planting for full shade

Question

I am trying to figure out the landscaping for 2 full shade areas on my property. Every landscaper I talk to says put in boxwoods or azalea. I’ve had both of those plants and disliked them. What I am looking for are plants that will be shade tolerant and also just not a generic. I was thinking of sweetspire but I am not sure if it will bloom in shade (my guess it won’t). So are there any suggestions? Or would it just be easier to get some ornamental grass and throw some boulders down? Thanks for any suggestions!

Answer 1

Itea may be a good planting for a shady location, but they need a boggy, wet soil planting site.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/itea/itea-sweetspire.htm

Here are some other articles with more ideas and help.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/shade-tolerant-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-full-shade.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/shade-loving-shrubs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/ground-covers-for-shade.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/discovering-the-benefits-of-shade-gardening.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/gardening-in-the-shady-garden.htm