19 Shade-Tolerant or Shade-Loving Evergreens

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Sydney has over 15 years of experience in lawn maintenance, landscape design, and organic gardening. She has an A.A.S. in Landscape Design/Organic Produce Production from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Conifers and Evergreens

A common misconception about evergreens is that the term is synonymous with ‘conifer.’ To put it simply, conifers make up the varieties of trees that end up in our living rooms and town squares in December. More scientifically speaking, conifers are plants that typically have needle-like or narrow leaves and produce cones to protect their seeds (Merriam-Webster).

Conifers are gymnosperms (literally meaning ‘naked seed’), which are plants that produce seeds in an exposed manner. Most gymnosperms grow their seeds in a cone the same as conifers do.

This is what distinguishes conifers from other plants (angiosperms, that produce seeds inside reproductive organs like flowers and fruits) not their potential status as evergreens. Most conifers are evergreens, but there are types that lose their leaves in the fall.

Essentially, evergreens are plants that keep their foliage alive year-round, regardless of their physical characteristics.

Types of Evergreens

Because ‘evergreen’ doesn’t denote specific plant varieties, any plant can qualify if it stays active throughout all of the growing seasons. For example, a tree that goes dormant in the winter in Montana may be able to stay active all year in Florida; therefore, it is an evergreen in one place and not in another.

That being said, many evergreens are consistent and therefore, can be divided into groups.

Evergreens are typically split into two categories: narrowleaf and broadleaf.

Broadleaf evergreens include versions of tropical plants like mahogany, some varieties of hardwoods like oak and holly, and even some outlier varieties like palm trees. This category also includes shrubs and groundcover varieties such as hydrangeas and creeping thyme.

Narrowleaf evergreens are more popular picks for landscaping because they are picturesque, needled evergreens like firs, pines, and false cypress shrubs, which are varieties of conifers.

The most popular evergreens for shady areas are varieties of ‘boxwoods,’ ‘hemlock,’ and ‘yews.’ These mostly produce sturdy, green, traditional-looking evergreens. That being said, there are many unique and colorful evergreen options for the shady areas in your garden.

Also see Pine Trees That Grow in Shade (And Other Evergreen Options)

What is ‘Shade?’

Before exploring plant options, ‘shade’ terms should be identified. You will typically find exposure characteristics defined as:

Full sun: at least 6 hours of light a day

Partial sun/partial shade: 4-6 hours of sun a day, preferably morning sun

Full shade: Limited sun exposure, including no direct sun

(IFAS, Florida University blog)

Many plants can survive in several exposure conditions. This article identifies evergreens that thrive or tolerate at least partial shade.

Now let’s get gardening!

The 19 Best Evergreens For Shady Areas

Carpet Bugle ‘Bronze Beauty’

Ajuga reptans

This is a unique, colorful, and vibrant groundcover evergreen that grows quickly and covers hard-to-reach areas. It is a lively replacement for areas usually taken over by grass, like gaps in rock pathways. While the bright blue flowers are attractive, gardeners are drawn to this plant because of its quick growth and bronze foliage.

This is a very low maintenance and adaptable plant. While its growth in shade is valued, it can survive in full sun as well. As long as it’s given a moist environment and decent airflow, it can thrive in most soil conditions. It is not affected by pests, although mildew is something to watch for. Its one downside as an evergreen is that it is evergreen in most places; if you plant outside the hardiness zone, you may not be able to enjoy it year-round.

Plant Type: Perennial
Height at Maturity: 2” – 5”
Width at Maturity: 1’
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 10
Sun Exposure: Partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, but overall adaptable
Invasive: Oregon and West Virginia

Japanese Spurge

Pachysandra terminalis

This plant provides a beautiful dark green coverage of shady areas. It blooms with small colorful flowers in the spring, but its uniquely shaped leaves and rich color are its main attractions.

This is a perfect plant for low maintenance. Once planted, it can be left to grow without much attention, as it is resistant to most pests (including deer), air pollution, and diseases. It prefers moist soil, but can handle dry conditions well.

