Shade shrubs: which ones to choose?

Japanese aucuba, a champion under trees

The Aucuba is the perfect shrub for shade, especially for difficult areas to plant, such as the base of trees. It has evergreen, thick and glossy foliage, green or variegated with yellow, which is particularly attractive in shade. It tolerates almost anything and even copes with dense shade. It can be planted in a bed or hedge, and its rounded habit ensures an attractive presence all year round. Its flowering is rather insignificant, but female plants are followed by numerous red, then black, berries that remain decorative throughout the winter.

Growing:

• ordinary, not too chalky soil, preferably moist but well drained.
• It can be grown in a large pot on a shady terrace.
• Hardiness: -20 °C

A few interesting varieties:

Aucuba Japonica Rozannie- Spotted Laurel

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

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

See the full description

Aucuba japonica Crotonifolia- Spotted Laurel

a reliable variety whose cream speckles, tinged with yellow, brighten the darkest corners.

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

See the full description

Aucuba japonica Golden King- Spotted Laurel

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

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

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing Aucuba:

Aucuba combines well, in a bed or hedge, with Aralia elata, azaleas and rhododendrons, Mexican orange blossom or Enkianthus. In moist soil, you can also pair it with bamboo for an exotic feel, or with camellias for a more classic style. The scene will be enhanced with perennial plants. In dry shade, choose robust perennials such as wild ginger, acanthus and hardy geraniums. In moister soil, you can opt for Japanese anemones, ferns, hostas or bleeding hearts.

→ To find out everything about Aucuba, see our plant profile “Aucuba: planting, pruning and care”

Hydrangea: between tradition and modernity

Hydrangeas are a great classic for shady beds. The traditional Hydrangea macrophylla is well known, but there are also very contemporary species and varieties with refined flowers. This is the case with Hydrangea aspera and serrata, which produce small fertile flowers grouped into flattened umbels, surrounded by sterile pseudo-flowers. Hydrangea foliage is generally green, but there are cultivars with purple, bronze and even golden leaves. There are also climbing species that climb their support to heights of more than 10 metres!

Growing conditions:

• acidic, light, humus-bearing and moist soil
• growing in a container on a shady terrace is possible.
• hardiness: variable, down to -10 °C for the least hardy varieties.

A few 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 soils. This very romantic hydrangea is particularly well suited to growing in containers.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Hydrangea serrata Blue Bird - Mountain Hydrangea

A lovely compact shrub with delicate flowers formed by small fertile flowers in various shades of blue, surrounded by pseudo-flowers in paler tones. Ideal in regions with little sunshine, this shrub is equally at home in the ground or in a pot.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Hydrangea aspera Hot Chocolate

• Flowering time July to September
• 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 bed by accompanying it with Holodiscus, Potentilla, astilbes (in moist soil) or Hostas. Add a touch of lightness with the delicate foliage of grasses that are happy with little light, or enhance the woodland effect with ferns. In fairly light shade and with a good-sized plant, why not train a Clematis viticella to climb through it? Consider festooning the trunks of neighbouring trees with a climbing Hydrangea or a Schizophragma, both of which echo the inflorescences of hydrangeas.

An idea for a planting combination in cool shade: Ligularia przewalskii, Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’, Hosta ‘Big Daddy’, Hosta ‘June’ and Osmunda regalis ‘Purpurascens’

→ To find out everything, discover all our advice pages devoted to hydrangeas

Mahonia, a magnificent winter-flowering shrub

The Mahonia has an original look with its upright habit and deeply divided evergreen leaves. In shade, it shines with yellow, sometimes orange, flowers that usually appear in winter. The lily-of-the-valley-scented flowers are followed by bluish berries, extending its ornamental appeal.

This is an architectural plant that is very easy to grow and comes in numerous varieties, including ‘Soft Caress’, with long, narrow leaves, which will appeal to those who dislike the prickly foliage of classic varieties.

