Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Shrub for area which only gets sun in the morning.

KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
in Plants
I'm in need of suggestions for shrubs, preferably evergreen and ideally also flowering, for a border which only gets sun in the morning an is completely in shade from early afternoon onwards.  There is a 3' high fence on the 'sun' side which can't be moved.

Posts

  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    Can we have a picture. Depending on your soil type, rhododendrons.pieris, Pittosporum.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Choisya would be OK. Mine is in a similar position. The flowering period is quite short, but that's true for many shrubs.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    Soil is reasonably neutral.  Plants currently happy there are fuchsia (actually too happy as it's actually become invasive), hydrangea and a rose.  I'll try to get a photo of the area.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I have Osmanthus burkwoodii, which is ideal for shady areas. The flowers are small, and are late winter/early spring. It's very straightforward. I don't think any of the Osmanthus flower much, but I could be wrong.
    If the soil's neutral, Pieris and Rhodos and Azaleas, and Skimmias will all be fine. You may need to see how sunny it is for buds on things like rhodos though. They're a bit vulnerable sometimes if there's morning sun after frosts. Same as Camellias, which might also be ok depending on whether the conditions suit well enough. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Fatsia japonica is evergreen and perfect for a shady border.  It flowers too, late in the year.  Although normally sun loving, Phormium will also tolerate that situation.  I have one which gets only morning sun and it sends up multiple flower stalks each year.  The variegated varieties bring light to a shady area.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Mine gets some late in the day @Songbird-1. Very easy shrub. I have the bird feeders in it, so there's good cover there for the birds too. I just take off branches which are in the way. The drawback of the flowers is their size, and I can't smell them unless I'm right up against it, but that might just be me! Mine is just about to flower now.  :)
    Phormiums will certainly take a good bit of shade. Some lose their variegation a bit, but in general, they're pretty happy.
    I've also had Pyracantha in complete shade without any problems. Holly is also fine, and Mahonia, depending on whether they need to be prickle free of course  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll investigate the options.
Sign In or Register to comment.