Plant Type: Perennial shrub
Height at Maturity: 6” – 8”
Width at Maturity: 1’ – 2’
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 8
Sun Exposure: Partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, otherwise adaptable
Invasive: No

Coral Bells ‘Autumn Leaves’

Heuchera

This is an incredible option for gardeners who want year-round color besides green. Coral Bell leaves take on different hues of red throughout the year and produce flowers in the early summer. It is a colorful addition to borders, coverage, and even containers.

Coral Bell is a low-maintenance plant for many reasons. It handles heat and humidity well, does well in drought conditions, resists pests and diseases, and attracts butterflies. While it can be planted in full sun, this would require extra watering. As an evergreen, the only downside is that it is a semi-evergreen. Even so, it is a perennial. If your hardiness zone does not support it as an evergreen, it will revive in the next growing season.

Plant Type: Perennial
Height at Maturity: 8” – 2’
Width at Maturity: 1’ – 2’
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, neutral, and loam or sand
Invasive: No

Korean Boxwood ‘Justin Brouwers’

Buxus sinica var. insularis

Boxwoods are popular, sturdy, reliable options for shady evergreens, and the Korean Boxwood is no different. Showcasing a classic green foliage year-round, this plant will grow in a dense, rounded manner. It makes a perfect addition to a small garden or border.

The Korean Boxwood is low maintenance and grows best in partial shade. Like other similar plants, it should be mulched and watered to keep it from dehydrating, although it will survive in dry conditions. It is susceptible to certain pests and diseases, so watch for leaf spots and small bugs.

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 1’ – 2’
Width at Maturity: 1’ – 2’
Hardiness Zone: 6 – 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained and moist, but adaptable
Invasive: No

Variegated Lily Turf

Liriope muscari

Variegated Lily Turf can be used as an ornamental grass due to its long, showy, ivory-striped leaves. The purple flower clusters do not appear until late summer/fall, so its addition to a garden will add color in the late growing season. It does well as anything from a border to a coverage plant.

This is another low maintenance plant because it resists pests, diseases, deer, rabbits, and does well in humid and dry conditions. While it can survive in full shade, it will not grow as quickly or as full as it would in partial shade or full sun.

Plant Type: Perennial
Height at Maturity: 1’ – 2’
Width at Maturity: 1’ – 2’
Hardiness Zone: 5 – 10
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, but overall adaptable
Invasive: Deep South East

Glossy Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’

Abelia x grandiflora

Glossy Abelia is technically a semi-evergreen that offers changing bloom colors throughout the year.

This dwarf semi-evergreen changes color with the season. With white blooms lasting for most of the warm season, it starts with yellow and green in spring, it morphs to gold in the summer, followed by orange in the fall, and finishing with a bright red for lively winter color.

The Kaleidoscope provides the best coloration in full sun, but it also does well in partial shade. Its soil needs are normal, and it is resistant to most pests and diseases. It’s suggested that you keep it protected from hard freezes.

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 2’ – 3’
Width at Maturity: 3’ – 4’
Hardiness Zone: 6 – 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained and moist
Invasive: No

‘Anne Marie’ English Ivy

Hedera helix

This plant is another great coverage plant, with leaves of different shapes based on their maturity. It sports a soft green color with an ivy edge and is popular for its visual interest.

This is a low-maintenance plant, but it can’t be left fully alone. It prefers semi-moist, well-drained soil and is only mildly resistant to drought conditions. It should be monitored for leaf spots and various pest infestations, including aphids and vine weevils.

Plant Type: Perennial, climber
Height at Maturity: 3’ – 4’
Width at Maturity: 2’ – 3’
Hardiness Zone: 5 – 10
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained and consistent moisture
Invasive: Entire West Coast and central East Coast

Boxwood ‘Green Velvet’

Buxus

Perhaps the most popular evergreen shrub, the Boxwood is a very traditional-looking bush. It holds a dense, uniform look that is consistent year-round. It produces a rich, dark green foliage that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.

While planting takes a bit of preparation, this is a fairly low-maintenance plant. It should be planted in a partially-shaded area (too much shade will slow its growth, too much sun could damage the foliage) that is protected from strong wind.

It can survive in drought conditions, but it should be mulched when planted and watered in dry weather. It is mildly susceptible to pests and diseases, so keep an eye out for leaf spots and bugs.

