Shade Bush: Which Ones to Choose?

Japanese Aucuba, a champion under trees

The Aucuba is a perfect bush for shady areas, especially for difficult planting spots like the base of trees. It features thick, glossy, evergreen foliage, either green or variegated with yellow, which is particularly interesting in the shade. It tolerates almost anything and even thrives in dense shade. It can be planted in borders or as a hedge, and its rounded habit ensures a lovely presence all year round. Its flowering is rather insignificant, but it is followed, in female specimens, by numerous decorative red fruits, turning black, throughout winter.

Culture:

• ordinary soil, not too calcareous, rather cool but well-drained.
• Growing in a large pot on a shaded terrace is possible.
• Hardiness: -20 °C

Some interesting varieties:

Aucuba Japonica Rozannie- Spotted Laurel

a self-fertile variety that always bears fruit and will pollinate its neighbours so they will bear fruit as well.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1,10 m

See the full description

Aucuba japonica Crotonifolia- Spotted Laurel

a reliable choice with cream speckles, leaning towards yellow, that brighten the darkest corners.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1,80 m

See the full description

Aucuba japonica Golden King- Spotted Laurel

a very bright variety with dark green foliage widely splashed with golden yellow.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1,80 m

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing Aucuba:

Aucuba pairs well, in borders or hedges, with Aralia elata, Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Mexican Orange Blossom, or even Enkianthus. In cool soil, you can also pair it with bamboo for an exotic feel, or with camellias for a more classic style. The scene will benefit from being complemented with perennial plants. In dry shade, opt for sturdy perennials like Asarum, Acanthus, or hardy geraniums. In cooler soil, you can choose Japanese Anemones, ferns, hostas, or Bleeding Hearts.

An idea for pairing in acid and cool soil: Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’, Rhododendron ‘Madame Masson’ for spring blooms, Dryopteris cycadina, Primula florindae to add summer colour, and Japanese Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ to brighten up autumn

→ To learn everything about Aucuba, visit our plant sheet “Aucuba: planting, pruning, and maintenance”

Hydrangea: between tradition and modernity

Hydrangeas are a classic choice for shaded borders. The traditional Hydrangea macrophylla is well-known, but there are also very contemporary species and varieties with refined flowering. This includes Hydrangea aspera and serrata, which feature small fertile flowers grouped in flat umbels, surrounded by sterile pseudo-flowers. The foliage of hydrangeas is generally green, but there are cultivars with purple, bronze, and even golden leaves. There are also climbing species that can scale their support to over 10 metres!

Culture:

• acidic, light, humus-bearing and cool soil
• container cultivation on a shaded terrace is possible.
• hardiness: variable, down to -10 °C for the less hardy.

Some interesting varieties:

Hydrangea macrophylla You and Me Romance

A medium-sized variety with numerous star-shaped flowers, pink in neutral soil and blue in acidic soil. This very romantic hydrangea is particularly well-suited for container cultivation.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Hydrangea serrata Blue Bird - Mountain Hydrangea

A beautiful compact bush with delicate flowers formed by small fertile blooms in various shades of blue, surrounded by pastel-toned pseudo-flowers. Ideal in regions lacking sunlight, this bush thrives both in the ground and in pots.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Hydrangea aspera Hot Chocolate

A variety that stands out for its pink and purple flowering, in 'lace bonnets', as well as its foliage with chocolatey hues. Another advantage: it tolerates slightly calcareous soils.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the full description

→ Also discover “Hydrangeas: 7 remarkable new varieties in 2019”

Our ideas for pairing hydrangeas:

Make your hydrangea the centrepiece of your border by pairing it with Holodiscus, potentillas, astilbes (in cool soil) or even Hostas. Add lightness with the delicate foliage of grasses that thrive in low light, or enhance the ‘woodland’ effect with ferns. In not too dense shade and with a good-sized subject, why not let a Clematis viticella climb? Consider festooning the trunks of nearby trees with a climbing hydrangea or a Schizophragma, both of which echo the inflorescences of hydrangeas.

