Plants for Shade

Many native plants thrive under trees or in the shady nooks of boulders, or on protected northeast slopes.  If you need some height in your shady landscape try a colorful Big Leaf Maple. This fast growing beauty can grow over 40’ and provide you with stunning fall leaf color. For a tall shrub, try Brown Twig Dogwood. It offers loads of small, creamy white flowers in the spring that set fall berries the birds love, and red fall leaves. It likes a frequent drink so plant it close to a water source. For an evergreen plant that needs less water you can’t go wrong with the gorgeous Christmas berry, or Toyon. Shiny dark green leaves highlight the small white blooms and sprays of red berries. Toyons also work well in full sun and can be used as a hedge.

In early spring California Lilac blooms light up the sides of the freeways with swaths of blue and light purple. It does well with afternoon protection in hotter areas. Try Anchor Bar Ceanothus as a low growing shrub and Carmel Creeper for a spreading evergreen groundcover. For a great contrasting color and an absolute magnate for birds, try the bright red Hummingbird Sage or the larger Powerline Pink Hummingbird Sage. These 2’ to 3’ plants have masses of bright flowers and can take afternoon shade and dry conditions.

Low growing plants for partial shade include the lovely Seaside Daisy. This tough plant can take salt spray and inland heat, and will bloom year round if the old blossoms are pinched off. Indian’s Grey Nightshade has quarter-sized purple flowers with lovely yellow centers. It can withstand heat, drought and partial shade as well as full sun. For a special edible treat, plant clusters of Woodland Strawberries in dappled shade and enjoy the small tasty fruit.

These are only some of the shade-happy plants Moosa Creek has to offer. You’ll be amazed at how many choices you have in this typically difficult planting situation.