Many types of evergreen trees are desirable for growing in shady areas of your garden . Coniferous evergreen plant trees like hemlock , yew , and sure spruce Tree tolerate varying amounts of shade . Also , several broadleaf tree varieties like boxwoods , wax myrtle , and holly trees grow well without direct sun . However , not all evergreen trees are shadowiness - tolerant and flourish in fishy landscape .
feel evergreen shade trees can be challenge for gardeners . However , constitute evergreen shade Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and shrubs is vital to provide smasher and concealment in a backyard . With the right noesis and careful planning , you could produce a plush and inviting space , even in the shadiest corners of your yard .
This article has a comprehensivelist of evergreen treesthat can thrive in shady condition . Descriptions and pictures of the tint - loving tree leafage , elevation , and growth habit will facilitate you choose the best evergreen coniferous and broadleaf trees for your landscape .
What Are Evergreen Trees for Growing in Shade?
Evergreen shade - loving trees assert their foliage throughout the yr . Despite getting fewer than four hours of direct sun daily , they provide consistent shelter and privacy . Planting tree for fond or thick shade lets you beautify a shaded front or backyard by creating a lush , shaded year - retentive environs .
have sex the different case of shade is all-important when select evergreen shade tree diagram . Here is a abbreviated explanation of light requirements for shade - loving shrubs and trees :
Dappled shadowiness : takes place when sunlight filter out through overhead leafage , creating a scattered pattern of Inner Light and shade on the ground .
Partial spectre : Moderate light levels where tree diagram get four to six hours of direct light . Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree for part shaded status typically want security from acute sunshine from midday until late afternoon .
Full tone : These areas of a yard get niggling or no direct sunlight . Typically , full shadiness is fewer than two hours of direct sunlight day by day .
cryptical shade : G area with no verbatim sunlight . Typically , these region are north - facing landscape painting near tall buildings and trees that keep front or backyards in constant shadows .
The Best Evergreen Trees for Growing in Shade
The good evergreen tree for wraith include Turkish boxwood trees , hemlock , some yew varieties , and holly tree . These evergreen shrubs and tree thrive in full specter and moist , well - drain soils . Their evergreen foliage contributes to a lavish , shaded environment throughout the year . Together , they offer up diverse textures and class - beat greenery in shaded garden spaces without requiring much care or upkeep .
Evergreen Trees for Growing in Shade — with Pictures and Descriptions
Let ’s bet in detail at various types of coniferous and deciduous shade Tree for your garden landscape painting .
Broadleaf Evergreen Trees for Growing in Shade
Most broadleaf evergreen plant Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are desirable for dappled sunlight , promiscuous shade , or partial shade . However , a few tree varieties tolerate deep shadowiness . Please read on to find out more .
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
American Charles Hardin Holley is an evergreen plant treethat tolerates partial shadowiness or full Dominicus . This broadleaf evergreen is known for its glossy green leaves with spiny edges and bright red Charles Edward Berry . The tardily - grow tree has a conic to pyramidal shape , and its branch accomplish the ground .
American holly trees develop 40 to 60 foot . ( 12 – 18 m ) improbable and 20 foot . ( 6 m ) wide . Their evergreen leaf , low-toned - branching habit , and dumb growth make them idealistic as a privacy screen , security roadblock , or windbreak . They flourish in full sun to partial shade and well - drain soil . Once established , the tree is drouth - tolerant .
The bright flushed berries allow food for birds during the winter month and supply a splattering of color to the landscape painting .
Longstalk Holly (Ilex pedunculosa)
Longstalk holly is a intermediate - sized , dauntless , evergreen tree that can bear as fiddling as two hours of sunlight day by day . It has glossy green , spineless leave of absence , clusters of fragrant white flower , andred winter berries . Not growing tall than 30 ft . ( 9 m ) , the evergreen tree is suitable for mature in a compact , shady garden .
Longstalk holly trees handle shady condition exceptionally well . They prefer moist , well - run out grease and can tolerate a kitchen stove of stain types . Thriving in partially shaded conditions , they farm well as aprivacy screen , evergreen margin plant , or hedge . Their ruddy berries draw birds and wildlife in wintertime .
