Made In The Shade: Grow A Shadow-Happy Garden

by Dawn Oldfield, CCMGA Master Gardener

Nothing is more inviting on a hot summer's day than shade. The sheltering canopy of a tree invokes a more genteel time in the South. Imagine a comforting break from the sweltering sun under a century-old tree, afternoons spent sipping lemonade or sweet tea, lounging in a hammock, and waiting for a placid Texas breeze to whisper through the leaves.

Daydream over…fast forward to 2023 and the suburbs. Many area homeowners find their once little trees the developer planted are now big, casting shadows across the landscape. Plants that flourished in full sun are now struggling or dying from the lack of it. Grass that was previously green is now sparse, leaving patches of bare dirt. Perhaps a building or other structure is blocking sunlight from your yard. Do not despair! Even in the shadiest location, you can grow more than scrubby weeds.

 

No, you won't be able to talk your crape myrtles or zinnias out of being sun worshippers, but if you are lucky enough to have the respite of shade, you may enjoy not only its coolness but beautiful flowers and fabulous foliage as well. Don't fight the shade; embrace it! You'll make useful places out of wasted spaces.

Before you start with plants, you have to start with bed prep. It is the most important step of any gardening project. North Texas residents are faced with heavy clay soil that needs amending. If you don't amend the soil, it doesn't matter how beautiful or expensive the plants are; they won't grow. You need to add compost to loosen and feed the soil. Adding at least two inches of mulch after plants are in keeps soil moist and weeds out.

Annuals, perennials, herbs, and shrubs have a place in the shade garden. The trick is knowing the difference between dappled, light, medium or dense shade and what plants prefer which conditions. Some sun plants are happier with a little shade during our hot Texas summers. Sweet Potato Vine, a popular annual, does well in the shade, adding color to a dark, shady spot. Shade-loving Dragon Wing Begonia features dark green leaves and red or pink flowers that bloom from spring to frost. Golden Shrimp Plant has dramatic yellow spiky flowers. Coleus is noted for its colorful foliage, and annuals such as Variegated Ginger with its strong lines and Persian Shield with purple leaves add color and interest to the area. Caladiums and Impatiens are popular shade-loving annuals. They are lovely, easy to grow and commonly found.

Welcome perennials into your landscape. You spend a little more at the time of purchase, but these plants more than pay for themselves as they return year after year.

Ferns aren't just for woodland gardens. Holly Fern, an evergreen, is probably the most under-used fern in Texas. Southern Wood Fern is a Texas native, and Autumn Fern is also a wonderful addition to any shady area. There are so many wonderful perennials to introduce to a shade garden! Often considered a sun plant, Turk's Cap is one of the best flowering shade perennials. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to its red, pink or white turban flowers. Another great plant is Coral Bells. There are many varieties, with leaves ranging from lime green, purple, and coppery colored. Airy flowers appear each spring.

  

Hellebores, known as Lenten rose, is a spreading woodland plant with the prettiest flowers. It blooms in early winter, with flowers ranging from green, burgundy, white, and bi-colors. The large leaves of Elephant Ears add drama to the landscape.

Texas Gold Columbine is a Texas native with dainty butter-yellow blooms. This hummingbird attracter flowers in the spring and is drought tolerant. Pineapple Sage is an herb that deserves more attention in the landscape. Hummingbirds love its' tubular red flowers, and the leaves truly smell like fresh pineapple!

 

Trees that shade the house and keep it more comfortable and energy efficient are probably not making your lawn very happy. Stop struggling to grow grass under trees. A turf that truly thrives in shade does not exist. Try a ground cover such as Ajuga, Mondo Grass, or Asian Jasmine for color and texture without the mowing! And plants don't have to be in the ground. Try an arrangement of containers in assorted shapes and sizes. Or be creative with landscape boulders or yard art to create interest.

With any garden, be water-wise. It is a precious resource that should not be wasted. While many shade-loving plants like a damp home, thankfully, you won't have to water often in the shade. Even with restrictions, you most likely can hand water as needed. Check the city website for updated watering guidelines.

A garden should bring joy to you. Revel in your shady retreat, where a bench beckons, offering a welcome resting place to share with a companion or alone with your thoughts. Enjoy a cool beverage or a good book. Provide a picturesque habitat that attracts lightning bugs, birds, and butterflies.

For questions or more information about shade gardening, check out our list of top-performing shade plants or aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu. We can help take the guesswork out of transforming your blank canvas, offering research-based ideas to help you make the most of your yard and create the shade garden of your dreams.

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