Growing plants in North Texas’ extreme conditions might be challenging. However, it might be even harder to find shade-loving plants for the parts of your garden that receive limited sunlight during the day. Luckily, you can find attractive and aesthetically pleasing plants that will thrive in North Texas and won’t mind little lighting.
Indeed, if you have mature trees on your property that block the rays of the sun most of the day, you don’t have to worry. In this “Shade Plants North Texas” guide, you’ll get the list you need to make your garden even more attractive with suitable plants.
Shade Plants North Texas
Whether your landscape receives shade from trees or walls and fixed structures, that shouldn’t stop you from having a thriving garden. Instead, you can use the shade as an opportunity to fill your spaces with shade-tolerant plants. And the good news is that these kinds of plants are not boring! All of the contrary. Shade plants can offer variation in texture and colors in your garden. Keep reading to get some inspiration for selecting shade plants for your Northern Texas garden.
Aralia
Aralia is an evergreen shrub that consists of more than 70 species. With such a variety of choices, you will for sure find one that suits your taste (and soil conditions). While aralia thrives in full sun, it will perform well even under partial shade. Select the Fatsia Japonica variety for best results.
Besides enjoying the attractive dark-green glossy leaves, you will also have the chance of getting stunning white blooms in the fall and winter. For a longer blooming season in your garden, you must plant aralia. However, you will need to regularly water this plant during the hot summer months. Indeed, this plant loves moist soil. Reduce frequency in the winter.
Related: Aralia Sun King Companion Plants
Leather Leaf Mahonia
If you want to make your garden more “jungle-looking,” you should consider planting leather leaf mahonia. This unique plant has pointed leaves that will improve the texture of your garden. Plus, the plant produces fragrant yellow blooms in the spring and light blue-colored berries, which will attract plenty of pollinators that will make your garden more lively.
If that wasn’t enough, this type of mahonia also embellishes your yard during the fall, where its deep green leaves become red and burgundy.
Camellia
Camellia is a shade-loving plant that does well in warm environments. Its rose-like blooms will catch the eye during the spring and add elegance to your garden. Plus, you can use this shrub as an attractive hedge plant. However, you might have to do some regular pruning on this plant to keep it in shape.
Aspidistra
Aspidistra (or Cast Iron Plant) is a lovely evergreen that loves shady areas in your garden. You can use it as a hedge or groundcover in your flower bed. Either way, it will create an attractive backdrop to your plants. Also, this plant is durable and tolerant to most conditions, including drought. However, you may have to keep it under control to prevent it from overtaking your garden.
Azalea
Azalea is an ideal choice for shady areas: this shrub produces intense colorful blooms that will improve the looks of any garden. Plus, if you give what it needs to survive (plenty of water and regular fertilizer), this plant will thrive in any climate. However, because azalea is a heavy feeder, you might consider another plant if your area is prone to droughts.
Related Article: Why are My Azalea Leaves Turning Yellow
Podocarpus
Podocarpus is an evergreen shrub with dark green foliage that serves as a stunning background plant in any yard. If you don’t know what to plant in a spot that doesn’t receive sun on your property, you must consider podocarpus. This plant tolerates high temperatures and heat and will add a lovely texture to your garden.
Turk’s Cap
Turk’s cap is a stunning perennial that might add some color to your garden’s shady areas. It produces tubular flowers in the summer and has a high tolerance to drought, so you don’t have to worry too much about watering your plant. Plus, under proper conditions, it will thrive and spread quickly.
Shade Plants North Texas: Conclusion
As you can see from this list, there are plenty of “Shade Plants North Texas” you can add to the darker areas of your garden. Besides the aesthetic appeal, these plants can also make for perfect hedge plants to increase the privacy of your property. Try it for yourself!