Shade Tolerant Southern Landscape Shrubs

Hydrangea

• Hydrangeas abound in shady southern landscapes. Although there are many varieties of hydrangeas, it is Hydrangea macrophylla, or French big-leaf hydrangea, that thrives best in shade. Huge round flower clusters give some hydrangeas their common name – “mophead” hydrangeas. “Lacecap” hydrangea shrubs look nearly identical to mophead shrubs, but their flowers have a completely different form and resemble flat pieces of tatted lace. Although French hydrangeas enjoy morning sun, few shrubs rival their ability to flower under shade.

Camellia

• Camellias are southern charm with a history, according to Keith Hansen of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. They conjure images of graceful living on plantations and old homesteads. Japonica camellias bloom from early winter through spring with different flower forms and colors. Sasanqua camellias bloom earlier, sometimes in late September, and avoid freeze injury that many japonicas suffer. Full sun can scorch camellia leaves and flowers. Grown under tall pine trees, camellias benefit from shade and soil that is acidified by pine-needle mulch.

Gardenia

• Deeply perfuming the air in Southern gardens, gardenias are usually planted under windows, around patios or outside screened porches. White flowers bloom in summer against glossy evergreen leaves. Gardenia shrubs often require considerable maintenance, but newer cultivars like “Frostproof” overcome conventional gardenias’ challenges. It is more cold-hardy, less susceptible to diseases and has a more-compact growth form than older varieties. Gardenias thrive when planted in light to moderate shade, according to the Clemson Cooperative Extension website.

Azalea

• Azaleas can be deciduous or evergreen. Most cultivars bred for home landscapes are evergreen, and some are remontant, or reblooming. Native azaleas are deciduous, and produce very large, showy bell-shaped flowers. A cross between a native azalea and a hybrid produced the “Admiral Semmes” cultivar. This plant won the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Award in 2007 for its outstanding performance, its large yellow flowers and mildew resistance. Azaleas enjoy some sun, but perform best in partial shade.