Shade Tolerant Plants
In established parts of Houston shade tolerant plants are needed to grow under the dense canopy of trees. Most gardeners and homeowners think “green leafy” when a shade garden is mentioned, but there are some options for colorful flowers as well. With a little planning and a careful selection of plants your shade garden can go beyond green.
There are 3 types of shade:
Deep shade: shade found under low branched thick leaved trees, often compounded by fencing that block sunlight. Also, this type of shade can be created by building orientation. Latitude dictates that the north part of a property receives less sunlight. Deep shade favors foliage, ferns, ivy, and Aspidistra.
Medium shade: is shade under tall trees with less dense branches or trees spaced at a distance where light is able to penetrate the canopy. With this shade there is light, but it is not direct. Medium shade can host flowering plants such as impatiens and begonias.
Open Shade: is referred to as partial shade, which includes dappled light under a high thin canopy. Often, filtered sun strikes in the early morning or late afternoon. This shade has the most available options as there is some direct sunlight.
Soil Preparation
Soil preparation is important with any new planting. It is especially necessary when planting a shade garden, since the new plants are often competing with existing trees for important nutrients. To prepare the soil, apply between 4 - 6 inches of potting mix, landscapers mix, or compost to the bed and work it in well. The addition of some sand will help in areas that have heavy clay soil. Be careful not to cover trees roots to deep because this can cut off their supply of air creating health problems. It is recommended to add 2 inches per year in this scenario. Finally after the plants are installed apply a layer of mulch. Irrigation is recommended as the plants are competing for water. If this is not an option use a soaker hose until they become established.
Below are plants that will survive and thrive in shade. Those marked Deep Shade can be grown in deep shade, but their foliage color and flowering may diminish compared to partial shade.
There are 3 types of shade:
Deep shade: shade found under low branched thick leaved trees, often compounded by fencing that block sunlight. Also, this type of shade can be created by building orientation. Latitude dictates that the north part of a property receives less sunlight. Deep shade favors foliage, ferns, ivy, and Aspidistra.
Medium shade: is shade under tall trees with less dense branches or trees spaced at a distance where light is able to penetrate the canopy. With this shade there is light, but it is not direct. Medium shade can host flowering plants such as impatiens and begonias.
Open Shade: is referred to as partial shade, which includes dappled light under a high thin canopy. Often, filtered sun strikes in the early morning or late afternoon. This shade has the most available options as there is some direct sunlight.
Soil Preparation
Soil preparation is important with any new planting. It is especially necessary when planting a shade garden, since the new plants are often competing with existing trees for important nutrients. To prepare the soil, apply between 4 - 6 inches of potting mix, landscapers mix, or compost to the bed and work it in well. The addition of some sand will help in areas that have heavy clay soil. Be careful not to cover trees roots to deep because this can cut off their supply of air creating health problems. It is recommended to add 2 inches per year in this scenario. Finally after the plants are installed apply a layer of mulch. Irrigation is recommended as the plants are competing for water. If this is not an option use a soaker hose until they become established.
Below are plants that will survive and thrive in shade. Those marked Deep Shade can be grown in deep shade, but their foliage color and flowering may diminish compared to partial shade.
