Shrubs for Shade - Tennessee

Shrubs for Shade and more. Azaleas and their cousins, rhododendrons, are two choices that would flourish well. Most selections are evergreen, and their spring flowers are gorgeous. Aucuba is another good choice. An evergreen shrub, native to Japan, it can grow to 15 feet. This is the variegated form known as 'Gold Dust'. Fothergilla is an awesome deciduous shrub for shade, and it's native to the U.S. The dwarf form grows to about three feet, and the larger form can top out at nine feet. Hydrangeas are among the most popular of all deciduous shrubs for shade, and with good reason: They're beautiful. Pieris isn't quite as well known, but it's a superb choice. And it's evergreen. Vibernums, nearly all of which are deciduous, are excellent for shady spots, which explains in part why I have more than 20 varieties. And finally, there are the yews, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes and species. All are narrow-leaved evergreens, and all are relatively pest- and disease-free. There are many other choices, but these seven are among the easiest to find and grow.