Got Dry Shade?

As we become more and more conscious of our water use, there is an emphasis on planting drought tolerant plants. And that includes for shady spots. Curiously, people tend to be more familiar with drought tolerant plants for sun than those for shade. I recently gave a talk out at Annie's Annuals on this very topic and in preparing for the talk I made an outline. Yesterday, it occurred to me that while this is indeed only a summary/outline, it might still prove helpful to some of those who follow this blog. Two things to note about the plants listed. First, since this was a talk at Annie's I naturally focused on plants they sell. And second, somewhat related to the first point, I did not include any trees and very few shrubs. They too would be good choices.
So, here it is, in its unvarnished glory. Hope it's helpful!

4 Kinds of Shade

1. Full morning sun (MS)
2. Two to three hours of morning sun (PS)
3. No direct sun but bright shade (BS)
4. Dark shade (DS)

Oakland Shade vs Fresno Shade

Interpreting what books say about shade or sun depending on where you live. Adjusting up ½ a sun factor for the milder zones.

The list below is divided into groups per type of plant. They are designated by the most amount of shade they will prosper in. Thus, a plant designated BS (for bright shade) will also handle PS and MS unless noted. Selections with a CN are California natives. All plants listed are perennial with the exception of Nicotiana, which often reseeds.

Planting Shade Perennials

1. Planting by season.
2. Watering to establish then cutting back.
3. Mulching to save water
4. Slugs & snails. More prevalent in shady areas. Treatments.
5. Deer. Most of the selections here are either deer proof or will discourage them.
6. Maintaining shady areas. When to cut back. When to remove.

Shrubs (Planting foundation plants first)

Plectranthus (BS) – best plant for shade, all heights, leaf textures

Arctostaphylos (BS) CN – good foundation plant; RPBG selections

Sarcococca (DS) – Winter box offers fragrant late winter flowers, handles deep shade

Mahonia (BS) CN – tough & durable, yellow flowers, all sizes

Perennials (For adding texture and color)

Francoa (PS) – tough, clumps out, summer bloomer

Hellebores (BS) – cut back foliage to ground in late fall; treating white flies

Heuchera maxima (BS) CN – year round appeal, largest Coral bells

Nicotianas (PS) – many different types, colors, heights, fragrant

Ground covers (For filling in bare spots or as a natural weed control)

Asarum caudatum (BS) CN – tough, heart-shaped shiny leaves, curious flowers

Rubus (BS) – rough textured leaves, tenacious, beautiful, prostrate

Ajuga (PS) – light or dark leaves, establishes easily, wants a little water

Geranium Rozanne (PS) – one of many true geraniums that spreads, showy flowers

Tellima grandiflora (BS) CN – charming heuchera-like flowers, stays neat

Epimedium (BS) – tenacious, 1-2' tall, charming small flowers of different colors

Ferns (There are several choices for adding that special look that only ferns give)

Leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) (BS) – survives dry spells but better with H2O

Western Sword fern (Polystichum munitum) (BS) CN – one of our toughest ferns!

Grasses (Good choices for areas that get light traffic)

Carex pansa (MS) – tough evergreen grass that can even handle light foot traffic

Ophiopogon planiscapus (BS) – black mondo grass, provides great color, adaptable

Succulents (Succulents go well with grasses or phormiums)

Aeoniums (BS) – large leaves, some colorful, prefers some shade; frost damage

Sedum Angelina (PS) – fast spreading ground cover; more golden in sun

Phormiums/Cordylines (PS) – tough plants for adding leaf texture and color

Vines (Though most popular vines like sun there are plenty for shade)

Jasminum Pepita (PS) – smaller variety of pink jasmine, fragrant, establishes easily

Solanum Navidad (PS) – one of the showiest potato vines (purple flowers), tenacious

Bulbs (Though not as well known there are bulbs that prefer a bit of shade)

Brodiaea 'Rudy' (MS) CN – naturalizes easily, purple flowers, early summer blooms

Iris douglasiana (BS) CN – most resilient of all irises, spring bloom, colonizes

Iris confusa (BS) – pretty white or lavender (Chengdu) flowers, sun or shade, any soil