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 Creating
and Caring for Shade Gardens
By Melinda Myers
[May 10, 2025]
Those shady spots in the landscape can make it
challenging to grow a beautiful garden. Fortunately, there are more
plants than you may think that will thrive in low light.
Monitor the amount of sunlight the area receives throughout the
day, season, and year. You may be surprised that it gets more
sunlight than you thought. Some plants, like spring ephemerals and
even sun-loving spring flowering bulbs, receive sufficient sunlight
early in the season before most trees leaf out. Other plants need
sunlight throughout the growing season and those sun-loving plants
growing in hotter regions often benefit from a bit of afternoon sun. |
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Make a list of plants you have had success with and
those that failed in the shady location. Use these to help you
select or avoid plants with similar light requirements. For example,
if peonies bloom and tomatoes produce fruit this area receives quite
a bit of sunlight, enough to grow most full sun plants.
Consider mulching the soil when there is more shade than even
shade-loving plants can tolerate. Add a table and chair for
relaxing, and a few steppers if needed, to enjoy the cool shade.
When planting under or near trees be careful not to damage them when
creating your shade garden. Don't bury, cut, dig, or shave off
surface roots, creating entryways for harmful insects and diseases.
Skip adding soil over the roots as even an inch can kill some tree
species. Avoid deep cultivation that damages the fine feeder roots
critical for water and nutrient absorption. Keep in mind the
majority of tree roots grow within the top 18” of soil with 50% of
these in the top six inches.
Instead, carefully dig relatively small planting holes between major
roots, mulch, and spot water new plantings to minimize root damage.
It may take transplants a little longer to fill in, but your tree
will be healthier and live longer.
Add a splash of color with a few potted annuals set among the
perennials. Or permanently sink a few pots in the ground and set
potted flowering plants inside them. It's easier on the tree roots
and your back.
Check soil moisture several times a week and water
thoroughly as needed. Plants growing under large trees or overhangs
need more frequent watering, especially in the first two years until
they become established. The dense canopy of many trees and
impervious overhangs prevent rainfall from reaching the ground
below. Plus, the extensive root systems of trees and shrubs absorb
much of the rainfall that does make it through.
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Avoid high nitrogen, quick-release fertilizers that
promote lush succulent growth that is more susceptible to insects
and diseases. And with limited light as a potential plant stressor,
this can increase the risk of problems. Use a low nitrogen,
slow-release fertilizer that promotes steady above and below-ground
growth.
Protect new plantings especially hostas, impatiens, caladiums,
coleus, turtleheads, wax begonias, Solomon seal, and other plants
often damaged by deer and rabbits. Apply animal repellents before
the animals start browsing for better results. Select a rain and
snow-resistant product, like organic Plantskydd (plantskydd.com), so
you won’t need to reapply as often. Always check the product label
and follow the directions for the best results.
You can create a beautiful shade garden for years of enjoyment with
proper plant selection and care.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books,
including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small
Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything”
instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s
Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and
contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned
by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com]
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