Abelia
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 6–9
Abelia is a genus of flowering shrubs in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), known for its ornamental appeal and versatility in…
Shrubs: plants for shade
These plants grow with 4 hours of direct sun a day or less: under trees, beside buildings, or in north-facing beds.
88 plants
Shrubs
Arborvitae
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Arborvitae, scientifically known as Thuja, is a genus of coniferous trees or shrubs belonging to the Cupressaceae family. Commonly…
Aucuba
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–9
Aucuba, commonly known as the Japanese laurel, is a versatile evergreen shrub renowned for its strikingly glossy, dark green leaves, which…
Barberry
- Full sun
- Low water
- Zones 4–8
Barberry, belonging to the Berberis genus, is a group of deciduous or evergreen shrubs native to various regions, including parts of North…
Beautyberry
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 6–9
Beautyberry (Callicarpa) is a genus of deciduous shrubs that are well-known for their striking ornamental qualities, particularly their…
Bottlebrush Buckeye
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora) is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, appreciated for its unique…
Boxwood
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Boxwood, scientifically known as Buxus, is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees primarily valued for their dense foliage and…
Burning Bush
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
The Burning Bush, scientifically known as Euonymus alatus, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its vibrant, fiery red foliage in the fall…
Buxus
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–9
Buxus, commonly known as boxwood, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Buxaceae, consisting of about 70 species, primarily native…
Callicarpa
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–9
Callicarpa, commonly known as beautyberry, is a genus of deciduous shrubs belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It encompasses around 140…
Calycanthus
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–9
Calycanthus, commonly known as sweetshrub or Carolina allspice, is a genus of flowering shrubs in the family Calycanthaceae. Native to the…
Chaenomeles
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Chaenomeles, commonly known as quince or flowering quince, is a genus of deciduous shrubs belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to East…
Choisya
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–10
Choisya, commonly known as Mexican orange blossom, is a genus of flowering shrubs belonging to the Rutaceae family. This evergreen plant…
Chokeberry
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Chokeberry, belonging to the genus Aronia, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. Known for its hardiness and resilience, the plant…
Cleyera
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–10
Cleyera, scientifically known as Cleyera japonica, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and…
Cornus
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Cornus, commonly known as dogwood, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cornaceae. It comprises about 30 species, which include…
Corylopsis
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Corylopsis, commonly known as buttercup winterhazel, is a genus belonging to the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae) and contains several…
Cotoneaster
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the Rosaceae family, commonly recognized for its ornamental value and adaptability in…
Danae
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–9
Danae, commonly referred to as the "Asparagus Fern" or "Asparagus Setaceus," is a perennial plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family…
Daphne
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–9
Daphne is a genus of flowering shrubs or small trees belonging to the family Thymelaeaceae. There are about 50 species, and they are found…
Deutzia
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Deutzia is a genus of flowering plants in the Hydrangeaceae family, native to Asia and the Americas. Known for their beautiful, often…
Elaeagnus
- Full sun
- Low water
- Zones 3–9
Elaeagnus, commonly known as oleaster or silverberry, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae. This versatile genus…
Elderberry
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–9
Elderberry (Sambucus) is a genus of flowering plants in the Adoxaceae family, commonly recognized for its clusters of small white or…
Enkianthus
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Enkianthus is a genus of flowering plants in the Ericaceae family, native primarily to the eastern regions of Asia, particularly Japan…
Escallonia
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 8–10
Escallonia is a versatile, evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Escalloniaceae family. Native to South America, particularly…
Euonymus
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–9
Euonymus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Celastraceae, comprising about 130 species of shrubs and small trees. Native to…
Fothergilla
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Fothergilla is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, commonly known for its ornamental appeal. Native to the eastern…
Garrya
- Full sun
- Low water
- Zones 7–9
Garrya, commonly known as the silk tree or the winter flowering shrub, is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the…
Gaultheria
- Part shade
- Moderate water
