Great Shrubs for Shady Gardens in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Regional Gardening, Best Shrubs, Mid-Atlantic Gardening

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Shade gardens can appear like a planting challenge for some gardeners. They might not know the wide variety of gorgeous shade-loving plants that will thrive in filtered light or deep shade.

How do you define shade? Generally, a full-shade garden receives less than 2 hours of light daily. A part shade garden receives between 2 and 6 hours of sunlight and is shaded for the rest of the day.

Below is the list of shrub species and cultivars that are shade tolerant and will add beautiful color in the shady corners of your Mid-Atlantic garden. As you will note, some are top performers and have received prestigious awards.

When choosing plants, remember to pay attention to their foliage to create combinations of long-lasting appeal. While most shrubs produce flowers, paying particular attention to their foliage will ensure an attractive planting all season.

Guide Information

Hardiness	5 - 7
Heat Zones	3 - 6
Plant Type	Shrubs
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders

Shrubs for Shady Gardens in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (Boxwood)

Compact, Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (Boxwood) is a small, slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub with a soft and lush foliage of ovate, fairly glossy leaves, up to 1 in. long (2 cm). Tough, hardy and easy to grow, this dwarf Boxwood provides color year-round, as well as form, texture and contrast to its companion plants.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

Chimonanthus praecox ‘Grandiflorus’ (Wintersweet)

Chimonanthus praecox ‘Grandiflorus,’ or Wintersweet, is a prized deciduous shrub with sweetly scented winter blooms. Its medium size and upright, vase-shaped form add beauty and fragrance to dormant gardens. Adorning naked branches, the highly fragrant, butter-yellow flowers with purple centers create a captivating display lasting until early spring, depending on winter temperatures. The shrub’s dark green lanceolate leaves turn yellow in the fall, completing its charm.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
Spread	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)

Clethra alnifolia ‘Ruby Spice’ (Summersweet)

This compact and beautiful shrub features bright pink, fragrant flower spikes that last for up to six weeks in mid-late summer. With lustrous dark green leaves that turn a glowing yellow in fall, it provides great fall color. Plant it near a patio to fully enjoy its extremely fragrant blooms, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood)

Transforming the winter landscape with its vibrant presence, Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood) is a medium-sized shrub that captivates with its stunning features. Adaptable to various soils, it showcases eye-catching fall colors, attractive berries, and striking red or golden stems. With its rapid growth and all-season appeal, this remarkable shrub adds a touch of brilliance to the snowy surroundings.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 9' (180cm - 270cm)
Spread	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)

Corylopsis pauciflora (Buttercup Winterhazel)

Corylopsis pauciflora, or Buttercup Winterhazel, is a prized deciduous shrub with delicate fragrant blooms, captivating year-round. Its naked branches showcase a profusion of scented, pale primrose yellow, bell-shaped flowers in late winter to early spring. The charming floral display lasts for weeks. Small, bright green ovate leaves emerge after flowering, turning yellow in fall. The multi-stemmed, dense growth creates an impenetrable cover, even in winter.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ (Daphne)

Prized for its brilliant variegated foliage, Daphne × burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’ (Daphne) is a small, rounded, semi-evergreen shrub with delightfully fragrant clusters of pale pink flowers in late spring. Persisting well into winter, the foliage of oblong, gray-green leaves, 2 in. long (5 cm), is adorned by striking, golden margins that mature to creamy-white. Fluttering above the foliage, the blossoms give way to tiny red fruits in fall. A compact and highly ornamental flowering shrub that is perfect for small gardens.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus)

Enkianthus campanulatus (Redvein Enkianthus) is a stunning upright shrub that offers a beautiful display throughout the seasons. From late spring to mid-summer, it showcases clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers with red veins in shades of creamy-yellow to whitish-pink. The elliptic blue-green leaves cluster at the branch tips and transform into magnificent hues of orange and red in the fall. This shrub is generally resilient against pests and diseases.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid), Fall
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Fothergilla gardenii ‘Blue Mist’ (Dwarf Fothergilla)

With its unique blue summer foliage, Fothergilla gardenii ‘Blue Mist’ is a captivating deciduous shrub that adds year-round appeal to any landscape. In spring, fragrant creamy-white bottlebrush-like flowers adorn the compact mound before the oval leaves emerge. The frosty blue-green foliage provides a striking contrast in summer, and in fall, it transforms into a vibrant display of yellow, orange, and red.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Hamamelis virginiana (Virginian Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis virginiana (Virginian Witch Hazel) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree, admired for its fantastic fall attributes. Its sweetly-scented, pale yellow flowers appear in fall and early winter, with ribbon-like, crinkled petals. The smooth, broadly oval leaves open light green and turn to brilliant golden yellow shades in fall. This Witch Hazel’s smooth gray bark, floral splendor, and colorful fall foliage make it a wonderful addition to any landscape. Additionally, it is the species used to produce medicinal witch-hazel extract.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)

Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel), the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its year-round appeal. In late spring to early summer, it bursts into bloom with abundant clusters of pale pink, bell-shaped flowers emerging from deep pink buds. Its glossy, oval leaves transition beautifully from light green to dark green and purple. Native to Eastern North America, this captivating shrub is a popular choice for ornamental gardens. However, all parts are highly toxic.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m)
Spread	5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m)

Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’ (Japanese Kerria)

Renowned for its vibrant green winter stems and charming yellow spring flowers, Kerria japonica ‘Pleniflora’ (Japanese Kerria) is a vigorous deciduous shrub of exceptional beauty. Its slender, arching stems bear clusters of pom-pom-like, bright yellow flowers resembling miniature roses. The foliage consists of narrow, light green leaves with prominent veins that transition to yellow in the fall. The attractive bright green winter stems add visual interest year-round to this popular and resilient flowering shrub.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread	8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)

Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter Honeysuckle)

Lonicera fragrantissima, or Winter Honeysuckle, is a beloved bushy deciduous shrub treasured for its highly fragrant winter blooms. The creamy-white flowers appear in late winter to early spring before the leaves emerge, perfect for indoor arrangements. The flowers later yield small red berries, and the shrub boasts spreading, multi-stemmed growth with smooth, dark green leaves that often persist throughout winter. The textured bark on old stems adds to its appeal during the colder months.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly)

Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon Grape Holly) is a captivating evergreen shrub that adds color and interest to shaded gardens. Its cheerful yellow flowers in spring attract pollinators, followed by clusters of edible dark blue-purple berries in late summer. The lustrous holly-like leaves emerge bronze-red, mature to glossy dark green, and turn deep burgundy in fall. This small ornamental shrub is the State Flower of Oregon.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	2' - 5' (60cm - 150cm)

Philadelphus ‘Avalanche’ (Mock Orange)

Regarded as one of the most fragrant of all Mock Oranges, Philadelphus ‘Avalanche’ is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub of great beauty when in bloom. In late spring to early summer, its pleasantly arching branches bear clusters of cup-shaped, 4-petaled, white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), at their tips. The blossoms stand out against the foliage of oval, dark green leaves. Introduced in 1896, ‘Avalanche’ is a lovely flowering shrub that deserves a spot where its fragrance can be enjoyed.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	5' - 10' (150cm - 3m)

Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’ (Japanese Andromeda)

Pieris ‘Brouwer’s Beauty’ is a superb selection for any landscape. This dense and compact evergreen shrub offers desirable winter interest, abundant spring blooms, and delightful foliage that maintains its color year-round. With deep purplish-red flower buds in winter, it beautifully contrasts the shiny, dark green leaves. In spring, it produces an abundance of urn-shaped, pendulous, creamy white flowers held in horizontal trusses at the branch tips.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height	5' - 7' (150cm - 210cm)
Spread	5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)

Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes® (‘Bailtiger’)

With its ever-changing foliage, Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes® is a remarkable shrub. Its cut-leaf foliage starts as chartreuse in spring, turns bright yellow in summer, and develops stunning orange and scarlet hues in fall. The foliage beautifully contrasts with the purplish branches. In early summer, green-yellow flowers appear in cone-shaped clusters, followed by dark red fruit on female plants in fall.

Hardiness	5 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)

Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia)

Skimmia japonica (Japanese Skimmia) is a dense evergreen shrub perfect for shady gardens. It features fragrant, star-shaped, creamy white flowers in mid-spring, occasionally tinged pink. The female plants produce bright red berries that ripen in fall and persist through winter, contrasting beautifully with the leathery, lance-shaped, rich green leaves. The aromatic leaves emit a pleasant scent when crushed.

Hardiness	6 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)

Camellia japonica, the dominant species of the genus, boasts a staggering array of over 30,000 cultivars, showcasing a captivating range of flower shapes and hues. With its alluring habit, lustrous foliage, and magnificent blooms, this iconic plant has enraptured gardeners in Japan, China, and Korea for centuries, leaving an indelible mark on horticultural traditions.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height	6' - 20' (180cm - 6.1m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia) Read More

Camellia sasanqua

With its graceful form, delicate hues, and enchanting fragrance, Camellia sasanqua emerges as one of the most captivating autumn flowers. As summer wanes and foliage transforms, this exquisite camellia takes center stage, heralding the arrival of the splendid camellia season with undeniable charm

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 14' (180cm - 4.3m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Camellia sasanqua Read More

Selecting the right shrub variety might be daunting for Mid Atlantic gardeners. If you are looking for beautiful, low-maintenance and hardy plants that thrive in the Mid Atlantic region, you may want to review the guides below. They will assist you in finding the top performing shrubs that are perfectly suited to your garden.

Beautiful Azaleas and Rhododendrons for the Mid-Atlantic Region Read More

Best Shrubs for Mid-Atlantic Gardens Read More

Great Shrubs with Fruits for Winter Interest for Mid-Atlantic Gardens Read More

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

Mid-Atlantic

Guides with

Mid-Atlantic

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.