Shade-loving conifersallow you to arrange shady corners of the garden in an attractive way, providing lush greenery in these places all year round. Although there are fewconifers to be planted in the shade , there are interesting varieties among them, perfect for any type of garden. Download our list for free and discoverthe best varieties of conifers that like shade!
Cis is the most famous of shade-loving conifers
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
Note!At the end of the article there is a table with a list of recommended varieties of shade-loving conifers. This table can be downloaded in a print version (download link is below the table).
1. Cis
Yews are the most famous shade-loving conifersIn cultivation, the most common yew (Taxus baccata) and intermediate yew (Taxus x media) are found. They are trees or shrubs characterized by slow growth. There are many varieties of yews on the market, differing in terms of shape and color of needles.Almost all of them are suitable for cultivation in shadowy placesThe exception is varieties of yews with lightly colored needles, such as yew 'Adpressa Aurea'), which may lose their bright color in shadowy places.
Yews require fertile, humus and moist but well-drained soils. Usually acidic or slightly acidic as well, but there are many varieties of yew that are tolerant to soil pH.Yews grow best in the shade of tall trees.A great advantage is the fact that yews tolerate cutting and shaping very well, so you can create hedges and various interesting forms.The slow growth means that their size will not threaten taller trees under which we will plant them.
2. Canadian Christmas tree
Anothershade-loving conifer is the Canadian pine(Tsuga canadensis). It is a tree with an unusual, weeping habit and a dense, conical crown. Naturally, it reaches 20-30 m in height. However, in garden cultivation, the most common are dwarf, slow-growing varieties of Christmas trees, characterized by interesting forms. One of the most popular is the 'Jeddeloh' variety of hemispherical shape with a characteristic, nest-like hollow in the middle of the bush.
The Canadian pine tree grows well in the shade
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
The Canadian pine tree can grow even in deep shade . Plants require high soil and air humidity, so they feel best planted near the edge of a pond. They prefer slightly acidic and loamy soils.
3. Siberian microbiota
Siberian microbiota (Microbiota decussata) is another very interestingconiferous plant suitable for shade plantingIt is a low, spreading shrub with a flat habit, reaching a maximum height of 1 m and about 2 m wide. A characteristic feature of the microbiota are delicate, openwork twigs arched towards the ground. They are covered with gray-green, delicate, soft scales, which turn purple-copper in late autumn. With age, the shoots lying on the ground take root, therefore microbiota is recommended for planting slopes, which strengthen and protect against erosion.
Siberian microbiota for low cultivation requirements.It grows well in shady and sunny placesIt tolerates extreme frosts, so it can be grown in any region of Poland. However, it is susceptible to drought, and therefore requires watering during rainless periods, especially in the first year after planting.In addition, Siberian microbiota is almost never attacked by diseases and pests, which is a great advantage of this plant
4. Japanese thuja
A realrarity among shade-loving conifers is the Japanese thuja(Thujopsis dolabrata). It is a very beautiful and original, slow-growing tree with a domed, regular crown. A characteristic feature of the thuja are its decorative flattened twigs covered with thick and shiny scales. The twigs look like a thick, pressed, braided string. The lower side of the twigs is covered with a waxy, white, and sometimes even silvery coating, which creates a characteristic pattern.
This tree in Poland, after many years of cultivation, reaches a height of no more than 10 m. In nurseries we can meet interesting varieties of this shade-loving conifer that reach smaller sizes , such as 'Nana' with a semicircular, pillow-like habit, 'Variegata' with decorative, creamy-white discoloration on the scales or 'Aurea' with yellow-green scales.
Thuja plant requires fertile, moist, slightly acidic soils and sheltered positions. It is sensitive to frost, therefore it is recommended for cultivation in regions of Poland with milder climate.
The list of the best varieties of shade-loving conifers is presented in the table belowBelow the table there is a link to download this statement in a version for printing.
Download this statement as a printable version:
- Shade-loving conifers - the best varieties for the garden (PDF)
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
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