Gaultheria, commonly known as wintergreen, encompasses a genus of around 150 species of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. These…
Griselinia
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 8–10
Griselinia is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the family Griseliniaceae. There are approximately five species…
Halesia
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Halesia, commonly known as the silverbell or snowdrop tree, is a genus belonging to the Styracaceae family. There are several species…
Hamamelis
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Hamamelis, commonly known as witch hazel, is a genus of deciduous shrubs and small trees belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae…
Heather
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–7
Heather, scientifically known as Calluna vulgaris, is a versatile and hardy flowering plant belonging to the Ericaceae family. Commonly…
Hebe
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 8–10
Hebe, commonly known as the speedwell or false hebe, is a diverse genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. Native…
Holly
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 6–9
Holly, belonging to the genus Ilex, is a popular and versatile plant known for its distinctive evergreen leaves and bright red berries…
Hypericum
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–9
Hypericum, commonly known as St. John's Wort, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Hypericaceae family. There are about 400…
Ilex
- Part sun
- Moderate water
Ilex, commonly known as holly, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae. This diverse group includes over 400 species…
Itea
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–9
Itea, commonly known as Virginia sweetspire, is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States and parts of East Asia. It…
Japanese Maple
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
The Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a popular ornamental tree renowned for its stunning foliage and graceful structure. Native to Japan…
Kalmia
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–9
Kalmia, commonly known as mountain laurel, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. This evergreen shrub is native to…
Kerria
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–9
Kerria, often referred to as Kerria japonica, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). Native to East Asia…
Kolkwitzia
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Kolkwitzia, commonly known as the beauty bush, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). Native to China…
Leucothoe
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Leucothoe is a genus of flowering evergreen shrubs belonging to the Ericaceae family, commonly found in the southeastern United States and…
Ligustrum
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–9
Ligustrum, commonly known as privet, is a genus of about 50 species of shrubs and small trees belonging to the Oleaceae family. Found…
Lindera
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Lindera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lauraceae, commonly known for its aromatic leaves and attractive berries. This genus…
Lonicera
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–9
Lonicera, commonly known as honeysuckle, is a genus of flowering plants within the Caprifoliaceae family. This diverse genus comprises…
Mahonia
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–9
Mahonia, commonly referred to as Oregon grape, is a genus of evergreen shrubs belonging to the Berberidaceae family. Native to North and…
Mountain Laurel
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–9
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States, particularly prevalent in…
Myrica
- Full sun
- Moderate water
Myrica is a genus of shrubs and small trees belonging to the family Myricaceae, commonly found in temperate and subtropical regions across…
Myrtle
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 8–11
Myrtle, scientifically known as Myrtus communis, is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It is native to…
Nandina
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 6–9
Nandina, often known as heavenly bamboo, is an ornamental shrub belonging to the Berberidaceae family. Despite its common name, it is not…
Ninebark
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its striking foliage and distinctive bark. It…
Osmanthus
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–10
Osmanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the Oleaceae family, widely appreciated for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage…
Paeonia
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Paeonia, commonly known as peony, is a genus of flowering plants native to Europe, North America, and Asia. It encompasses around 30…
Philadelphus
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Philadelphus, commonly known as mock orange, is a genus of flowering shrubs belonging to the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). This group…
Photinia
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–9
Photinia is a versatile and ornamental plant belonging to the Rosaceae family, renowned for its vibrant foliage and attractive flowers…
Physocarpus
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Physocarpus, commonly known as ninebark, is a genus of deciduous shrubs in the rose family (Rosaceae) native to North America…
Pieris
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Pieris, commonly known as Andromeda or lily-of-the-valley shrub, is a genus of flowering plants in the Ericaceae family. These evergreen…
Pittosporum
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 8–10
Pittosporum is a genus of about 200 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the Pittosporaceae family. Native to…
