Annuals for dry shade is a bit of a misnomer. First, most of the aren’t true annuals, we just grow them that way. More importantly, they’d all welcome regular watering.
Dry shade areas are as conducive to planting as moist ones. Create dry shade with certain trees and shrubs, especially shallow-rooted and heavy feeders such as conifers, beeches and Norway maples, ...
When dry shade is due to the close company of trees, dry soil typically prevails from spring to fall, when tree roots take up the most soil moisture and the branches overhead shed rain like a giant umbrella.
Planting In Dry Shade
Jerry gives some tips on plants for dry shade
My narrow driveway border gets very little direct sunshine. It's situated in a wind tunnel and gets very little water.
Perennials for Dry Shade
There are few really good perennials for dry shade that grow well in dry full shade or even part shade.
Plant Solutions for Dry Shade
These stalwart plants can thrive beneath trees and large shrubs. To give them a head start, dig large holes, mix in plenty of compost, then apply lots of water while they settle in.
Dry Shade
- Lady's mantle (Alchemilla mollis) Zone 3
- Dwarf goatsbeard (Aruncus aethusifolius) Zone 4
- Dwarf astilbe (Astilbe chinensis var. pumila) Zone 3
- Elephant's ears (Bergenia cordifolia) Zone 3 ...
Dry shade may not be the most congenial location for a garden but neither is it impossible. To simply plant a drought-resistant groundcover such a pachysandra or lamium would be a vast improvement over scraggly grass or bare spots.
Dry Shade Garden Plants
Garden plants can grow best in a variety of conditions, but shade plants are going.
Dry Shade Plants ...
For the dry shade beneath a large silver maple or other shallow-rooted tree choose ground covers such as bishop's weed (Aegopodium podagraria 'Variegatum'), lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata), ...
Perennials for Dry Shade, by Edith Eddleman
Perennials for Moist Shade, by Colston Burrell
Perennials for Wet Shade, by James Stevenson
USDA Hardiness Zone Map
Recommended Reading
Nursery Sources
Contributors ...
Dry leaves in a dry shaded area until brittle. Store in an airtight container in a dark location (like a cabinet) to prevent discoloration.
Hostas planted in dry shade will need attentive watering; rain does not always reach under eaves of buildings or through tree canopies in sufficient amounts.
This shade-loving perennial is one of the most dependable plants for the dry shade found in many Arkansas gardens. It ushers in spring with lots of slightly nodding two-inch flowers borne at the top of the plant.
For a modern woodland look, if you have an area of dry shade it's essential that the soil is well prepared. All existing weeds and surface roots must be removed and then well-rotted manure or compost should be dug into the ground.
In moist, temperate climates, such as the Pacific Northwest, the oakleaf hydrangea grows beautifully as a dry shade plant, but in hotter climates or if sited in more sun, it needs consistent moisture.
Another wonderful choice for dry shade is the Clivia miniata variety (available online here), whose exotic soft orange blooms above lush evergreen foliage are the perfect solution for such problem areas.
Small trees that can be grown in dry shade include ginnala maple and hoptree. Trees that do well in moist shade are serviceberry and redbud.
Most shade in Colorado gardens is dry shade, meaning that without watering, the soil is generally dry. However, if a shaded area receives runoff from rain or sprinklers, it may qualify as moist shade.
If the plant needs dry shade, then choose a shady position that is sheltered. For example, a spot under a roof, under eaves, under a very heavy, vigorous area of plant growth, etc., where the soil is going to remain dry most of the time.
They are renowned for their ability to thrive in very damp conditions, but we also use them extensively in very dry shade. Mulching becomes more important in dry shade and they need ample moisture in spring to develop the foliage.
Growing advice: A good, spreading ground cover for dry shade, but fine in sun as well (also pretty in hanging baskets). Avoid overwatering; look out for slugs and snails!
'Lemon Leigh' Lavender
Botanical name: Lavandula stoechas ...
This low-growing, creeping evergreen groundcover is one of the few that tolerates dry shade. With adequate moisture, bugleweed rapidly carpets the ground with showy green or multicolor foliage.
Xeriscape Shade Plants - Plants For Dry Shade
Using Fungicides In Your Garden
Feature Article
Keeping Your Houseplants Healthy ...
Woodrush is an easy to grow and durable, slow growing grass-like plant that will even survive in dry shade. Variegated varieties are available
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Yellow Sedge ...
Pachysandra does well in shady areas and will happily grow under trees, but does not care for dry shade.
6. Thyme - Thymus vulgaris - This herb is a groundcover that I personally enjoy using between stepping stones.
 See also: Plant, Soil, Shade, Flower, Foliage
  
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