If you’re looking for a way to add lush greenery to a shady corner of your garden, flowering shrubs may just be the answer. But before you rush out to buy the first ones you see, there are a few factors you need to consider.
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure the shrubs you choose can handle the amount of shade you have. Some plants, like hydrangeas and azaleas, prefer light shade, while others can cope with full shade. You’ll also want to think about the soil in the area and choose shrubs that can thrive in those conditions.
Another thing to consider is the size and growth habit of the shrubs. Some flowering shrubs can grow quite tall and wide, making them unsuitable for smaller gardens or areas where you need to maintain clearances. You’ll want to choose varieties that fit the space you have and won’t require constant pruning to keep them in check.
Are you tired of a dreary, shady garden? Looking for a way to brighten things up and add some color? Then you won’t want to miss our guide to the best flowering shrubs for shade! Discover which plants will thrive in your garden, what factors to consider when choosing shrubs, and how to care for them once they’re planted. Don’t let a lack of sunlight keep you from having a beautiful garden – read on to find the perfect flowering shrubs for your shady space.
10 Best Flowering Shrubs For Shade
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This flowering shrub is ideal for outdoor spaces with partial shade and features vivid rose-pink or purple blooms.
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Ideal for outdoor planting in sun or shade gardens, featuring hot pink flowers and evergreen foliage.
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3
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Ideal for adding a pop of color to your landscape with its white flowers and red fall foliage.
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Ideal for adding year-round visual interest with white flowers to outdoor areas that receive partial to full shade.
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5
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The product is ideal for adding color and attracting butterflies to gardens or landscaping in shaded areas.
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6
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The product is ideal for outdoor landscaping with a blooming evergreen shrub that thrives in part sun to shade.
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7
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Ideal for outdoor landscaping and gardens, with fragrant white flowers that bloom in full sun to partial shade.
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Ideal for outdoor planting in regions that experience full sun to part shade, with showy white blooms and evergreen foliage.
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9
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This product is ideal for outdoor landscaping with full sun to part shade, featuring purple foliage and evergreen shrubs.
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10
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Ideal for outdoor landscaping; evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy-green foliage and small white flowers in spring.
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1. Endless Summer Hydrangea: Stunning Vibrant Blooms!
The Hydrangea Macrophylla 'PIIHM-II' PP25,566 or commonly known as Endless Summer Hydrangeas is a deciduous shrub that can be shipped in a pot with soil. It is important to note that this item is currently unavailable in Hawaii and Alaska. Its USDA Zone is from 4-9, so it can thrive well in these areas. The mature size of this shrub is around 3-4 feet in height and 4-5 feet in width. If ordered from November to April, the plant will arrive dormant. This plant is a great addition to any garden or landscape as it offers vibrant blooms and a luscious green foliage.
The Endless Summer Hydrangeas are known for their beautiful and abundant blooms. They produce flowers in pink, blue, or purple hues, depending on the soil pH. With proper care and maintenance, this deciduous shrub can provide a stunning display of blooms throughout the summer months. This shrub prefers partial shade and moist soil, making it a great addition to gardens, borders, and hedges. It is also an excellent choice for cut flowers and floral arrangements.
- Produces abundant and vibrant blooms in pink, blue, or purple hues
- Great addition to any garden or landscape
- Offers luscious green foliage
- Can thrive well in USDA Zones 4-9
- Ideal for cut flowers and floral arrangements
- – Currently unavailable in Hawaii and Alaska
- – Prefers partial shade and moist soil, which may not be suitable for some areas
2. Hot Pink Camellia: Perfect Outdoor Shrub.
Enhance the beauty of your home landscape with the Kanjiro Camellia, a stunning perennial that blooms in late winter or early spring. This outstanding plant is perfect for adding value to your home and adding color to small spaces. At maturity, this dwarf shrub grows up to 8 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for small gardens or borders. Its green leaves remain all year long, providing a lush backdrop for its vibrant blooms.
The Kanjiro Camellia is both heat and drought tolerant, making it a great choice for gardeners across the US in zones 7-10. It thrives in the heat of the southern states and can withstand dry spells, making it an easy-to-care-for plant. When most other plants are dormant, the Kanjiro Camellia adds a pop of color with its beautiful blooms.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the Kanjiro Camellia is an excellent choice for your collection. Its stunning flowers and year-round foliage make it a standout addition to any garden.