Growing conditions:

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

A few interesting varieties:

Mahonia x media Charity

This is one of the most popular varieties. It is appreciated for its green foliage, which takes on purple tones in winter, and for its yellow, slightly fragrant flowers that brighten up the winter garden.

• Flowering time December to February
• Height at maturity 3,50 m

See the full description

Mahonia Soft Caress - Mahonia hybrid

It also stands out for its fine, soft foliage, which is reminiscent of fern fronds. Its pale yellow autumn flowering, with a gentle lily-of-the-valley fragrance, is followed by black fruits with silvery highlights, which remain decorative throughout the winter.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 1,30 m

See the full description

Mahonia aquifolium Apollo

More tolerant of chalky soils than other mahonias, this variety is also more compact, making it easier to grow in a pot. Its yellow, mimosa-scented flower clusters open in late winter above dark green foliage that takes on purple tones in cold weather.

• Flowering time February, March
• 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 bamboos, alongside Carex with a fountain-like habit. Clumps of hellebores complete the scene in the depths of winter, followed by a few spring bulbs.

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

→ Find out everything you need to know, along with our advice on growing these beautiful shrubs, in our guide: “Mahonia: planting, pruning and care”

Leucothoe: Chameleon-Like Foliage

Leucothoe is a must-have for shady beds in acid soil. It is a shrub known as a “heather soil” plant, with a compact habit and generally evergreen foliage that is glossy and shiny. Its colours change with the seasons, becoming more or less deep purple in winter. In spring, it bears slightly fragrant flowers in small bell-shaped clusters, cream-white to pink, reminiscent of lily of the valley or Pieris.

Growing:

• neutral to acidic, humus-bearing, light soil that remains moist but well drained
• easy to grow in pots
• Hardiness: -20 °C, but fairly sensitive to spring freeze-thaw periods and cold winds

A few interesting varieties:

Leucothoe fontanesiana Scarletta

The foliage of this variety emerges dark green, edged with red, then turns deep purple in the cold of winter. Its generous flowering displays charming white bells.

• Flowering time May, June
• 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 growing in pots on terraces, balconies or patios. Its distinctive foliage is twisted, and its colours also change over time.

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

See the full description

Leucothoe fontanesiana Whitewater

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

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

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing Leucothoe:

A lover of acidic soils, Leucothoe therefore pairs well with many other heather soil shrubs, such as Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Camellias, Sarcococcas and Maples from Japan. Complete the scene with carpets of heathers and make the most of the architectural foliage of ferns or Hostas. Add groups of spring bulbs such as crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils and do not forget autumn bulbs such as Colchicums (plant them in summer!) if your bed is in light shade.

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

→ To find out more and successfully grow this shade-loving shrub: “Leucothoe: planting, growing, pruning and care”.

Fatsia: a tropical feel in the garden

Fully hardy and undemanding, Fatsia, or false aralia, is a beautiful shade-loving shrub. Its evergreen, deeply palmate leaves give it a truly exotic appearance. Its foliage can be glossy green or splashed with cream, brightening even the darkest corners of the garden or terrace. Its flowering of spherical white pompons takes place between July and September and resembles that of ivy. This is followed by small black berries that are much appreciated by birds.

Growing:

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

A few interesting varieties:

Fatsia japonica Spiders Web - Variegated False Aralia

A particularly decorative variety with foliage extensively splashed with cream, inevitably drawing the eye to the darkest corners of the garden.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the full description

Fatsia polycarpa Green Fingers

A remarkable variety with divided foliage and narrow laminae. A little more modest, it also has less pronounced hardiness.

• Flowering time October, November
• 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 plants such as Tetrapanax, acanthus and cast iron plants, all set against a groundcover such as Asarum. In regions with milder winters, try wheel tree, with its unusual flowers. The Japanese-inspired appearance of false aralia can be enhanced by pairing it with bamboos (so-called ‘caespitose’ bamboos do not spread and do not need a rhizome barrier), Japanese maples, Hostas and Hakonechloas. At their feet, choose fragrant spring-flowering Chloranthus, or mind-your-own-business with its mossy appearance.