An idea for a fresh shade association: Ligularia przewalskii, Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’, Hosta ‘Big Daddy’, Hosta ‘June’ and Osmunda regalis ‘Purpurascens’

→ To learn more, discover all the advice sheets dedicated to hydrangeas

Mahonia, a stunning bush in winter

The Mahonia has an original look with its upright habit and deeply lobed evergreen leaves. In the shade, it shines with a yellow, sometimes orange, flowering that most often occurs in winter. The flowers, with a lily of the valley fragrance, are followed by blue-tinged berries that extend its ornamental interest.

It is an architectural plant, very easy to grow, offering numerous varieties, including ‘Soft Caress’, with long, slender leaves, which will appeal to those who fear the spiky foliage of classic varieties.

Culture:

• light soil, even poor, neutral to slightly acidic. The Mahonia aquifolium (and its cultivar ‘Apollo’ with dark foliage) can tolerate some lime.
• Compact varieties grow very well in pots
• Hardiness: generally down to -20° C.

Some interesting varieties:

Mahonia x media Charity

It is one of the most popular. It is appreciated for its green foliage that turns purple in winter and for its yellow, slightly fragrant flowers that brighten up the winter.

• Height at maturity 3,50 m

See the full description

Mahonia Soft Caress - Mahonia hybrid

It is also distinguished by its fine, soft foliage, reminiscent of a fern. Its pale yellow autumn flowering, with a sweet lily of the valley scent, is also followed by decorative black fruits with silver reflections throughout winter.

• Flowering time October to December
• Height at maturity 1,30 m

See the full description

Mahonia aquifolium Apollo

More tolerant of lime than other mahonias, this variety is also more compact, making it easier to grow in pots. Its yellow inflorescences with a mimosa scent bloom at the end of winter, on dark green foliage that turns purple in the cold.

• Flowering time March, April
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing Mahonias:

Plant these Mahonias on a carpet of ivy or periwinkles, and pair them with ferns, sacred bamboo, alongside Carex with a fountain-like habit. Clumps of hellebores complete the scene in the heart of winter, and some spring bulbs then take over.

A bright pairing idea: Mahonia media ‘Charity’, Nandina ‘Obsessed Seika’, Helleborus ‘Ice n’ Roses White’ and Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’

→ Find everything you need to know and our tips for growing these beautiful bushes in our sheet: “Mahonia: plant, prune and maintain”

Leucothoe, a chameleon foliage

The Leucothoe is a must-have for shaded beds in acidic soil. It is a bush known as “heather soil” with a compact habit and generally evergreen foliage, glossy and shiny. Its colours change with the seasons, displaying a more or less deep purple in winter. In spring, it produces a lightly scented flowering with small bell-shaped flowers that are cream-white to pink, reminiscent of those of lily of the valley or Pieris.

Culture:

• neutral to acidic, humus-bearing, light soil that remains cool and well-drained
• easy pot cultivation
• Hardiness: -20 °C but quite sensitive to spring frost/thaw episodes and cold winds

Some interesting varieties:

Leucothoe fontanesiana Scarletta

The foliage of this variety emerges dark green, highlighted by a red edge, then turns to intense purple due to winter cold. Its generous flowering displays charming white bell-shaped flowers.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Leucothoe axillaris Twisting Red - Dog hobble

Leucothoe 'Twisting Red' is perfect for small spaces or pot cultivation on terraces, balconies, or patios. Its original foliage is twisted, and its hues also change over time.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 40 cm

See the full description

Leucothoe fontanesiana Whitewater

A very bright variety that lights up the shade. Its semi-evergreen variegated foliage is borne on purple stems. It changes colour with the seasons: purple in winter, it shows a beautiful bronze colour in spring.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing Leucothoe:

A lover of acidic soils, Leucothoe pairs well with many other heather soil bushes such as Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Camellias, Sarcococcas, and Japanese Maples. Complete the scene with carpets of heathers and focus on the graphic foliage of ferns or Hostas. Add groups of spring bulbs such as crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils, and don’t forget autumn bulbs like Colchicums (to be planted in summer!) if your bed is in light shade.