- Adds value to your home landscape
- Perfect for small spaces as it only grows up to 8 feet tall and wide
- Green leaves all year long provide a lush backdrop for its blooms
- Heat and drought tolerant, making it easy to care for
- Adds color to your garden when most other plants are dormant
3. Fothergilla: Vibrant Shrub For Every Season
The Deciduous White Rhododendron is a beautiful plant that blooms white in the spring. Please note that all pictures are of fully grown plants, while the sizes shipped are specified in the title and description. As a deciduous plant, it won't have leaves in the winter. This plant is best suited for Zone 4-8 and requires partial sun exposure to grow. At full maturity, it can reach a height and width of 3-6 feet. The growth rate of this plant is slow, but it's worth the wait. The soil should be moist and acidic for optimal growth.
This plant is shipped at 1-2 feet tall in trade gallon pots with soilless media. Please note that California orders will be cancelled due to state regulations beyond our control. We guarantee a successful transplant for 30 days if the included planting instructions are followed with the correct location and water. If you purchase this deciduous plant dormant during the winter, it will leaf out in the spring under the same conditions. The Deciduous White Rhododendron is a beautiful addition to any garden and is sure to bring joy for years to come.
- Beautiful white blooms in the spring
- Guaranteed successful transplant for 30 days
- Can leaf out in the spring if purchased dormant during the winter
- – Slow growth rate
4. Evergreen Shrub With White Flowers – 2 Gallon.
Introducing the Pieris Japonica ‘Planow’, a live potted shrub that is sure to add beauty and elegance to your garden. This shrub is available for shipping to all US states except for Hawaii and Alaska. It comes in a pot with soil and has a USDA Zone rating of 5-9. At maturity, this shrub can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, making it a perfect size for small gardens or as an accent plant.
The Pieris Japonica ‘Planow’ has new bronze foliage that matures to a dark green color. It is a unique and colorful addition to any garden. The plant has pendulous buds that appear in summer and last through winter before opening in early spring with beautiful ivory flowers. This makes it a great option for gardeners who want to add interest and beauty to their garden year-round.
Orders for the Pieris Japonica ‘Planow’ will be shipped from Alabama. Customers beyond the Southeast US should place orders from early fall to late spring to avoid heat damage in transit. If you are placing a large order, consider ordering 1-2 plants first to ensure that they meet your specifications before placing the order for the entire project. Purchase this plant from the Southern Living Plant Collection and enjoy the beauty and elegance it brings to your garden.
- Unique and colorful addition to any garden
- Beautiful ivory flowers in early spring
- Perfect size for small gardens or as an accent plant
- – Unavailable for shipping to Hawaii and Alaska
5. Emerald Shade Plant Attracts Butterflies
This plant is an economical starter size and comes in a 4 inch diameter pot. Upon arrival, the plant will have no bloom or bud. It is easy to care for and grows quickly. It is a semi-tropical flowering perennial with a soft medium purple flower spike that blooms in late summer and into fall. It thrives best in light to moderate shade and is a great backdrop planting for mixed beds. It is known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a delightful addition to any garden. This tropical plant is recommended for USDA Zones 9, 10, and 11. It is advised to protect the plant from cold in all zones for the best year-round appearance, earliest bloom, and longest life.
The plant comes in a starter size, which makes it an affordable option for those who want to add a touch of beauty to their garden. It is low maintenance and grows quickly, which means that it will not require a lot of attention. The soft medium purple flower spike is a beautiful addition to any garden and is known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is best suited for light to moderate shade, which makes it easy to incorporate into any garden design. Overall, this plant is a great choice for anyone looking to add some color and beauty to their garden.
- Affordable starter size
- Low maintenance and fast growing
- Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- Beautiful soft medium purple flower spike
- – No bloom or bud on arrival
- – Requires cold protection in all zones
6. Southgate Radiance Flowering Shrub: Lavender Delight.
The Rhododendron Cultivar Tyler Morris is a beautiful addition to any garden. This plant is shipped in a pot with soil and is recommended for USDA Zones 6-9. It can grow to a mature size of 4-5' H x 4-5' W, making it a great choice for those looking for a larger shrub.
One of the standout features of the Tyler Morris Rhododendron is its stunning blooms. The flowers are large and showy, with shades of pink and white that will brighten up any landscape. This plant is also easy to care for, requiring only moderate watering and pruning as needed.
If you're looking for a plant that will add color and beauty to your garden, the Rhododendron Cultivar Tyler Morris is an excellent choice. Its size, ease of care, and stunning blooms make it a standout option for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Stunning, showy blooms in shades of pink and white
- Easy to care for – requires only moderate watering and pruning as needed
- Larger size makes it a great choice for those looking for a bigger shrub
- – Not available for shipping to Hawaii or Alaska
7. Fragrant Gardenia: 2 Gallon Outdoor Bush
The Gardenia hybrid 'Leesix' PP32472 is a beautiful flowering plant that is perfect for adding elegance and fragrance to any garden. It is hardy to USDA Zones 7a – 10b, and can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F to 10°F. At maturity, it reaches dimensions of 3-4 feet in height and 3 feet in width. This makes it an ideal choice for garden beds and borders, container gardens, or as a hedge or accent plant.
