dry shade tolerant plants

This list includes plants that will usually survive in dry shade, particularly in problem areas such as under firs, cedars or other trees. In such areas, soils should be amended at planting time with plenty of organic matter. They should be well watered and fertilized for at least two growing seasons before they can be truly considered drought tolerant. For more detailed information about each plant, please refer to individual cultivar signs, or consult one of Swanson’s nursery professionals. 

 

Ground covers

LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY
BEARBERRY
SAND STRAWBERRY
SALAL
SMALL-LEAVED IVY
RUPTUREWORT
DEAD NETTLE
JAPANESE SPURGE
TAIWAN RUBUS
PERIWINKLE

Shrubs

JAPANESE LAUREL
BARBERRY
WINTER DAPHNE
WINTERCREEPER
JAPANESE ARALIA
JAPANESE HOLLY
KERRIA
OREGON GRAPE
HEAVENLY BAMBOO
OSMANTHUS
OTTO LUYK. LAUREL
VANILLA PLANT
EVERGREEN HUCKLEBERRY
DAVID VIBURNUM
LAURUSTINUS

Perennials

BEAR'S BREECH
MONKSHOOD
WINDFLOWER
COLUMBINE
TRAILING BELLFLOWER
BLEEDING HEART
FOXGLOVE
BARRENWORT
SPURGE
HARDY FUCHSIA
HARDY GERANIUM
HELLEBORE
HOSTA
FORGET-ME-NOT
HEN & CHICKS
FRINGECUP
FOAMFLOWER
SEDGE
LILYTURF
WOOD RUSH
GOLDEN MILLET
LADY FERN
DEER FERN
WOOD FERN
SWORD FERN