Zone 5 Evergreen for total shade - not to exceed 6 feet - Ask Extension
I would like to leave 3 feet between our new deck and the house (1909 Arts&Craft) for a 15 foot line of evergreen shrubs growing on north side wit...
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Zone 5 Evergreen for total shade - not to exceed 6 feet #870248
Asked May 27, 2024, 10:57 AM EDT
I would like to leave 3 feet between our new deck and the house (1909 Arts&Craft) for a 15 foot line of evergreen shrubs growing on north side with no direct sun. The ground is moist - great for mosses, which I’d like to allow…..What would you suggest? Thank you!
Warren County Iowa
Expert Response
There are very few conifers that would do well in shady locations and only grow to 3 feet wide and 6 feet tall.
All of these evergreens would do best in part shade (at least 3-4 hours of sun a day) but may tolerate less sun. In too much shade they would be more open in habit and slower growing.
Yew - There are several compact forms of yew that can work well, but even some of the compact forms may need to be trimmed to maintain this size - especially when it comes to width.
Hemlock - There are a few compact forms of hemlock (such as Emerald Fountain) that may work well. They can be difficult to source and can cost more than plants like yew.
Inkberry Holly - this broadleaf evergreen would need part shade to perform best, but there are several upright cultivars (such as Squeeze Box™ or Sky Pencil) that would fit well in this location.
Boxwood - this broadleaf evergreen performs best in full sun but can tolerate part shade (it would not do well in full shade). They are smaller plants (may not be 6 foot tall) but this plant is easily pruned or shaped into the size plant you need. Look carefully at winter hardiness - many cultivars are not reliably winter hardy in Iowa. Korean littleleaf boxwood (Buxus microphylla var koreana) or hybrid boxwood where Korean littleleaf boxwood is one of the parents are good potentials. Cultivars like Chicagoland Green and Northern Charm™ are potential options.
Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question.
All of these evergreens would do best in part shade (at least 3-4 hours of sun a day) but may tolerate less sun. In too much shade they would be more open in habit and slower growing.
Yew - There are several compact forms of yew that can work well, but even some of the compact forms may need to be trimmed to maintain this size - especially when it comes to width.
Hemlock - There are a few compact forms of hemlock (such as Emerald Fountain) that may work well. They can be difficult to source and can cost more than plants like yew.
Inkberry Holly - this broadleaf evergreen would need part shade to perform best, but there are several upright cultivars (such as Squeeze Box™ or Sky Pencil) that would fit well in this location.
Boxwood - this broadleaf evergreen performs best in full sun but can tolerate part shade (it would not do well in full shade). They are smaller plants (may not be 6 foot tall) but this plant is easily pruned or shaped into the size plant you need. Look carefully at winter hardiness - many cultivars are not reliably winter hardy in Iowa. Korean littleleaf boxwood (Buxus microphylla var koreana) or hybrid boxwood where Korean littleleaf boxwood is one of the parents are good potentials. Cultivars like Chicagoland Green and Northern Charm™ are potential options.
Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question.