An idea for pairing in acidic soil: Leucothoe keiskei ‘Burning Love’, Chinese Azalea ‘Jolie Madame’, Acer palmatum ‘Sangokaku’ (syn. ‘Senkaki’), Hosta ‘June’, and Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’

→ To learn more and successfully grow this shade shrub: “Leucothoe: planting, cultivation, pruning, and maintenance”

Fatsia, a tropical vibe in the garden

Hardy and low-maintenance, the Fatsia or Aralia is a beautiful shade bush. Its evergreen, deeply palmate leaves give it a truly exotic appearance. Its foliage can be glossy green or splashed with cream, illuminating the darkest corners of the garden or terrace. Its flowering with spherical white pom-poms occurs between July and September, reminiscent of ivy. This is followed by the production of small black berries that are highly appreciated by birds.

Culture:

• Good garden soil that is non-calcareous, cool in summer, and not waterlogged in winter.
• Can be grown in a large container
• Hardiness: -15 °C in a sheltered position away from drafts and winds that can damage its foliage

Some interesting varieties:

Fatsia japonica Spiders Web - Variegated False Aralia

A particularly decorative variety with foliage heavily splashed with cream that inevitably draws the eye to the darkest areas of the garden.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the full description

Fatsia polycarpa Green Fingers

A remarkable variety with finely cut leaves and narrow laminae. A bit more modest, it also shows slightly less hardiness.

• Flowering time November, December
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing Fatsia:

To enhance the tropical effect, pair Fatsia with other exotic foliage such as that of the Tetrapanax, Acanthus, or Aspidistra, all placed on a groundcover like Asarum. In regions with milder winters, dare to try the Wheel Tree, with its original flowering. The Japanese aesthetic of Aralia can be accentuated by pairing it with bamboos (the so-called ‘cespitose’ bamboos do not spread and do not require a rhizome barrier), Japanese Maples, Hostas, and Hakonechloas. At their feet, opt for Chloranthus with its fragrant spring flowering, or Helxine with its mossy appearance.

→ Read also: 7 ideas for pairing Fatsia

A tropical-inspired pairing idea: Fatsia japonica, Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Aureocaulis’ (with rhizome barrier), Dryopteris wallichiana, and Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Cristatum Group’

→ to read on the blog: “10 exotic and hardy plants for a Jungle garden”

Sarcococca, for challenging areas

Bush with glossy green, evergreen and dense foliage, which scents winter with its very discreet yet powerful flowers. These are followed by berries that start red and turn black. Slow-growing and of moderate size, this compact bush integrates easily into the garden, even in areas where nothing grows, such as between tree roots. It spreads and occupies space without becoming invasive. Very versatile, it withstands pollution, diseases, and is even suitable for dry shade. Additionally, it requires very little maintenance.

Culture:

• Acidic to neutral, cool but well-drained soil (accepts difficult and dry soils, such as between roots)
• Very resilient (diseases, pollution, drought…)
• Hardy from -10°C to -15°C.

Some interesting varieties:

Sarcococca confusa

A classic, perhaps the most well-known. Glossy green foliage, always healthy. It scents gardens and balconies in the heart of winter.

• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the full description

Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Purple Stem

A variety with young foliage and flowers beautifully tinged with purple. The colour is enhanced by the fine, deep green foliage.

• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Sarcococca saligna

An original variety. Less fragrant, it stands out with its very fine, elongated foliage reminiscent of willow or bamboo. A look that adds a touch of exoticism to challenging spots.

• Height at maturity 1,40 m

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing sarcococcas:

In the most challenging areas (dry soil, roots…), pair them with sturdy hardy geraniums, alongside hellebores and Asarum europaeum.

An idea for pairing in challenging areas: Sarcococca ‘Winter Gem’, Helleborus ‘Ice n’ Roses Red’ and Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Spessart’ which will flower a little later in the season

In cooler spots, consider Japanese maples, Fatsias, accompanied by hostas and ferns. Complete with some cyclamens and spring bulbs.

