Basic Information About Shrub Gardening

SHRUBS TOLERANT OF SHADE

LACE-CAP HYDRANGEA

The pointed leaves of this dense, bushy shrub often color well in autumn. Violet- blue, lace-cap flowers in summer have pale marginal florets. Dislikes dry soils. 

SHRUBBY HONEYSUCKLE

Its low and wide-spreading habit makes this an excellent evergreen ground cover. Tiny, inconspicuous late spring flowers are occasionally followed by violet berries.

CASCADES MAHONIA

This evergreen, suckering shrub produces short, erect stems with handsome leaves - that turn red or purplish in winter. Spikes of yellow flowers appear in early summer.

JAPANESE SPURGE

This evergreen, suckering shrublet likes moist soils, and makes a superb ground cover for shade. Its dark green leaves back little white flower spikes in spring.     

        

CHERRY LAUREL

The branches of this low evergreen shrub are clothed with narrow, glossy, leathery leaves. Erect spikes of white flowers in late spring are followed by black fruits. 

SKIMMIA

If you plant a male variety of this dense, low evergreen nearby to effect pollination, this spring-flowering skimmia cultivar will produce an abundance of white berries.

VARIEGATED LARGE PERIWINKLE

Striking, variegated leaves are margined creamy white, and form a superb ground cover that is rampant if unchecked. Blue flowers last from spring to autumn.