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Try shade loving plants in shady landscape
Mississippi Gardens Newspaper and Web Column - May 19, 2003

Have you ever wondered what to do with that shady spot in the landscape? More often than not most Mississippi landscapes have some low light areas where turf won't grow and there isn't enough light for our favorite shrubs or flowering plants. You may be surprised to learn that there are actually many plants available that will tolerate or even require low light exposure. You may also discover that installing these shade-loving plants may create a cool retreat from the summer heat.

Some of the first indications that plants are not receiving enough light can be easily diagnosed. Plants that prefer full sun will generally grow poorly in low light situations. They may have open spindly growth, poor leaf color and fewer blooms than if they were planted in brighter locations. On the other hand, shade-loving or shade tolerant plants thrive in low light conditions.

One example of a favorite Southern shade-loving shrub is the Japanese Fatsia (Fatsia japonica). This particular shrub is widely used in low light situations because of its tropical affect and broad fan-like leaves that may reach 10 inches across. Fatsia is ideal for patios or other protected areas in deep shade. Consider using it as a containerized specimen. It prefers sandy, porous soil with medium moisture and medium fertility levels. Fatsia has creamy white winter blooms that will develop viable seed for starting transplants.

Fatsia looks great in combination with other shade-loving plants. One of my personal favorites is Japanese Aucuba. There are different types of Aucuba including those with speckled yellow or solid green colored leaves. Leatherleaf Mahonia is another good choice for shade. This shrub has yellow winter blooms that develop into blue, grape-like fruit. Its medium green leaves have an appearance similar to that of American Holly. The list of shrubs for shade is really quite lengthy. A short list includes Sweet Shrub, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Florida Anise, Coastal Leucothoe, Japanese Cleyera, and, of course, many Azaleas and Camellias.

Ferns are another option for shade and semi-shaded areas. The Holly fern (Cryptomium falcatum) is an excellent choice offering lustrous green leaves and high shade tolerance. Others in the long list of shade loving plants include annuals such as the ever popular Impatiens, Coleus, Caladium and Gerbera daisy. Each of these offers a tremendous amount of color for shade gardens.

There are also perennials that perform well in shade including Ajuga, Japanese Ardisia, Cardinal Flower, Coralbells, Ginger lily, Agapanthus and Cast Iron Plant. And finally, there are numerous vines that tolerate shade such as English Ivy, Periwinkle (Vinca major), Confederate Jasmine and Creeping Fig.

Certainly, there are these plants and others that will grow well and look great in the shady spaces of Mississippi gardens. So, with all these choices, let's get started and turn that bare, ugly shady spot into our favorite hideaway. Happy Gardening!

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These archived columns were written by Kerry Johnson, a hobby gardener, former weekly newspaper columnist and an Area Extension Horticulture Agent for 11 coastal counties in Mississippi.