in the shade
Remember that the amount of shade matters for each of these plants! Some will thrive with only filtered light. Some will tolerate the shade or perform best with the shade in the morning and the sun in the afternoon. If you need help with plant selections, please track your light and contact us for a consultation.
Ajuga
Amaryllis
American Beauty Berry
Asian Jasmine
Asparagus Ferns
Aucuba
Autumn Fern
Black and Blue Sage
Boxwoods (fungal warning)
Caladium
Calla Lily
Cast Iron Plants
Cedar Sage
Coleus
Columbine
Confederate Jasmine
Coral Bells
Coralberry
Dwarf Pittosporum
Dwarf Yaupon Holly
Elephant Ears
English Ivy
Frogfruit
Garden Phlox
Giant Leopard Plant
Ginger
Heartleaf Skullcap
Hellebores
Holly Fern
Hosta
Impatiens
Inland Sea Oats
Japanese Aralea
Japanese Maple
Kalancho
Leadwort Plumbago
Leopard Plant
Liriope
Mahonia
Maiden Ferns
Mondo Grass
Nolina (Bear Grass)
Oak Leaf Hydrangeas
Oxalis
Pigeon Berry
Purple Heart
River Fern
Rock Rose
Ruellia Squarrosa (Blue Shade Ruellia)
Ruellia, Dwarf Katie
Shrimp Plants
Silver Ponyfoot
Spanish Dagger
Spiderlily
Split Leaf Philodendron
Squid Agave
Sweet Potato Vine
Texas Betony
Tropical Sage
Turk's Cap
Variegated Flax Lily
Viburnum
Vinca
Wood Fern
Yaupon Hollies
Yew
Shade tips and tricks
Add brightly colored foliage, such as the bright green potato vine or variegated plants, to draw the eye in and brighten the darker areas.
Reds seem to go more unnoticed in a shady area.
Pots can spice up an otherwise dull look.
Remember, in the shade, the soil stays moist for longer and can lead to root rot on some plants. Be sure to amend your soil before planting to help avoid this issue. Also, a moisture meter is an extremely valuable tool!
