What shrubs can tolerate full shade?
Luckily, we have alternatives, especially when it comes to growing shrubs in the shade. There are some spectacular standouts we can enjoy, including azaleas (pictured above), climbing hydrangeas, Euonymus, red and yellow twig dogwoods, elderberries, ninebark, spirea and others. Pick the right plants. Under large trees, plants will be competing for water and nutrients. For these areas, use tough plants that can tolerate dry shade such as bigroot geranium (G. Ajuga), or bishop’s hat (Epimedium). Learn more about planting under trees.Most thrive in full shade or part shade in a variety of soil conditions including dry shade. Suitable under trees, shrubs, sheltered by walls, fences, etc, includes many ferns, early spring flowers such as anemones, snowdrops, epimedium, and foliage plants like hosta and heuchera.