Daphne, an enchanting fragrance

The Daphne is an essential bush for flowering and scenting shaded areas of the garden, even in the heart of winter. It’s impossible to resist their exceptional fragrances. Daphnes typically display a generally evergreen, variegated foliage that is particularly bright in certain varieties. The flowering, with small white, pink, purple, and even yellow stars, is decorative and literally fills the garden with fragrance.

Growing Conditions:

• Neutral to acidic, humus-bearing soil, cool but well-drained in winter
• Pot cultivation is possible for the more compact varieties
• Hardiness: down to -15° C, but some can withstand up to -30° C

Some Interesting Varieties:

Daphne odora Marianni Rogbret

A true marvel! Its thick, evergreen foliage, broadly marginate in pale yellow, makes it particularly bright in shaded situations. Its fragrance is very powerful and can be noticed even before seeing the bush.

• Flowering time March, April
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the full description

Daphne mezereum var. rubra

A variety to favour in slightly calcareous soil. Its purple-pink flowers bloom at the end of winter, on the naked wood, before the leaves, which are matte green with bluish reflections, appear. It is a deciduous species. Its red berries extend the ornamental interest.

• Flowering time March, April
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Daphne cneorum

A groundcover Daphne that is not particular about exposure, soil type, or pH; its only requirement is excellent drainage. Its green foliage is evergreen and bears bright pink flowers in mid-spring. The fragrance is particularly noticeable in the evening.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the full description

Our Ideas for Pairing with Daphne:

Ferns (such as the stunning Dryopteris erythrosora with its coppery foliage), Japanese Grass, Ophiopogon, Heucheras, and Rodgersias create a beautiful tableau where shapes, textures, and colours of foliage contrast wonderfully. Complete with perennials with beautiful blooms like Hellebores, Alchemilla, and Japanese Anemones. Early-flowering bulbs beautifully accompany the flowering of Daphnes.

A fragrant and colourful pairing idea: Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’, Rodgersia pinnata ‘Bronze Peacock’, Dryopteris erythrosora, and Heuchera ‘Obsidian’

→ Want to know more about this highly fragrant shade bush? Discover our guide: “Daphne: how to plant, grow, and care for it”

Rhododendrons and azaleas, the stars of shady gardens!

Culture:

Some interesting varieties:

Our ideas for pairing rhododendrons and azaleas:

• acidic or neutral, humus-bearing, cool but well-drained soil
• Pot cultivation is possible for the smaller varieties
• Hardiness: -20°C

Rhododendron yakushimanum Grumpy

A variety with evergreen foliage, matte green with very fuzzy undersides, which beautifully showcases its flowering. The buds, salmon-pink tinged with yellow, open into pale pink and cream corollas in mid-spring. Modestly sized, it fits well in small gardens as well as in pots.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the full description

Rhododendron Fragrantissimum

Early-flowering, this variety blooms in early spring, with large white corollas featuring a green throat and a rosy underside. A notable advantage is the fragrance of this variety, which fills the air for several metres around. Not very hardy, it should be grown in the garden in mild climates or in pots, protected from severe cold.

• Flowering time April, May
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the full description

Japanese Azalea Silver Queen

A remarkable variety with evergreen foliage, green variegated with white. It serves as a backdrop for fuchsia pink flowering in spring. Its small dimensions allow it to be integrated into all gardens, illuminating shady spots without interruption.

• Flowering time May, June
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the full description

Rhododendron Polar Bear

A very large rhododendron with a rather late flowering, bright white, exuding a fragrance reminiscent of lilies. The emerald green foliage is evergreen and gives this large bush a beautiful presence throughout the year.

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 5 m

See the full description

Opt for Pieris with stunning foliage and decorative flowerings, camellias that, for some, bloom when rhododendrons are less showy, or Japanese maples whose graceful foliage adorns itself with sumptuous autumn hues. Complete with perennials that dress the base of the bushes, such as Japanese anemones, Brunneras, Cimicifugas, Bleeding Hearts, Hostas, or Heucheras. Fill the gaps with bulbs like Bluebells, Wood Anemones, or Cyclamen coum.

