For the sheer love of shade-adoring plants

As we head into the heat of summer, keeping cool is a high priority for most of us. We seek shelter from the sun wherever possible. Trees become objects of envy in the neighborhood. Realtors will inform you that properly placed trees bring incredible value to the landscape. However, shade may not be the best situation for the plants underneath the tree canopy. Most ornamental plants prefer six or more hours of sun for proper growth and development. If deprived of the sun’s rays, many plants tend to become stretched and produce fewer flowers. As our trees mature in the landscape, the reduced light intensity may signal a need for modification.

Nature provides the best models for shady sites. Plants that do well in the partial shade of a wooded area will often thrive in the urban forest. Even desert plants benefit from the reduced sunlight provided by mesquites and palo verde trees. The key is matching the correct plant to the site conditions.

Here are a few examples for you to consider:

Partial shade, dry conditions

Many succulent plants prefer afternoon shade or the filtered light provided by desert trees. Consider the many species of aloe to add interest and color. Some of the agave plants also do quite well in shade, including the spider, twin-flowered Parry’s and Weber species. Even some cacti will prosper in light shade like the hedge cactus and the purple pancake.

For perennial color, I have found the Petunia-like ruellia and many species of penstemon prosper beneath desert trees.

For mat-like groundcovers, try planting species of evening primrose, verbena and yellow dot.

Partial shade, moist conditions

There are numerous options, including columbine with its spurred flowers, or the sweet-scented chocolate flower. The tiny, daisy-like flowers of fleabane and the nodding pink-and-white sprays of Gaura add a colorful combination. Bulb plants such as shrubby bulbine and rain lily offer interesting, chive-like foliage and pastel hues of color.

Many of the ornamental grasses will thrive in less light intensity, including the various species of muhlenbergia and Mexican feather grass. They add interest and movement in the landscape as they sway in the wind.

One of the best shrubs for planting beneath a large tree is the coral fountain. This tropical plant appears to have no leaves on dark green stems. The graceful, arching sprays produce a bounty of bright red tubular blossoms that cascade from the mounding plant. This is a hummingbird magnet.

Shade loving, container gardens

Many ornamental plants are well-adapted to shade conditions, including a plant known as elephant food (Portulacaria). With its twiggy growth and sparse, rounded foliage it has the appearance of a miniature jade plant. One of the most fascinating succulents is the lady slipper (Pedilanthus). It has leafless stems that arch and twist like something demonic, but lightly colored, slipper-shaped flowers grace the branch tips during summer months. Both plants are tender but may be easily moved into the garage for protection on the coldest of winter nights.

For intense shade conditions, select plants with light colors to brighten gloomy corners. Plants with gray foliage like artemisia will help to light up dim areas. Plants with yellow or white flowers will seem to glow in shaded locations. Dark colors like reds and blue will appear dull and drab in comparison.

Dennis Swartzell is the marketing director for Mountain States Wholesale Nursery. As an ISA board-certified master arborist and a member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, Swartzell has been helping Southern Nevadans with their gardening questions for 25 years. If you have a question about a particular plant, or a general gardening issue, send them to Swartzell at treemender@cox.net.