Shade shrubs - Ask Extension
I’m looking for a shade-tolerant shrub for a north-facing foundation planting. Not more than 5-6 feet tall but also not too small since I’d like t...
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Shade shrubs #871442
Asked June 03, 2024, 11:31 PM EDT
I’m looking for a shade-tolerant shrub for a north-facing foundation planting. Not more than 5-6 feet tall but also not too small since I’d like to mask the foundation wall. Do you have recommendations for smaller dogwoods that do well in shade, or other shrubs with winter interest? Thanks!
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
In addition to the light conditions, you will need to know if the area tends to be dry or wet. Most dogwoods like moist areas. Here is some info that includes shrub ideas:
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade
Are you adding just one shrub or several? You may want to consider a variety of shrubs and perennials to provide year-around interest. A row of identical plants can look nice, but each area has slightly different conditions (like the ones at the edges may get more sun or the drainage can be different by doorways or drain spouts). It can be easier to use a variety of plants so you get the "right plant, right spot".
Many shrubs like dogwoods can be trimmed to stay around 5 feet. Don't forget evergreens like yews. Some of them are very shade tolerant. Annabelle hydrangeas' flower heads dry and provide winter interest. Other hydrangeas need a lot of sun.
Good luck with this. Sometimes the garden center's inventory dictates what we plant, so you might want to see what is available and go from there.
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade
Are you adding just one shrub or several? You may want to consider a variety of shrubs and perennials to provide year-around interest. A row of identical plants can look nice, but each area has slightly different conditions (like the ones at the edges may get more sun or the drainage can be different by doorways or drain spouts). It can be easier to use a variety of plants so you get the "right plant, right spot".
Many shrubs like dogwoods can be trimmed to stay around 5 feet. Don't forget evergreens like yews. Some of them are very shade tolerant. Annabelle hydrangeas' flower heads dry and provide winter interest. Other hydrangeas need a lot of sun.
Good luck with this. Sometimes the garden center's inventory dictates what we plant, so you might want to see what is available and go from there.
