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Evergreen shrub for partial shade

#1 · 5th June 2023, 8:12 pm

Hi everyone,

Maybe someone can help me with some plant inspiration.

I'm looking for an evergreen (or winter interest) shrub for a shady West facing garden bed. Companion plants would be hydrangeas, astilbes, hostas and some small ferns. I'd love for the shrub to go in the back of the border but as it is in front of the kitchen window it shouldn't be too tall (max. 5 ft).

I was possibly thinking camellia, but am slightly worried regarding winter protection.

Any ideas - either on the camellia or other shrubs?

Many thanks. Happy gardening.

#2 · 6th June 2023, 7:31 am

Hi @jo-sadsad

Id recommend two options really that are evergreen shrubs with some form of winter structure or interest.

The first would be a Hebe ‘Pink Candy’ which will give some low height interest during the winter months but no flowers. These flower May to Summer. But are super hardy and work well with the plants you already have.

If you want winter flowering or scent try Sweet Box - Sarcococca. Gorgeous winter flowers and scent and neat evergreen leaves for the rest of the year.

Both will cope with some shade.

I wouldn’t recommend a Camellia as they quickly will outgrow that space!

Happy gardening!!

Jo has reacted to this post.

#3 · 6th June 2023, 9:19 am

Thanks for the advice, @lee. Super helpful as ever. 🙂 I love the idea of the sweet box, but will also see if I can get hold of a hebe and then decide. They would both be really good.