What Will Grow In Clay & Shade - Ask Extension
We have a clay backyard that gets a lot of shade. The neighbors yard is a bit of a mess. We want to plant shrubs, bushes or small trees that will crea...
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What Will Grow In Clay & Shade #933949
Asked June 02, 2026, 4:53 PM EDT
We have a clay backyard that gets a lot of shade. The neighbors yard is a bit of a mess. We want to plant shrubs, bushes or small trees that will create a six to ten foot camouflage so we don’t notice the mess next door. Resilience against deer needed. Low maintenance a must. See the attached photo. What do you suggest? Here’s what AI apps suggest:
Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
American Elder / Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Those suggested are fine choices! A couple of others that come to mind would be: Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea), 5-12’ tall, Native; spreads; drought tolerant; deep red stem/twigs; Zone 3. Or,Lilac (Syringa vulgaris), 8-15’ tall, Spring is here when the fragrant lilac blooms; Zone 2.
Paul -Tree Care Advisor volunteer
