Shade-Loving Shrubs

Oakleaf Hydrangea

• Suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, the oakleaf hydrangea can reach a height of 12 feet and a width of 8 feet. It produces clusters of white flowers in the summer, which later change to pinkish-white or purplish-pink hues. The shrub's leaves turn shades of bronze, crimson, orange, brown or purple in the fall. If you want a miniature version of this shrub, try the Peewee cultivar. The Alice cultivar is one of the larger versions of the oakleaf hydrangea, with unique foliage and nice blooms.

Rhododendron

• There are more than 900 species of rhododendron that often grow 8 to 10 feet high and wide. This includes varieties that are hardy in zones 4 through 9. The plants produce flowers that come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, including fuchsia, orange, yellow and pink. "P.J.M." hybrids are known for their compact size, while northern lights hybrids can withstand very cold temperatures. The Williams rhododendron has small, oval leaves and produces pink, bell-shaped flowers.

Serviceberry

• Another shrub offering a wide variety of cultivars is the serviceberry, which is a fit for homes in zones 2 through 9. The serviceberry offers blooms in the spring, berries in the summer, colorful foliage in the fall and smooth, gray bark. It can reach 25 feet high and 30 feet wide. The Shadblow serviceberry produces white flowers in the spring and yellow-orange foliage in the fall. It can tolerate wind, salt and alkaline soil. The Alleghany serviceberry matures to a height and width of up to 25 feet, with white flowers in the spring and orange-red hues in the fall. The regent serviceberry offers gardeners a compact option, with a mature height and width of up to 6 feet. It produces white spring flowers and has a clumping growth habit.