→ Read also: 7 ideas for pairing Fatsia

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

→ Read on the blog: “10 exotic and hardy plants for a jungle garden”

Sarcococca for difficult spots

Evergreen shrub with dense, glossy green foliage that scents the garden in winter with its very discreet yet powerfully fragrant flowers. They are followed by red then black berries. Slow-growing and moderately sized, this compact shrub fits easily into the garden, even in areas where nothing else grows, such as between tree roots. It spreads and fills the space without becoming invasive. Highly versatile, it withstands pollution and disease and is even suitable for dry shade. It also requires very little care.

Growing conditions:

• Acidic to neutral, moist but well-drained soils (it tolerates difficult, dry soils and areas between roots)
• Very resilient (to disease, pollution, drought…)
• Hardy from -10 °C to -15 °C.

A few interesting varieties:

Sarcococca confusa

A great classic, perhaps the best-known. Green, glossy foliage that always looks healthy. It scents gardens and balconies in the heart of winter.

• Flowering time December to March
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the full description

Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna Purple Stem

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

• Flowering time December, January
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the full description

Sarcococca saligna

An unusual variety. Less fragrant, it stands out for its very fine, elongated foliage, reminiscent of willow or bamboo. Its appearance brings an exotic touch to difficult spots.

• Flowering time December, January
• Height at maturity 1,40 m

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing sarcococcas:

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

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

In cooler spots, choose Japanese maples and Fatsias, accompanied by hostas and ferns. Complete the planting with a few cyclamens and some spring bulbs.

Daphne, an enchanting fragrance

The Daphne is an essential shrub for bringing flowers and fragrance to shady areas of the garden, even in the depths of winter. It is impossible to resist their exceptional fragrances. Daphnes generally have evergreen, variegated foliage, making certain varieties particularly bright. The small star-shaped flowers, in white, pink, purple and even yellow, are decorative and literally fill the garden with fragrance.

Growing:

• Neutral to acidic, humus-bearing soil, moist but well drained in winter
• Growing in pots is possible for the more compact varieties
• Hardiness: down to -15 °C, although some can withstand temperatures as low as -30 °C

A few interesting varieties:

Daphne odora Marianni Rogbret

A real wonder! Its thick, evergreen foliage, green with a broad pale-yellow margin, makes it particularly bright in shade. Its fragrance is very powerful and noticeable even before you see the shrub.

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

See the full description

Daphne mezereum var. rubra

A variety to favour in slightly chalky soil. Its purplish-pink flowers open in late winter on bare wood, before the leaves appear. The leaves are matt green with bluish reflections. This is a deciduous species. Its red berries extend its ornamental interest.

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

See the full description

Daphne cneorum

A groundcover Daphne that is not fussy about aspect, 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 April, May
• Height at maturity 25 cm

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing Daphne:

The ferns (such as the superb Dryopteris erythrosora with coppery foliage), Japanese forest grass, Ophiopogon, Heucheras and Rodgersias can be combined to create a beautiful display in which the shapes, textures and colours of the foliage contrast wonderfully. Complete the planting with perennials with beautiful flowers, such as Hellebores, Lady’s Mantles and Japanese Anemones. Early-flowering bulbs complement Daphne flowering beautifully.

An idea for a fragrant and colourful combination: Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’, Rodgersia pinnata ‘Bronze Peacock’, Dryopteris erythrososa and Heuchera ‘Obsidian’

→ Would you like to find out more about this highly fragrant shade-loving shrub? Discover our guide: “Daphne: planting, growing and caring for it”

Rhododendrons and azaleas, stars of shade gardens!

Under the name Rhododendrons, both ‘true’ rhododendrons and azaleas are grouped together. The genus offers a very wide choice, with shrubs ranging from a few dozen centimetres to several metres in height. They are true stars of the shade, and their flowering covers almost the entire colour spectrum: white, blue, mauve, pink, red, yellow and orange. The foliage is not to be outdone: it bursts into colour in autumn on deciduous varieties and can be variegated on evergreen ones. It is therefore impossible not to find a rhododendron to suit your garden or terrace.