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 3’ – 4’
Width at Maturity: 3’ – 4’
Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, but overall adaptable
Invasive: No

Anglo-Japanese Yew

Taxus-media

This is another traditional-looking shrub when it comes to evergreens. It is a dense formation of bright green needles that produce seeds in red cones. It grows slowly, staying round when young growing out as it ages.

This thrives in full sun and partial shade but survives in full shade. It is extremely low-maintenance, as it can survive in drought conditions and does not need to be pruned. It is a poisonous shrub if eaten, which should be carefully considered by parents and pet owners.

Plant Type: Shrubs, conifers
Height at Maturity: 3’ – 4’
Width at Maturity: 4’ – 6’
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 7
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, but otherwise adaptable
Invasive: No

American Yew

Taxus canadensis

Opposing several shrubs on this list, the American Yew does not grow in a tight, compact manner. Rather, it has a more open and free structure. Females will produce small red cones in the summer. Its foliage is dark green on the top and light green on the bottom through the summer and changes to hues of auburn in the winter.

The American Yew is low-maintenance, but it does need protection from various dangers. Full winter sun, heat, dry conditions, and strong winds will all pose a threat to the plant’s health. It grows best in partial shade but will do well in full shade as well.

Plant Type: Shrubs, conifers
Height at Maturity: 3’ – 5’
Width at Maturity: 6’ – 8’
Hardiness Zone: 3 – 7
Sun Exposure: Partial shade, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained and moist, but adaptable
Invasive: No

Oregon Grape Holly

Mahonia Aquifolium

The Oregon Grape Holly is a unique evergreen in that its produce is edible. Its colors are vibrant all year long, starting off with bronze leaves and light, golden flowers in the spring. In the summer, it gives way to dark green foliage and indigo berries that are edible raw and can be used for making jam. The fall brings in a burgundy hue which provides color through the cold months.

This plant thrives in partial and full shade and will not handle full sun well. It is slightly higher maintenance than most on this list, as it needs consistent moisture, protection from wind, rich soil, and grows best in colonies. However, it is resistant to most serious pests and diseases.

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 3’ – 6’
Width at Maturity: 2’ – 5’
Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8
Sun Exposure: Partial shade, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic, moist, rich
Invasive: No, but will naturalize if suckers aren’t pruned

Dog Hobble

Leucothoe fontanesiana

Dog Hobble is an elegant-looking plant. Its dropped groupings of white flowers emerge in the summer as the leaves turn dark green. Outside of the flowering season, the foliage alternates between hues of bronze, red, and purple.

Another low-maintenance plant, the Dog Hobble is described as a ‘shade lover.’ It does not need pruning and it resists most pests and diseases. However, it needs consistent moisture and calm conditions and its leaves and flowers are poisonous, so it does come with its share of concerns.

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 3’ – 6’
Width at Maturity: 3’ – 6’
Hardiness Zone: 5 – 8
Sun Exposure: Partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic, and clay, loam, or sand
Invasive: No

Fernspray Gold

Chamaecyparis obtuse

This tree may not produce many colors, but its growth habits make it an interesting addition to landscapes. Its branches can grow somewhat whimsically, while generally keeping a triangular shape to the tree. The foliage exposed to the sun will keep a lighter green coloration than the foliage inside the tree.

The Hinoki Cypress enjoys full sun and partial shade. It is low-maintenance, but it should be protected from strong winds and watched for aphids and root diseases. Acidic soils work best for this plant, but it will grow in other conditions.

Plant Type: Shrubs, conifers
Height at Maturity: 5’ – 6’
Width at Maturity: 2’ – 3’
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained and acidic, but adaptable
Invasive: No

Red Chokeberry

Aronia arbutifolia

This plant provides an ever-changing colorful interest to any garden. With light pink flowers in the spring, dark green foliage in the summer, and vibrant red leaves and berries through the fall and winter, there is no season where this tall shrub will not shine.

Along with its aesthetic interest, the Red Chokeberry provides food to bees, butterflies, and birds all year long.

Another low-maintenance plant, the Red Chokeberry is resistant to most pests and diseases and grows naturally in wet and dry northern climates. It thrives in full sun and partial shade, although it does produce more fruit in full sun. It is also only semi-evergreen, so check your hardiness zone to see if it would support this plant as an evergreen.