English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
English holly is a flowering evergreen Pyramids of Egypt - shaped shade tree diagram popular for its glossy , drab green result andbright red-faced berries . The holly trees blossom in fountain with clustering of small livid prime that emit a sweet aroma . Like many holly trees , the evergreen all-inclusive leaves are burry , with crinkly margins , measuring up to 3 ” ( 7.5 curium ) long .
Not growing grandiloquent than 50 feet ( 15 meters ) , evergreen holly has a dense , pyramidic growing habit . Its leeway to shade make it versatile in landscape such as a foundation planting , a concealment hedging , or a specimen plant . However , it needs well - drain soil to thrive in partial nicety .
False Holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus)
False Buddy Holly is recognized by its upright , ellipse cast , dark green leaf , and pungently sugared prime . Thesmall shrub - like evergreen treerarely grows taller than 10 foot . ( 3 m ) tall . The small tree has glossy , dingy green , leathery leave with jagged margins fix up oppositely on stem . The holly tree alsoproduces round , purple - black berries .
Though it is not a true holly , it provide a alike aesthetic appeal for shaded , compendious front or backyard . It ’s easy to maintain and tolerate various soil conditions . Landscaping use for the false holly tree diagram let in protection borders , privacy screens , foundation planting , and a garden divider .
Tree Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens‘Arborescens’)
Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree boxwoodis a behind - grow evergreen shrub that can mature as a small tree up to 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) magniloquent . repellent to shade , the landscaping flora has humble , oval , saturnine green foliage that retain coloring material throughout the year . In heavy shade , the tree ’s foliage may become sparser . However , direct sun can sear the leaves .
Tree box are ideal for creating stately hedges and topiaries or as a focal point in partially shaded garden . It is a various works that grows well in clay , loamy , and sandlike soils if there is honest drain .
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
southerly magnoliais a stunning evergreen tree that love partly shaded conditions . Identifying features of the tree are itscreamy - white , loving cup - shaped bloom , leathery , ellipse leaves , and rosaceous - red source . Growing over 60 ft . ( 18 m ) magniloquent , the white - flowering magnolia provides shade thanks to its pyramidal or rounded crown .
southerly magnolia are native to the southeasterly United States . The prominent , fragrant flowers flower in outflow and continue throughout the summer . They can quantify up to 12 ” ( 30 curium ) in diam . In add-on to attracting pollinators , the tree ’s dense evergreen foliation render shelter for native birdie and small mammals .
Southern magnolias are ordinarily plant as specimen trees in landscapes . Additionally , their beautiful efflorescence are ideal for romantic floral displays .
Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
The strawberry mark tree diagram is a unique evergreen plant tree with attractive leaves , fruit , and bark . fly high in partial refinement , the small tree has clusters of Alexander Graham Bell - shaped whitened efflorescence flower throughout fall and winter . Itsunusual fruits bet like strawberriesand taste cherubic but sometimes suave . The tree ’s grayish barque skin , reveal a cinnamon - colored privileged bark .
Aside from its flowers and red yield , the strawberry tree has marvellous ornamental appeal . The lucullan immature leaves grow on red root word . Its branches become mutter with geezerhood , giving the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree an attractive appearance . Landscaping uses for the small tree admit hedgerow , coastal garden , shrub border , andfoundation planting .
Wheel Tree (Trochodendron aralioides)
Wheel Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is an attractive shrub - similar evergreen plant tree that performs best in good afternoon shade . The behind - growing tree has distinctive lancelike leave growing in curlicue . The evergreen plant leaves rise 6 ” ( 15 cm ) long and are dark green with paler undersides . They ferment bronze with reddish blending in the fall .
Wheel tree diagram flowers are clump of green , yellow , or purple showy , superstar - shaped peak . The erect cyme rise up to 5 ” ( 13 cm ) magniloquent , each containing up to 20 peak . Due to its shade tolerance , rack trees are idealunderstory treesor specimen plants in suspect spots .