Potentilla
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 2–7
Potentilla, commonly known as cinquefoil, is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family (Rosaceae), comprising around 300 species…
Privet
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Privet refers primarily to plants in the genus Ligustrum, which are part of the Oleaceae family. These hardy, deciduous or evergreen…
Quince
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–9
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a deciduous fruit-bearing tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family, which also includes apples and…
Red Twig Dogwood
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea), also known as red osier dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to North America, particularly commonly…
Rhamnus
- Full sun
- Moderate water
Rhamnus, commonly known as buckthorn, is a genus of about 100 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the…
Rhodotypos
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Rhodotypos, commonly known as black jetbead or blackhorn, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to East Asia…
Ribes
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Ribes is a genus of flowering plants that includes currants and gooseberries, which are popular among amateur gardeners for their edible…
Ruscus
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 7–9
Ruscus is a genus of perennial flowering plants belonging to the Asparagaceae family, primarily known for its evergreen shrubby habit…
Salix
- Full sun
- High water
- Zones 3–9
Salix, commonly known as willow, is a genus of about 300 species of deciduous trees and shrubs in the family Salicaceae. Willows are known…
Sambucus
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–9
Sambucus, commonly known as elderberry, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. It includes several species, with Sambucus…
Sarcococca
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 6–9
Sarcococca, commonly known as sweet box, is a versatile genus of evergreen shrubs belonging to the family Buxaceae. With around 11 species…
Serviceberry
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Serviceberry, belonging to the genus Amelanchier, is a versatile and attractive deciduous shrub or small tree, commonly found in North…
Skimmia
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 6–8
Skimmia is a genus of evergreen shrubs belonging to the Rutaceae family, commonly found in Asia, particularly in Japan and China. Noted…
Smokebush
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Smokebush, scientifically known as Cotinus coggygria, is a deciduous shrub or small tree renowned for its striking foliage and unique…
Snowberry
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–7
Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) is a deciduous shrub native to North America, commonly found in a variety of habitats, including open…
Spirea
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Spirea is a genus of flowering shrubs in the Rosaceae family, consisting of around 80 species, primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere…
St. John's Wort
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–9
St. John's Wort, scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum, is a perennial herb renowned for its bright yellow flowers and medicinal…
Sumac
- Full sun
- Low water
- Zones 3–9
Sumac refers to a diverse genus of flowering plants known scientifically as Rhus. These plants are commonly found in temperate and…
Sweetfern
- Full sun
- Low water
- Zones 2–6
Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern North America, characterized by its unique aromatic leaves and…
Symphoricarpos
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Symphoricarpos, commonly known as snowberry, is a genus of flowering plants in the Caprifoliaceae family. It encompasses several species…
Taxus
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Taxus, commonly known as yew, is a genus of coniferous trees and shrubs belonging to the family Taxaceae. There are about 10 species…
Thuja
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–8
Thuja, commonly known as arborvitae, is a genus of coniferous trees and shrubs in the Cypress family (Cupressaceae). The most popular…
Viburnum
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 3–9
Viburnum is a diverse genus of flowering plants belonging to the Adoxaceae family, comprising over 150 species. These shrubs and small…
Weigela
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
Weigela is a genus of deciduous shrubs in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae), primarily native to East Asia. Known for their…
Winterberry
- Full sun
- High water
- Zones 3–9
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly native to North America, particularly found in wetlands, swamps, and along stream…
Witch Hazel
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 5–8
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) is a deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its unique flower display and medicinal properties. Native to North…
Xylosma
- Full sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 8–11
Xylosma, commonly known as Xylosma or velvet leaf, refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Salicaceae. The most well-known…
Yew
- Part shade
- Moderate water
- Zones 4–8
The Yew plant, scientifically known as Taxus, is a genus of coniferous trees and shrubs in the family Taxaceae. It is native to various…
Zenobia
- Part sun
- Moderate water
- Zones 6–9
Zenobia, commonly known as the honeycup or the mountain laurel, is a charming flowering shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. Its…