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 5’ – 10’
Width at Maturity: 3’ – 5’
Hardiness Zone: 4 – 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, but otherwise adaptable
Invasive: No

See our guide on the seven key differences between Chokeberry and Chokecherry.

Toyon

Heteromeles arbutifolia

This picturesque plant is popular with Christmas lovers. Following its prolific white flowering stage in the summer, the Toyon produces red berries that keep their color through the winter. Its leaves are consistently dark green and provide a rich point of interest regardless of the season.

This is another low-maintenance plant because of its growing ease, ability to thrive in full sun and partial shade, and adaptability to most soil conditions. An interesting characteristic is that, while the tree does not need much water to survive, consistent watering will render this tree fire-resistant. While it seems to handle pests well, Toyon unfortunately is not resistant to disease. Watch out for root rot, black mildew, fire blight, and other diseases.

Plant Type: Shrubs, trees
Height at Maturity: 6’ – 8’
Width at Maturity: 4’ – 5’
Hardiness Zone: 9 – 11
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, but otherwise adaptable
Invasive: No

Spotted Laurel

Aucuba japonica

To appreciate the full display of this plant year-round, make sure to plant a male and female close together. Both will produce rich green leaves with speckles of gold scattered throughout, and the spring will bring purple flowers with white anthers. The females will then yield bright red berries that will last through the winter months, but only when pollinated.

While the Spotted Laurel needs to be kept from strong gusts of wind, it is mostly low-maintenance. It grows best in partial to full shade, survives through dry spells, and is adaptable to most soil conditions (although rich soil will make a difference with its vibrancy).

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 6’ – 10’
Width at Maturity: 5’ – 9’
Hardiness Zone: 6 – 10
Sun Exposure: Partial shade, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, but otherwise adaptable
Invasive: No

English Yew

Taxus baccata

This large shrub/tree is a unique-looking plant. While its foliage is a sturdy, dark green, its branches look somewhat whimsical. At times, female branches produce red cones even though the tree itself is male. You can prune and shape this tree however you desire.

This is a low-maintenance tree that is flexible with its conditions. It prefers full sun or partial shade, but grows well in full shade as well. Other needs are average, but flexible. Most elements are poisonous if eaten, like other similar plants.

Plant Type: Shrubs, conifers, trees
Height at Maturity: 6’ – 15’
Width at Maturity: 4’ – 8’
Hardiness Zone: 7 – 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, but adaptable
Invasive: No

See Is an English Yew Tree Hardwood? (Many People Get This Wrong)

Boxwood

Buxus sempervirens

While this Boxwood resembles needled trees, it is actually a broadleaf evergreen. Its picturesque growth habit is completely natural; you do not need to prune or train this tree to achieve this structured look. Its deep green foliage will keep this color year-round.

The best environment for the Boxwood is partial shade. It will grow – although with less volume – in full shade, but full sun could damage its foliage. Mulch will help keep this plant hydrated. It can survive dry spells, but should still be watered in these phases. It is susceptible to certain pests and diseases like box red spider mites and leaf spots, so watch for these threats.

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 7’ – 8’
Width at Maturity: 2’ – 3’
Hardiness Zone: 6 – 8
Sun Exposure: Partial shade, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained and moist, but adaptable
Invasive: No

Florida Hobblebush

Agarista populifolia

This plant is an ornamental, colorful addition to a border or large section of ground. Its flowers emerge in the late spring/early summer and stay until its seeds drop, but the green foliage is year-round. The shade of green will change throughout the seasons.

This is a low-maintenance plant because it resists most pests, diseases, and flooding conditions. It needs clay, loam, or sandy soil and an average water intake. While its natural height is quite tall, it can be pruned and kept at any desirable height. A unique concern with this plant is its leaves; they can be fatal upon ingestion, which parents and pet owners should seriously consider.

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height at Maturity: 8’ – 12’
Width at Maturity: 5’ – 6’
Hardiness Zone: 7 – 9
Sun Exposure: Partial sun, shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained and acidic
Invasive: No

Conclusion

Choosing the right evergreen should include considerations of your hardiness zone, soil properties, sun exposure, and your particular tastes. There are plenty of options to choose from. Make the choice that’s right for your yard.