Deciduous Shrubs for Shade

Japanese Kerria

• Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica) shrubs tolerate light, partial and deep shade conditions. These deciduous shade-loving bushes grow to a height of 3-6 feet and a width of 6-9 feet. It produces yellow flowers along its arching branches from spring until fall. Japanese kerria bushes require well-draining soils.

Leatherwood

• Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) shrubs tolerate light, partial and deep shade conditions. These perennial shade-loving bushes grow to a height of 3-6 feet and have a similar width. These deciduous shrubs have greenish-yellow leaves and small flowers. The yellow flowers bloom early in the spring. Leatherwood performs best in moist soils.

New Jersey Tea

• New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) shrubs tolerate light to partial shade conditions. These deciduous shade-loving bushes grow to a height of 3-4 feet and a width of 3-5 feet. They produce white flowers during the summer. New Jersey tea bushes tolerate dry soil conditions.

Shrubby St. Johnswort

• Shrubby St. Johnswort (Hypericum prolificum) shrubs tolerate light to partial shade conditions. These perennial shade-loving bushes grow to a height of 2-5 feet and a width of 2-4 feet. They produce small yellow flowers and bluish-green leaves. Seed capsules cling to these deciduous shrubs throughout the winter. Shrubby St. Johnswort bushes tolerate heavy, dry soils.

Smooth Hydrangea

• Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) shrubs tolerate light, partial and deep shade conditions. These deciduous shade-loving bushes grow to a height of 3-5 feet and have a similar width. Their panicles of white flowers can spread up to one foot wide. They bloom during the summer. Smooth hydrangea performs best in moist soils.

Sweet Pepperbush

• Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) shrubs tolerate light, partial and deep shade. These perennial shade-loving bushes grow to a height of 3-8 feet and a width of 3-6 feet. During the summer months, these deciduous shrubs produce fragrant pinkish-white flowers. Sweet pepperbush shrubs perform well in dark, wet areas.

Virginia Sweetspire

• Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) shrubs tolerate light, partial or deep shade conditions. These perennial shade-loving plants grow up to a height of 3-5 feet and have a similar width. They produce spires of white flowers during the summer. The leaves turn red in the fall. Virginia sweetspire prefers moist soils.