An idea for pairing: Rhododendron yakushimanum ‘Grumpy’, Primula japonica ‘Miller’s Crimson’, Matteuccia struthiopteris, Phlox divaricata ‘White Perfume’, Hosta ‘Fragrant Dream’, and Ajuga reptans

→ To learn everything and successfully grow these heather soil shrubs, discover our complete guide dedicated to rhododendrons and azaleas

Viburnum, simplicity in beauty

If many of them prefer open and sunny situations, some viburnums thrive in shade. Their foliage can be evergreen or deciduous and take on stunning autumn hues. The flowering, whether winter or spring, is white, but some varieties offer refreshing pink shades. Small berries, favoured by birds, follow the flowers.

Growing Conditions:

• Humus-bearing, cool, and well-drained soil
• Pot cultivation reserved for dwarf varieties
• Hardiness: -10 °C to -20 °C

Some Interesting Varieties:

Viburnum tinus Spirit

A reliable choice for the back of borders or hedges… This evergreen bush with pink then white flowers is very resilient and accepts all well-drained soils, even calcareous ones. It tolerates pruning well.

• Height at maturity 2,50 m

See the full description

Viburnum dentatum Blue Muffin

With a rustic appearance, this shrub has multiple benefits: white flowers that appear in spring, very decorative blue fruits, and deciduous foliage that turns yellow then deep red in autumn. What more could you ask for?

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the full description

Viburnum davidii - David viburnum

David's Viburnum makes an effective groundcover. Its flowering is rather ordinary, but its young foliage, with red tints, is borne on petioles of the same hue. Evergreen, it is then dotted with small black to blue berries that persist until winter. It is easily grown in pots.

• Flowering time July
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the full description

Our Ideas for Pairing These Viburnums:

Pair these viburnums with simple-looking shrubs in bold shades such as Euonymus ‘Emerald’n Gold’ or Aralia ‘Golden Umbrella’. In acidic soil, brighten your assortment with the bell-shaped flowers of Enkianthus campanulatus. Dress the base of your shrubs with ferns with finely cut foliage, Hellebores, and some spring bulbs.

An idea for pairing: Viburnum davidii, Aralia ‘Sun King’, and Euonymus ‘Emerald n’ Gold’

→ Find everything you need to know and our tips for growing Viburnums in our guide: “Viburnum: planting, pruning, and cultivating”

Xanthorhiza simplicissima, a magnificent autumn foliage

Rarely used, Xanthorhiza is a groundcover bush that can be described as a wise conqueror. Suckering, it spreads without ever becoming invasive. It produces small brown-purple flowers in the heart of spring, followed by star-shaped fruits that birds love. However, it is primarily valued for its remarkable foliage. Cut leaves are green in season, then gradually turn yellow, followed by purple and violet as autumn progresses.

Culture:

• Ordinary, cool, non-calcareous, humus-bearing soil. It tolerates clay.
• Hardiness: -15 °C

Our ideas for pairing with Xanthorhiza:

Only Xanthorhiza simplicissima is cultivated in the garden. It thrives in a shaded spot, near a water feature, alongside Kalmia latifolia, Rhododendrons, or in front of a Clethra with fragrant blooms and beautiful late-season hues. To perfect the autumn palette, pair it with dogwoods like Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’, which, in addition to its fiery hues at the end of the season, remains decorative all winter with its red-coloured stems. Accent the scene with the lush foliage of hostas, ferns, Japanese grasses, or Carex. Add colour with the blooms of perennials that enjoy coolness such as hardy geraniums, Japanese anemones, Caucasian forget-me-nots, or campanulas.

An idea for pairing: Xanthorhiza simplicissima accompanied by Kalmia latifolia ‘Minuet’ and Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ in spring, followed by Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’ and Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ in autumn