One of the most striking features of this plant is its double white fragrant blooms that rebloom from spring through fall. These blooms are not only beautiful, but also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden. The Gardenia hybrid 'Leesix' PP32472 prefers full sun to part shade, making it versatile enough to grow in a variety of locations.
Overall, the Gardenia hybrid 'Leesix' PP32472 is an excellent choice for any gardener looking to add a touch of beauty and fragrance to their outdoor space. With its hardiness, beautiful blooms, and versatility, it is sure to be a standout in any garden.
- Hardy to USDA Zones 7a – 10b, can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F to 10°F
- Double white fragrant blooms that rebloom from spring through fall
- At maturity, it reaches dimensions of 3-4 feet in height and 3 feet in width
- Versatile enough to grow in a variety of locations
8. Southern Living's Spring Sonata Indian Hawthorne Shrub
Looking for a beautiful addition to your garden? Check out the Raphiolepis indica 'Wilcor' PP17972, a vibrant and easy-to-grow shrub that is perfect for any landscape. This stunning plant is part of the Southern Living Plant Collection and is a great choice for those looking to add some color and texture to their yard.
The Raphiolepis indica 'Wilcor' PP17972 is a hardy shrub that can thrive in USDA Zones 7a-10a. It ships in a pot with soil, and will quickly establish itself in your garden. At maturity, this shrub will reach a height of 4 feet and a width of 5 feet, making it a great choice for filling in spaces or adding some height to your garden.
One of the best things about this shrub is its beautiful flowers. The Raphiolepis indica 'Wilcor' PP17972 produces stunning pink blooms in the spring, which are sure to add some color and vibrancy to your garden. The flowers are also highly fragrant, making this plant a great choice for those who love the sweet scent of flowers.
Overall, the Raphiolepis indica 'Wilcor' PP17972 is a great choice for anyone looking to add some beauty and color to their garden. With its hardy nature and stunning flowers, this shrub is sure to be a standout in any landscape.
- Hardy shrub that can thrive in USDA Zones 7a-10a
- Produces stunning pink blooms in the spring
- Highly fragrant flowers
9. Southern Living's Purple Evergreen: 3 Gallon Shrub
The Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-Red' is a beautiful plant that can add a pop of color to any garden. This plant comes in a pot with soil and is best suited for USDA Zones 7-10. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it a great option for those looking for a larger plant.
The plant is part of the Southern Living Plant Collection, which is known for its quality and reliability. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and attention, making it a great option for those who are new to gardening.
The Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-Red' produces stunning, vibrant red foliage that is sure to catch the eye. It blooms in the spring, producing small, pink flowers that add to its beauty. The plant is also deer-resistant, making it a great option for those who live in areas with high deer populations.
Overall, the Loropetalum chinense 'Shang-Red' is a great addition to any garden. Its vibrant colors and low-maintenance nature make it a great option for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.
- Low-maintenance plant
- Beautiful, vibrant red foliage
- Deer-resistant
- Suitable for USDA Zones 7-10
- – Unavailable in HI and AK
- – Can grow quite large
10. Glossy Green Evergreen Tree With White Flowers.
The Wavy Leaf Ligustrum, also called Crinkle Leaf Ligustrum, is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can be trained into a small tree. Its dark green foliage is waxy and produces small, fragrant white flowers, making it a popular choice among gardeners. When fully grown, this shrub can reach up to 10-15 feet in height and 5-6 feet in width. Its multifunctional use and easy maintenance make it a great addition to any garden.
This shrub is a beautiful variation of the Wax Leaf Privet and looks great as a specimen or clipped hedge. It is also used for privacy screening or blocking unsightly views and is often grown in masses. The aromatic flowers attract birds and butterflies, adding to the garden's beauty.
Ligustrum shrubs are known for their rapid growth, adding as much as 25 inches of growth per year. Frequent pruning is necessary to keep them under control, especially as the buds for the next season begin to form as soon as the blossoms fade. These shrubs can withstand severe pruning, making it easy to maintain their size and shape.
The Wavy Leaf Ligustrum is winter-hardy and can grow in USDA zones 7-10, tolerating temperatures as low as 30°F. It requires 6 hours of full sunlight on a daily basis and should be watered thoroughly twice a week until established, and then once a week. As the shrub ages, it becomes more drought-tolerant and adapts to a variety of soil conditions.
