Ornamental shrubs growing quickly to the shadeis a proven solution if we want the newly arranged shaded corner of the garden to quickly take on an attractive appearance. However, while in sunny places the choice of plants is almost unlimited, planting shady places, e.g. under taller trees, is often problematic. Here are the10 best shade-growing shrubsthat will make this place green soon. Some of them bloom wonderfully!
Which bushes to plant in the shade?
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1. Bouquet hydrangea
One of the most interestingshrubs that prefer semi-shaded positionsis the bouquet hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). Its greatest pride is the magnificent, large and conical inflorescences of white or shades of pink. They decorate the plant from summer to autumn. As they fade, they turn slightly pink and then dry up.
Bouquet hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata
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Bouquet hydrangea grows rapidlyand after 5 years of cultivation it grows to 2 m in height and 1.5 m in width. Due to the relatively high frost resistance (frost resistance zone 5A), it can be planted all over the country. Hydrangea requires a semi-shaded position (the sun can burn it), fertile, moist and slightly acid soil (pH around 5.5). For proper growth, it needs plentiful fertilization. The annual strong pruning of the bouquet hydrangea is also necessary.
2. Rhododendron
Anotherflowering plant that grows well in shadeis Rhododendron. This impressive species, reaching even several meters in height, delights with white, yellow, red, pink or purple flowers. It blooms in May and June. It requires fertile, humus, moist and, above all, acidic soils (pH 4.5-5.0).
Rhododendron in the shade under a tree
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The growth rate of rhododendrons depends on the species and it can be as much as 20 cm per year. This is how fast the rhododendron 'Parkfeuer' grows. Pruning of rhododendrons is not recommended, except for removing faded inflorescences and cutting damaged, broken or disease-infected shoots. An important treatment is proper fertilization, which strengthens the plant and stimulates it to bloom more abundantly.Evergreen rhododendron should be protected for the winter, as it is easily damaged by dry, cold wind and low temperature.
3. Żylistek
Żylistek (Deutzia) is adeciduous shrub belonging to the family of hydrangeasand having requirements similar to other plants in this family. It grows quickly, reaching a height of up to 3 m after a few years. It is valued for its decorative leaves and abundant, beautiful and long (May-August) flowering. Large, star-like flowers, white, pink or red in color, are gathered in paniculate inflorescences.
Pink veins - Deutzia x rosea
Fig. Daderot, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
This species grows well in a quiet and semi-shaded position, on moderately compact, airy, humus and sufficiently moist soils. Unfortunately, most varicose veins are characterized by low frost resistance, but at the same time have a great ability to regenerate.Therefore, it is enough to cut out frozen shoots in spring and new ones will soon appear in their place.
4. Sweet jasmine
Sweet jasmine (Philadelphus coronarius) is a perennial shrub that grows up to about 3 m in height. It is valued mainly for its lush, wonderfully fragrant, cream flowers. It blooms in late May and early June.
Sweet jasmine - Philadelphus coronarius
Fig. I.Sáček, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
Sweet jasmine is a frost-resistant species (frost resistance zone 5A) and extremely easy to grow, although it has high nutritional requirements. It prefers semi-shaded positions, and fertile, humus and moist, slightly acidic or alkaline soils. The jasmine tree tolerates pruning and is resistant to both polluted air and diseases. Due to the fast growth rate, it should be trimmed every year. As a result, it will retain its regular habit and bloom profusely.
5. Barbed holly
Spiny holly (Ilex aquifolium) is aevergreen shrub that prefers semi-shaded or shaded positionsThis frost-resistant plant is extremely attractive at any time of the year. It is especially effective in autumn and winter, when decorative red fruits appear between the shiny, green, thorny leaves.
Barbed Holly - Ilex aquifolium
Also among conifers we can findfast-growing shade-loving shrubIntermediate yew (Taxus media) 'Hicksii' grows quickly, reaching 2-3 m in 10 years.It has a compact crown and short, dark green needles give it lightness. Red, spherical seeds covered with parch appear in the fall as well. However, be careful as they are poisonous.
Intermediate yew 'Hicksii'
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Yew needs a fairly fertile, moist and alkaline soil. It handles pruning well, so it is suitable for hedges. It is resistant to environmental pollution and quite resistant to frost (frost resistance zone 5B).
7. Swedish cotoneaster
Swedish Cotoneaster suecicus 'Skogholm' is afast growing evergreen ground cover shrub that grows well in partial shadeReaches 60 cm in height. Its dark green, shiny, small leaves turn orange in autumn. In spring it blooms profusely with tiny white flowers that transform into red, round, shiny fruits. The Swedish Irga 'Skogholm' does not have big requirements.It grows best in fertile and moderately moist soils, but will also do well in poorer soils.
A privet hedge
Fig. © PoradnikOgrodniczy.pl
8. Privet
Common privet (Ligustrum vulgare) isone of the most popular hedge speciesIt is a deciduous shrub, 2-3 m tall, with fragrant white flowers and black fruit. It grows well both in the sun and in the shade. Privet has low cultivation requirements, is resistant to drought, frost and air pollution. It is perfect for cutting and it grows quickly. Already after 5 years we can enjoy a hedge even 1.5 m high. This shrub loses its leaves with the onset of autumn.
Alpine currant - Ribes alpinum
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9. Alpine currant
Alpine currant (Ribes alpinum), sometimes also referred to as mountain currant, isdecorative deciduous shrub growing to a height of 2 mThe shrubs are decorated with ornamental, lush green in summer, and orange in autumn , lobed leaves. Also attractive are small, green and yellow flowers of alpine currants gathered in clusters and spherical, red, but not very tasty fruits. This shrub blooms from mid-April to early May. It is an undemanding, resistant and easy to grow plant. It prefers slightly acidic soil, but will cope with even alkaline, weak, rocky soils and in a shady position. It is fully frost-resistant. Alpine currant tolerates pruning and shaping very well, so it is perfect for hedges.
10. Chenault's snowball
One of the most beautiful shade-loving shrubs is the Chenaulta(Symphoricarpos chenaultii). This frost-resistant ornamental shrub is distinguished by its rapid growth (up to 20 cm per year), regular habit and small dimensions (up to 100 cm in height).The slightly overhanging hairy shoots create dense pillows. At the turn of June and July, the snowball blooms profusely with small pink flowers. They turn into decorative berries of white, pink or reddish color and remain throughout the winter. It is not very picky species, but prefers fertile and slightly moist soil. It can be planted as a hedge, lane or as a ground cover. It is a valuable honey plant.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
