Recommended Plants for Fast Growth in the Shade

Trees

• Giant arborvitae (Thuja plicata) is an evergreen North American native tree. Green Giant is a cultivar that grows rapidly in sun or shade and tolerates diverse soil types, from loam to clay. Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is a deciduous tree that has a rapid growth rate. It is tolerant of wet and shady sites, thriving where most trees decline. Tulip poplar, also called yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), is not classed as a shade tree but has a unique adaptation that makes it shade-tolerant. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, it grows so rapidly that it rises above taller trees and overcomes competing trees for sun.

Shrubs

• Some azalea species are slow-growing, but Southern Indian azaleas (Rhododendron indica) grow quickly. They are commonly grown as understory plants under pines, which give them the shade they need to thrive. Camellias are also slow growers, but Professor Charles camellia (Camellia japonica “Professor Charles”) has a faster growth rate and bears red peony-shaped flowers. Some of the hydrangea species, including Tardiva (Hydrangea paniculata “Tardiva”) and Annabelle (Hydrangea arborescens “Annabelle”) are very fast-growing, shade-tolerant shrubs. Both have white blossoms; Tardiva has panicle-shaped blooms and Annabelle has round blooms.

Perennials

• Hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture Zone 7, ornamental butterfly ginger lily (Hedychium coronarium) grows to 7 feet in a single season, after freezing winter temperatures kill its top growth. It lends a tropical look to gardens and bears late-season fragrant, white flowers. Many hostas have rapid growth rates, including “Frances Williams,” “Sum and Substance” and “Sagae.” Hostas can reach mature sizes in 4 years, according to the Ohio State University Extension, with Frances Williams spreading to 4 feet, Sum and Substance spreading to 5 feet and Sagae spreading to 6 feet.

Annuals

• Dragon Wing begonia (Begonia x hybrida “Dragon Wing”) is “a begonia on steroids,” according to the Georgia Gold Medal Plant Program. Its fast growth rate and size surpasses that of bedding, or wax, begonias and its flowers and leaves are larger. Its outstanding performance won Dragon Wing the Georgia Gold Medal 2005 Annual Award. The University of Illinois Extension says that “coleus has become the hosta of the annual world.” With many cultivars from which to choose, it is the “Kong” series that is a monster for the shade garden.