Southern Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera)
Southern wax Vinca minor is a various evergreen minuscule tree that performs well in dry tad or light shade . Growing around 20 foot . ( 6 m ) tall , the aboriginal tree is identify by its minute , olive - green leaves , danglingclusters of golden sensationalistic flowers , and small-scale globose blueish fruit covered in a waxy substance .
Wax myrtle plant have heavy foliage , make them democratic for secrecy hedges and windbreaks . you’re able to also trim the plant into a more formal shape for exercise as a small tree diagram or specimen plant . The bush - like tree also tolerates salt spray , meaning it ’s a good landscape choice for coastal realm .
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
great deal laurel is one of the most wraith - tolerant broadleaf evergreen tree . Thriving in little sun , the rounded bush - corresponding tree blooms in other summertime with discus - shaped pinko , purple , or white flowers . The frigid - hardy plant has glossy dark-green , lancelike parting growing up to 5 ” ( 13 cm ) long . It grows up to 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) tall .
mass laurel is a low - maintenance bush or small tree that performs well in colder clime . uncouth landscape gardening uses include planting it along a foundation bloodline , in a shrub border , or as aflowering shade Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . However , it is important to take note that all part of the plant are toxic if ingested , so care should be use up when planting it around children or pets .
Anise Tree (Illicium parviflorum)
The anise tree is one of the few evergreen broadleaf trees that stomach deep shade . The drouth - tolerant works develop as a shrub or small tree . Its identifying features are ovate or lancelike , olive - green leaves , yellow cup - mold flowers nod on little stems , and hotshot - shaped brown fruits . The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance reminiscent of liquorice or Pimpinella anisum .
The tight - growing anise tree quickly reaches its mature tallness of around 20 foot . ( 6 m ) marvellous . The bush - like tree execute well in warm landscape as a concealment hedgerow , creation planting , or molding shrub . you may also clip it to grow as asmall ornamental tree .
Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
Live oak tree is a enceinte , regal evergreen treethat performs well in partial shade and hot , humid landscape . Theevergreen oakhas spreading branch and dense , dark greenish leafage . This dim canopy provides shade in live , southern landscape painting . It producesegg - mold acornsand drooping , finger - corresponding bunch of golden jaundiced flowers .
Live oaks get up to 80 ft . ( 24 m ) tall and can live for one C of years . The heat - tolerant evergreen trees are well - adapted to humid mood and hold solid winds and salt spray . This makes bouncy oak pop for shade garden in coastal area . The large nuance trees also act as focal points in large undefendable place .
Evergreen Coniferous Trees For Growing in Shade
White Spruce (Picea glauca)
White spruceis one of the most tint - tolerant coniferous tree in the genusPicea . The conical evergreen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree has a dense , pyramidal shape and blue - green leafage . Its needles are inadequate , stiff , and pointed , make the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree look spiky . The spruce tree has small upwards - aim reddish - brown cones on horizontal branches .
White spruce trees arise up to 100 human foot ( 30 thousand ) tall . In add-on to tolerating fond shade , the stalwart coniferous tree is exceptionally patient of of cold , drought , heat , and steer . Dwarf snowy sprucecultivars are popular landscape gardening solutions such as a shelterbelt , privacy concealment , or ornamental tree diagram .
It is a dispirited - sustentation conifer tree that requires minimal pruning and is resistant to most plague and diseases .
Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca‘Conica’)
Dwarf Alberta spruce is a democratic evergreen plant conifer treewell - suited for small , shaded gardens . The summary evergreen tree diagram has a pyramidal Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and dense foliage of short , fragrant , light green phonograph needle . It ’s a behind - grow cone - mold conifer that reaches 4 feet ( 1.2 m ) improbable after ten years .
The low - criminal maintenance , easy - upkeep nanus Alberta spruce retain its conical shape without pruning . It is drouth - kind and flourish in cool summertime and afternoon wraith . Its compact size and attractive appearance make it popular for foundation planting or creating an impenetrable privateness screen . It seldom bloom or produce cones .
Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca densata)
Black Hills spruce is a intermediate - sized cosmetic coniferous tree suitable for shady maculation . The evergreen tree has thick foliage and a heavyset , pyramidic physical body , name it popular for landscaping . It ’s aslow - raise coniferous treethat eventually matures at 60 ft . ( 18 m ) .
Black Hills slick up tree adapt well to cold conditions and require piffling to no pruning . Landscape uses let in a specimen tree , shelterbelt , or seclusion screenland .
Red Spruce (Picea rubens)
Red spruce is one of the few coniferous evergreen trees that performs well in full shadowiness . Identifying features of the coniferous tree are its conical crown , cylindric , cinnamon - brown strobile , and bright , yellow - green needle leave of absence . Like most spruce , this variety is a slow - growing tree that prosper in climates with moth-eaten winters and nerveless summers .
American Arborvitae ‘Smaragd’ (Thuja occidentalis‘Smaragd’)
American arborvitae ‘ Smaragd ’ is a popular evergreen conifer that grow well in fond nuance . The landscape gardening plant is have sex for itsnarrow , pyramidic contour , soft , emerald - green scale leaf - like sprays , and redolent red - brownish barque . Not growing taller than 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) , the easy - grow conifer retain its beautiful colors throughout the year .
The dense foliage of the American arborvitae ‘ Smaragd ’ make it a worthful landscaping shade tree . It keeps its strobile - like shape without pruning . landscape ideas for the tree include hedge , privacy screen , specimen plants , or windbreaks . Despite being a sun - loving conifer , it performs well in funny spots .
Giant Arborvitae (Thuja plicata)
jumbo arborvitae is a very tall conifer tree ( left ) but midget cultivars are usable too such as Thuja plicata ‘ Green Giant ’ ( right )
Giant arborvitae is afast - growing evergreen treethat tolerates partial shade . The sturdy coniferous tree is characterized by its riotous , dense unripened foliage , modest upright cone cell , and conic conformation . This conifer variety grows up to 60 ft . ( 18 m ) tall , making it one ofthe with child arborvitae salmagundi . It also retain its shape without pruning .
Also call in the light-green giant , the great arborvitae is adaptable to various soil type , especially moist , well - drain ones . It ’s a hybrid coniferous tree with pest - resistivity traits that adapts well to various climates . TheThuja’sfast increment and minimal care requirements make it popular in backyard landscaping . Uses for the evergreen Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree let in natural barriers , hedges , windbreaks , and privacy screening .
Golden Irish Yew (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata aurea’)
The golden Irish yewis an evergreen plant that tolerates full tone without compromise its excellent growth . Thecolumnar evergreen conifer treehas dumb foliage of golden - yellow to lime tree - green needles and blatant crimson berry - alike cones . Its pencil - like drug abuse creates an optic - bewitch upright dialect in landscapes .
This halcyon Irish yew has slow to moderate maturation . The beautiful conifer does n’t raise taller than 10 metrical foot ( 3 m ) and has a narrow wont . expand in full to fond shade , the yew is a arresting specimen conifer . Other uses in the landscape include growing at the corner of a house or creating an evergreen hedgerow .
Anglo-Japanese Yew (Taxus x media‘Hicksii’)
Anglo - Japaneseyew is a versatile evergreen coniferous treeor bush that performs exceptionally well in fond or deep subtlety . This yew Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is identified by its vertical , narrowly columnar frame , dark immature , needle - like foliage , and coral - scarlet fleshy cones resembling berries . The easy - growing coniferous tree spring up up to 20 ft . ( 6 m ) tall .
The Anglo - Japanese yew is a low - upkeep tree requiring minimum pruning . It digest a encompassing range of conditions , include urban contamination , drouth , and heavy shade . you could embed this coniferous tree as a privateness blind , hedge , or introduction planting . Additionally , it is gentle to prune into various topiary form .
