Shade-Loving Shrubs for the Northwest

Finding interesting works for tincture can be a struggle , but when you add in the desire for that works to be a woody bush , the list narrows even more . But these morphologic wonder are essential in give our shadowy beds and borders depth and literal bearing .

Whether you ’re look for colourful leaf , fab flowers , or out - of - this - worldly concern grain , there is sure to be at least one shade - bonk shrub that will tally the bill . To assist us hunt down these elusive garden treasure , we asked regional experts to pluck out their four favorite shrub for refinement . ensure out some stunning excerption for theNorthwestbelow , and see even more shade - loving shrubs inthis episode of theLet ’s Argue About Plantspodcast .

1. ‘Knaptonensis’ Japanese cedar

Name:Cryptomeriajaponica‘Knaptonensis’

Zones:5–9

Size:4 feet improbable and 2 feet wide

Conditions : Partial to full shade ; average to moist , well - drain soil

aboriginal grasp : Japan

This unusual variegated conifer is a favorite for its bright , glowing white juvenile foliage , which it is easy and constantly set out . However , it perfectly does not jazz unmediated sun , which burn those ticklish snowy tips . That makes it a bang-up option for conifer fan withsun - compromised planting placement . ‘ Knaptonensis ’ is ideal for containers due to its slow increase and its plump , pyramidal frame . Regular moisture is a must , but otherwise this standout survival of the fittest requires no human intervention to look its proficient .

2. ‘Filamentosa’ heavenly bamboo

Name:Nandinadomestica*‘Filamentosa’

Zones:6–10

Size:1 to 2 infantry tall and 2 to 3 groundwork wide

Conditions : Full sun to partial tad ; median soil

aboriginal range : Japan , China , India

Although it is not actually a bamboo , this modest bush is quite heavenly . Not to be dismissed as yet anotherNandina , ‘ Filamentosa ’ is strikingly dissimilar due to its very finely analyse foliage , which provides incredible year - round texture . If that is n’t enough , it provides evergreen foliage color as well ; new growth is tinct red , which fade somewhat before taking on coppery orangish tincture in free fall . pink - white summer prime are view as above the foliage on glowing red stems . It grows lento and is super low - criminal maintenance . Its dispirited , mound riding habit make it useful in containers or as an understory soil cover .

3. ‘Elegantissima’ English boxwood

Name:Buxussempervirens‘Elegantissima’

Zones:6–8

Size:6 feet grandiloquent and 4 metrical foot wide

condition : Full Dominicus to full shade ; adaptable to a wide kitchen range of soil type , including clay and moxie

aboriginal chain : Europe , Asia , Africa

While boxwood may seem omnipresent , this underused evergreen plant cultivar is a workhorse that is especially valuable for ironical shade . It makes a wonderful topiary if that invoke to you , but when leave behind unpruned its naturally relaxed habit will provide year - unit of ammunition complex body part . Its finely textured moody dark-green foliage sport creamy - white margin . The diversification is more dull in deeper shade , but in lustrous shade this shrub literally shines . elusive and undemanding , ‘ Elegantissima ’ deserves a place in every nicety garden .

4. ‘Mt. Vernon’ dwarf English laurel

Name:Prunuslaurocerasus‘Mt. Vernon’

Zones:6–9

Size:2 feet tall and 5 feet wide

condition : Full sunshine to full subtlety ; average to moist , well - run out land

Native range : Southwestern Asia , southeast Europe

Bold , glossy leaves and a low , neatly spreading habit make this laurel wreath deserving having , even in a small-scale space . obtuse andtidy , it rarely flowers or sets seed . It doesn’trun rampant like its large first cousin , but instead createsa tall , dense ground cover that will tolerate almost any growing condition . It is mythical skirting beneath hydrangeas ( Hydrangeaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) and other deciduous bush , creating handsome winter structure at ground level . It is also the perfect better half for every one of the other bush on this page . With no pruning necessary , ‘ Mt. Vernon ’ is as low - alimony as it gets , yet it deliver freehanded rewards .

*Invasive alert:

Heavenly bamboo(Nandina domestica)

This plant is consider encroaching inAL , FL , GA , MD , MO , and SC .

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergia)

This plant is considered invasive in AL , CT , DE , GA , IA , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NH , NJ , NY , PA , RI , SC , VA , VT , WI , and WV .

Please visitinvasiveplantatlas.orgfor more information .

Barbara Libneris the head container designer and chief merchandiser at Ravenna Gardens in Seattle .

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‘Mt. Vernon’ dwarf English laurel

Photo: millettephotomedia.com

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‘Knaptonensis’ Japanese cedar

Photo: millettephotomedia.com

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