Growing:

• acidic or neutral, humus-bearing, moist but well-drained soil
• Growing in pots is possible for the smaller varieties
• Hardiness: -20 °C

A few interesting varieties:

Rhododendron yakushimanum Grumpy

An evergreen variety with matt green foliage and a very downy underside, which sets off its flowering beautifully. The salmon-pink buds, tinged with yellow, open into pale pink and cream corollas in mid-spring. Compact in size, it is well suited to small gardens as well as growing in a pot.

• Flowering time May
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the full description

Rhododendron Fragrantissimum

Early flowering, this variety blooms at the beginning of spring, producing large white corollas with a green throat and pinkish reverse. An undeniable asset, the fragrance of this variety fills the air several metres around it. Not very hardy, it can be grown in the garden in a mild climate or in a pot, protected from severe cold.

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

See the full description

Japanese Azalea Silver Queen

A remarkable evergreen variety with green foliage variegated with white. It provides a perfect setting for its fuchsia-pink flowering in spring. Its small size makes it suitable for every garden, where it continuously brightens up less sunny areas.

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

See the full description

Rhododendron Polar Bear

A very large rhododendron with fairly late, bright white flowers, giving off a fragrance reminiscent of lily. The emerald-green foliage is evergreen and gives this large shrub a strong presence throughout the year.

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

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing rhododendrons and azaleas:

Choose Pieris with their superb foliage and decorative flowering, camellias, some of which flower when rhododendrons are less spectacular, or Japanese maples, whose graceful foliage takes on sumptuous autumn colours. Complete the display with perennials that clothe the base of the shrubs, such as Japanese anemones, Brunneras, fairy candles, bleeding hearts, Hostas or Heucheras. Fill the gaps with bulbs such as English bluebells, wood anemones or Cyclamen coum.

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

→ To learn everything you need to know about growing these heather soil shrubs, discover our complete guide to rhododendrons and azaleas

Viburnum: beauty in simplicity

Although many of them prefer open, sunny positions, some viburnums perform very well in the shade. Their foliage can be evergreen or deciduous and take on superb colours in autumn. Flowering, in winter or spring, is white, although some varieties offer refreshing pink shades. Small berries, much appreciated by birds, follow the flowers.

Growing:

• Humus-bearing, moist and well-drained soil
• Growing in pots reserved for dwarf varieties
• Hardiness: -10 °C to -20 °C

A few interesting varieties:

Viburnum tinus SPIRIT® - Laurustinus

A reliable choice for the back of a bed, as a hedge… This evergreen shrub with pink then white flowers is very hardy and accepts all well-drained soils, including chalky soils. It tolerates pruning well.

• Flowering time November to April
• Height at maturity 2,20 m

See the full description

Viburnum dentatum Blue Muffin

With its country-garden appearance, this shrub offers several attractions: white flowers that appear in spring, highly decorative bluish fruits and deciduous foliage that turns yellow and then deep red in autumn. What more could you ask for?

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

See the full description

Viburnum davidii - David viburnum

David's viburnum makes an effective groundcover. Its flowering is rather unremarkable, but its young foliage, with red tinges, is borne on petioles of the same colour. Evergreen, it is then covered with small black to blue berries that persist until winter. It grows easily in a pot.

• Flowering time June
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the full description

Our ideas for pairing these Viburnum?

Pair these viburnums with shrubs with a simple habit and strong colours such as Spindle tree ‘Emerald’n Gold’ or devil’s Walking stick ‘Golden Umbrella’. In acidic soil, brighten up your selection with the bell-shaped flowers of Enkianthus campanulatus. Clothe the base of your shrubs with ferns with divided foliage, hellebores and a few spring bulbs.

One planting idea: Viburnum davidii, Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’ and Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald n’ Gold’

→ Find out everything you need to know, along with our advice on growing viburnums, in our guide: “Viburnum: planting, pruning and growing”.