American Yew (Taxus canadensis)
Like most yew kind , the American native yew is a tint - enjoy evergreen plant conifer . Its identifying feature film include flat , narrow , disconsolate green needle - same leaf , bright blood-red seed - bear cones , and ruby - brown wintertime colors . This sprawlingevergreen shrub - like gnome treedoesn’t grow taller than 6 ft . ( 1.8 m ) , which is ideal for landscape compact yards .
The dark green foliage of the American yew grow dense , pass the plant an attractive , compact appearance . Thriving in the subtlety and well - drain soils , it grow well as a diminished hedge , foundation planting , or secrecy screen for a backyard . Its leeway for moist dirt also means it performs well near streams and pond .
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
Cloud pruning of Nipponese yew ( Taxus cuspidata ) tree
Nipponese yew is a shade - tolerant evergreen conifer with speedy growth . Its rich dark-green , glossy leafage and brilliant cherry berry - like , fleshy cone ( aril ) add texture and beauty to garden landscape . The compact conifer has a vase shape , and its bark is black brown and scaly . The mid - sized conifers originate up to 25 ft . ( 7.6 m ) tall .
Nipponese yew pull round in less than two hour of direct sun daily . Despite its shadiness margin , it grows tight in various type of soils . It also abide urban conditions , cold , and drought . This versatile evergreen shade tree performs well as a hedging , seclusion roadblock , introduction planting , and accent industrial plant .
Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia)
aboriginal to the Pacific Northwest of North America , this yew mixture is sun and specter - broad . Characteristics of the evergreen plant life admit its dark unripe , vapid , acerate leaf - alike leaves , overweight ruby-red aril , and thin , scaly red bark . Its farewell measure up to 1.2 ” ( 3 cm ) long , rise spirally on root . The small evergreen conifer grows exceedingly slowly .
peaceable yew trees thrive in shady understory environment . Their slow growth attain them idealistic landscaping plant for residential front and backyards . The dim and shaggy decorative tree diagram are useful in yards as privacy screens , windbreak , tad , and erosion ascendance . Its coral - red fleshy cones also draw birds and wildlife , supercharge biodiversity in your garden .
Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
The Easternhemlock is a shade - broad evergreen plant cone-bearing treewith vigorous growth . aboriginal to Eastern North America , the conifer is broadly conelike , boast feathery foliation and sorry green needles . The tree ’s arching branches , pendulous tips , and dangling egg - shaped cone bring to its graceful appearance . matured tree have purplish - gray bark .
Eastern hemlocks do well in partial shadowiness or full sun . However , they can also tolerate inscrutable shade . Growing up to 70 ft . ( 21 m ) marvellous , this hemlock tree species is low sustentation and grows well in acidic , hommos - rich land with excellent drain . They have a ontogeny charge per unit of 12 ” to 24 ” ( 30 – 60 cm ) per class .
Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
Western hemlock is an exceptionally nuance - tolerant evergreen tree native to the Pacific Northwest . The tall conifer has a pyramidical shape and has easy , flat needle with serrate allowance . Inconiferous forests , it is key out by its conical flesh and pendulous branchlet confidential information . westerly hemlocks also produce modest , light brown cylindrical cones .
westerly hemlocks are huge conifer trees uprise up to 230 feet ( 70 m ) magniloquent , making them one of the largest conifer in North America . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s sizing mean they are mostly suited to large woodland , where their timber is used for theme production . However , they are pop as privateness silver screen , shelterbelt , or focal points in large gardens .
Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika)
Serbian spruce is an attractive evergreen plant treethat tolerates light to fond nicety . The cosmetic conifer is pry for its slim contour and attractive low - dark-green needles . The categorical , disconsolate immature , acutely pointed needle have two white lines on the silvery underside . The tree has a pyramidal form and grows up to 60 feet ( 18 m ) .
Serbian spruce is a stale - hardy evergreen that accommodate to various soil consideration . Its arching , conical growth and dark foliation make it an attractive gain to garden landscape . democratic usage for Serbian spruce include an cosmetic dialect tree , specimen plant , or mass planting to create a privacy hedgerow .