- Fast-growing and evergreen shrub with waxy, dark green foliage
- Produces small, fragrant white flowers that attract birds and butterflies
- Multifunctional use as a specimen, clipped hedge, or privacy screen
- Easy to maintain with frequent pruning and drought-tolerant as it ages
- Suitable for a variety of soil conditions and tolerant of low temperatures
- – May require frequent pruning to keep under control
Best Flowering Shrubs For Shade FAQs
Can flowering shrubs thrive in full shade?
Flowering shrubs are known to require a significant amount of sunlight to thrive, but there are some species that can grow and bloom even in full shade. Some examples of flowering shrubs that can tolerate shade include hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias. These plants have adapted to grow under the canopy of trees or in areas with limited sunlight.
However, it's important to note that even though these shrubs can grow in full shade, they still require some amount of sunlight to bloom. Therefore, it's crucial to choose the right species and to provide them with the right growing conditions, such as well-draining soil, adequate water, and occasional fertilization.
In conclusion, while most flowering shrubs require ample sunlight to flourish, there are some that can thrive in full shade. It's important to research the specific species and provide them with optimal growing conditions to ensure that they can bloom and thrive in a shady environment.
How do I care for flowering shrubs in a shady area?
Flowering shrubs are a great addition to any garden, but caring for them in a shady area can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to help you keep your flowering shrubs healthy and thriving in a shady area.
First, make sure your shrubs are getting enough water. While they may not need as much water as plants in full sun, they still need regular watering to stay healthy. Keep the soil around the shrubs moist, but not waterlogged.
Second, make sure your shrubs are getting enough nutrients. In a shady area, there may be less organic matter in the soil, so you may need to add compost or fertilizer to give your shrubs the nutrients they need.
Third, prune your shrubs regularly to promote healthy growth and flowering. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and prune back any branches that are growing too long or too close together.
Finally, consider planting shade-loving flowering shrubs, such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. These plants are adapted to growing in shady areas and will thrive with less sunlight.
By following these tips, you can keep your flowering shrubs healthy and beautiful, even in a shady area.
What are some hardy and low-maintenance flowering shrubs for shade?
When it comes to choosing flowering shrubs for shade, it is important to consider their hardiness and low-maintenance qualities. Here are some options that fit the bill:
1. Rhododendrons: These evergreen shrubs come in a variety of colors and can thrive in shade. They require little pruning and are generally low-maintenance.
2. Azaleas: Another popular choice for shade, azaleas offer vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. They are also relatively easy to care for and can tolerate some neglect.
3. Hydrangeas: These shrubs produce large, showy blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white. They are hardy and low-maintenance, and can even be grown in containers.
4. Camellias: With their glossy green leaves and delicate flowers, camellias are a favorite of many gardeners. They can tolerate shade and require minimal pruning.
5. Winterberry: This deciduous shrub produces bright red berries in the winter, adding color to your garden when other plants are dormant. It is hardy and requires little maintenance.
By choosing any of these hardy and low-maintenance flowering shrubs for shade, you can enjoy beautiful blooms without the hassle of constant upkeep.
What are the best flowering shrubs for shade?
There are numerous flowering shrubs that can thrive and bloom in shady areas. Some of the best options include Azaleas, Camellias, Hydrangeas, Rhododendrons, and Fuchsias.
Azaleas are perfect for shaded gardens and add color to the area with their vibrant flowers. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and their blooms last for several weeks. Camellias are also a popular choice, with their elegant and showy flowers that bloom in winter and early spring.
Hydrangeas are another great option for shaded gardens, with their large flower heads that come in various shades of pink, blue, and white. They are easy to care for and can be grown in containers or as a hedge.
Rhododendrons are known for their stunning flowers that bloom in spring, and they are perfect for adding color and texture to shady areas. Fuchsias are also an excellent choice, with their delicate and beautiful flowers that bloom throughout summer and into fall.
In conclusion, these are some of the best flowering shrubs that can thrive in shady areas. Planting a combination of these shrubs can add color and interest to your garden throughout the year.
Which flowering shrubs attract pollinators in shady locations?
There are a variety of flowering shrubs that can attract pollinators even in shady locations. One popular option is the azalea, which produces bright and showy blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. Another option is the hydrangea, which produces large clusters of blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white. Rhododendrons are also a good choice, with their large and colorful blooms. Other options include the Mountain Laurel, which produces clusters of pink, white, and purple flowers, and the Viburnum, which produces fragrant white blooms. To attract a wider variety of pollinators, consider planting a mix of these shrubs, as well as other plants that provide nectar and habitat for butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. It's important to remember that even in shaded areas, these plants will still need some exposure to sunlight to thrive, so be sure to choose a location with partial shade rather than full shade.