My Top Plants For Dry Shade
Dry shade is one of the most difficult conditions to garden in. Foundation beds, gardens under large established trees or next to buildings, and garden spaces abutting hedges can all result in year-round dry shade. And while some spaces can be kept moderately moist with good irrigation, others will stay dry no matter what. For example, growing underneath large trees is a challenge for most plants and the only way to really get around it is to choose tough plants. But there is good news! Gardening in dry shade can provide stunning plantings with a little extra thought and planning. With a little homework to get you started, this list will give you all you need to plant up that shady spot that needs some love.
Many ferns are extremely tolerant of dry shade.
THE HOMEWORK - Prepare your garden bed
As with all gardens, the health and success of any planting is dependent on two key ingredients, soil and water. Before attempting to plant a new garden, you must always make sure the soil is as good as you can make it, by adding either compost or mulch, both preferably, and by weeding it thoroughly. Solid soil preparation can make or break the success of a future garden. After this step, ensuring that the garden is adequately prepared for our long drought season with either irrigation or a strong commitment to hand watering, and you are almost ready for the best part, plant shopping!
Compost bins are the work horse of any home garden and provide free “black gold”!
MY TOP PLANTS FOR DRY SHADE
Astrantia major is a beautiful perennial that thrives in dry shade, attracts pollinators, and generally blooms from May through September. They also come in a lovely white, perfect for bringing light to dark places.
Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ remains green all year and takes any condition. This plant is a work horse and one of the only true blue flowers you’ll find in the garden.
Our native sword fern, Polystichum munitum is as tough as they come. Evergreen and will take anything you throw at it. Tip: Annually cut back the old fronds to the base and the plant will stay bright green and fresh avoiding that dry, brown and “tatty” look that can happen after a year of weather.
Skimmia japonica is one of my top evergreen shrubs. It will give you flowers and berries in the winter depending on the species and the scent in spring is glorious.
Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald n' Gold' - a great performer in the shade and evergreen. This plant will pop in the landscape all winter and gives you no trouble at all.
Acer palmatum: Japanese maples might be one of the toughest plants in the landscape, and the most beautiful.
Sarcococca: Sweet box is my last but certainly not least favourite. Happy in a pot, in a dry shade in the garden, and deep shade, this winter flowering highly fragrant evergreen shrub is a must have!
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