Concolor Fir (Abies concolor)
Concolor fir is a declamatory evergreen plant coniferous tree tree with some shade allowance . Identifying feature of the fir tree tree diagram are its blockheaded gray barque , flattened , needle - like leaves 3.1 ” ( 7.8 atomic number 96 ) long , and cylindric , browned cones 4.75 ” ( 12 centimetre ) long . Although most fir tree are sun - loving conifers , the concolor fir is one of the more shade - kind species .
Also calledwhite fir , concolor fir trees have an attractive pyramidal shape as they mature . TheAbies concolor‘Compacta ’ is a desirable white fir for residential landscapes . It only grow 8 ft . ( 2.4 m ) tall and has wonderful decorative note value . Like the larger specimen , the dwarf fir tree trees are drouth - patient of and adaptable to various ground conditions .
Dwarf livid true fir ( Abies concolor ‘ Compacta ’ )
Pacific Silver Fir (Abies amabilis)
Pacific silver fir tree is a majestic evergreen plant tree that thrive in shady environments . It is characterized by its tall , symmetrical shape and indulgent , blue - greenish , flatten out needle put spirally . The tall conifer also has dark purple , drum - like semen short-change 6.75 ” ( 17 centimetre ) long that stand vertical on horizontal branches .
Growing up to 150 feet ( 45 molarity ) tall , Pacific silver grey fir is a towering comportment in coniferous forests . If you need to rise a Pacific silver fir in your garden , expect for some of the nanus shrub varieties . TheAbies amabilis‘Compacta ’ or ‘ Spreading Star ’ are low - growing landscaping conifers that do n’t mature marvellous than 3 feet ( 0.9 m ) marvelous .
‘ Spreading Star ’ Pacific silver true fir
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
easterly livid pineis a with child , tight - originate evergreen tree diagram that can tolerate up to 80 percent shade . The native pine tree diagram has easygoing , bluish - gullible needles measuring 5 ” ( 13 curium ) long . The shade - tolerant coniferous tree has a straight luggage compartment , assailable pyramidal to oval crown , andcylindrical brown conesdangling from limb .
easterly white pine tree grow up to 80 foot ( 24 meter ) tall , typically too large for residential landscape . Some snowy pine tree gnome cultivar that tolerate wanton subtlety includePinus strobus ‘ Pendula ’ ( 10 foot . or 3 m tall ) , ‘ Louie ’ ( 20 foot . or 6 m grandiloquent ) , and ‘ Nana’—a dwarf , evergreen bush growing up to 7 ft . ( 2.1 m ) tall .
Pinus strobus ‘ Nana ’
Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)
Lawson cypressis a versatile shade - kind evergreen tree native to northwesterly North America . Also called Port Orford cedar , the conifer ’s identify features are its feathery , down in the mouth - greenish flat sprays , globose seed strobilus , and facile - brown bark with erect ridges . The weighing machine - corresponding foliage emits a pleasant , lemon - comparable fragrance when break down .
Growing up to 200 feet ( 61 m ) improbable , the Lawson cypress is an impressive tree in westerly timberland . However , smaller false cypress , shade - tolerant cultivars are more suited to residential landscapes . These evergreens are ideal for privacy screens , windbreaks , or specimen tree diagram in shady spot in your backyard .
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘ Minima Aurea ’ grows up to 4 foot . ( 1.2 m ) tall and 2 foot . ( 0.6 m ) spacious .
Japanese False Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)
Nipponese false cypress is an attractive evergreen coniferous tree tree that tolerates shade . The cultivated species do n’t grow taller than 30 ft ( 9 grand ) and are unremarkably used in landscaping . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree has a pyramidical shape and pallid green to blue - green foliage . The leaf are scale leaf - like and arrange in drop atomiser .
Japanese simulated cypress tree require minimal pruning to maintain their attractive shape . The conifers are resistant to most cuss and disease and are tolerant of drouth and heat . This miserable - maintenance , tint - kind evergreen tree is popular as a privacy screen , hedging , foundation planting , or accent tree diagram in shaded garden .
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