Here are 12 good choices for ornamental plants in shady locations along north-facing walls.
Warning
Some plants, as noted below, are toxic to humans and animals.
It is even more tolerant of sunny conditions.
The Spruce / Sarah Crowley
Beware that some ferns are aggressive growers while others are slow growers.
you could prune most ferns in the late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
Small varieties grow to about 6 to 8 inches; taller varieties are 10 to 12 inches.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Wax begonias are normally used as a bedding plant, planted in masses, or as an edging.
Space the plants well apart to improve air circulation and prevent fungal problems.
All begonias are toxic to animals.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Tuberous begonias grow 12 to 18 inches high with a similar spread.
They bloom from July through September with brightly colored flowers that glow in the shade.
Tubers should be planted after the danger of frost has passed.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Regular fertilization will keep these plants blooming profusely.
All types of begonias are toxic to animals.
This medium-sized, 2- to 3-foot plant produces clusters of pink and white flowers along arching stems in spring.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
In sunnier locations, supply the plant with more water to compensate.
In cooler climates, a bleeding heart tolerates more sunshine.
It is also toxic to humans and pets.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Periwinkle forms a mat 3 to 6 inches tall, flowering in May and June.
Regular fertilizing will brighten the color of the green leaves and cause the plant to spread.
In some regions, periwinkle is considered invasive, so check with local experts before planting it.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
Creeping myrtle can be toxic to humans and pets.
These areas can be notoriously dry because the eaves intercept rainfall.
The ideal plants for these areas are those known to do well in dry shade.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Lilyturf tolerates shady conditions, though it performs better if given more sunlight.
It should be mowed down in early spring to stimulate new growth.
Hosta
The quintessential foliage plant for shady areas is hosta(Hostaspp.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
), also known as the plantain lily.
Many types of hostas are good low-growing plants for your north side.
An example of a fairly short jot down is theHostacultivar, ‘Patriot’.
The Spruce / K. Dave
A bigger cultivar is’Frances Williams'.
it’s possible for you to easily propagate new plants by dividing the root clumps.
Hostas are toxic to animals.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It grows 6 to 9 inches and spreads rapidly into a thick mat.
The plants can be cut back to the ground after flowering to stimulate new growth.
White flowers appear in May to July.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Hydrangeas are toxic to animals.
Yew bushes (Taxusspp.)
are needle-bearing evergreens and a classic choice for shade.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
These shrubs do not offer a floral display but show off pretty berries (arils, technically).
Yew is toxic to humans and animals.
Flowering quince(Chaenomeles speciosa)is incredibly easy to grow, tolerating almost any soil.
Growing 6 to 10 feet high, flowering quince is a dense rounded shrub with spiny stems.
It blooms from March to April with white to scarlet flowers that appear before the leaves open.
The leaves are reddish-bronze when they open, maturing into deep green.
Small fruits ripen to red in the fall and are attractive to birds.
Lamprocapnos spectabilis.North Carolina University Extension.
Bleeding Hearts.Pet Poison Hotline.
Vinca minor.Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor).
Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Plants.National Capital Poison Center Poison Control.
