Best Shrubs For Partial Sun (2024 Update)
If you're looking for a pop of color and greenery in your garden, shrubs are a great option! They come in an array of sizes and colors and can add interest to your landscape. But, if you have partial sun, it's important to choose the right shrubs that can thrive in that environment. Here are some factors to consider before buying any shrub.
First, consider the light conditions in your garden. Partial sun means that your garden gets about 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. In order for your shrubs to thrive in this environment, you'll want to choose ones that can handle some shade. Additionally, consider the soil conditions in your garden. Some shrubs prefer alkaline soil, while others prefer acidic soil.
Before making a decision, ask yourself some questions. What colors do you want to see in your garden? Do you want shrubs that grow tall or ones that stay low to the ground? Do you want shrubs with unique textures or ones that have blooms year-round? By answering these questions, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect shrubs for your garden.
In summary, finding the best shrubs for partial sun requires careful consideration. You'll want to choose shrubs that can handle some shade and the soil conditions in your garden. Asking yourself important questions about your preferences and needs can help you make the best decision for your garden.
10 Best Shrubs For Partial Sun
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This shrub with white flowers is ideal for garden decoration and landscaping purposes.
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The product is ideal for planting in gardens or landscapes that require a small, colorful flowering shrub with pink and blue blooms.
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Ideal for landscaping and creating privacy screens with its fast-growing, evergreen foliage that thrives in full to partial sun.
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The product is ideal for landscaping and outdoor décor, providing attractive color and texture to gardens and yards.
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This product is ideal for adding a fragrant and ornamental touch to a garden or outdoor space.
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The product is ideal for adding ornamental shrubs to a perennial garden that are easy to grow and suitable as gifts.
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The product is ideal for creating a natural mosquito garden and attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with its assorted color Lantana Camara flowers.
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Ideal for outdoor planting in both shade and sun, producing reblooming blue or pink hydrangea flowers in a 3 gallon pot.
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Ideal for ground coverage and adding purple flowers to landscaping projects.
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Ideal for planting a mix of open-pollinated wildflower seeds, including annual and perennial varieties, in partially shaded areas year-round.
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1. Snowy Deutzia: Proven Winners Shrub.
The #3 size container delivered to your doorstep contains a fully rooted plant that is ready to be planted as soon as it arrives, provided the weather allows it. For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant the shrub in USDA zones 5-8. The mature height of the plant ranges from 1 to 2 feet, with a mature spread of 1 to 3 feet.
This plant is especially lovely during the spring season when it features elegant white flowers that will elevate any spring garden. It thrives in both full sun and partial sun, making it a versatile addition to any outdoor space. Its mounded growth habit and purple fall color make it an excellent choice for mass planting.
It is normal for the plant to be dormant, with no leaves, during the late fall and winter months. However, it will regain its leaves in the spring, so there is no need to worry. By following the planting recommendations, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of this plant for years to come.
2. Mountain Magic: Pink/blue Hydrangea Shrub
The nursery is offering a stunning plant in a 3-gallon trade pot. The plant is fully rooted in the soil and ready to be planted upon arrival, given that the weather is suitable. Please note that planting during frigid winter months or under drought conditions is not advisable. The shipment will be accompanied by instructions on how to care for the plant as well as planting instructions.
This particular plant grows best in USDA Zones 3-9 and can reach a mature height and spread of 18-24 inches. Its incredibly hardy stems and buds make it a resilient choice for any garden. The eye-catching pink lace cap flowers are a sight to behold and will rebloom until the first frost in the fall. Depending on the acidity of the soil, the flower color may range from blue to pink.
Unlike traditional Hydrangeas, this selection boasts a much tighter growth habit and typically stays under 24 inches. It can thrive in full sun or partial shade, adding versatility to your gardening options. It's worth noting that the plant will be dormant, with no leaves, during the late fall and winter months. This is a natural occurrence, and the plant will leaf out again in the spring.
3. Green Giant Evergreen: Fast & Full Sun Thuja
Looking for a fast-growing evergreen tree to create a large wind and sound barrier or screen? Look no further than the Thuja Green Giant! With its exceptional growth rate, resilience to harsh weather conditions, and thick foliage, this tree is an excellent choice. When fully mature, it can reach heights of 20-40 feet and a diameter of 6-12 feet.
One of the most attractive features of the Thuja Green Giant is its dense foliage, which can effectively block light, sound, and wind without looking artificial like a fence. However, its upright growth habit means that it may not be suitable for smaller spaces.
If you plan to prune your Thuja Green Giant, the timing will depend on your goals. Mid-summer is the best time to prune if you want to maintain the tree's pyramidal shape or remove undergrowth. Cutting too deeply can lead to bare spots, so it's important to be careful.
This tree is hardy in USDA zones 5a-8b and loves full sun, but it can also tolerate some shade. If you live in a hot summer climate, providing afternoon shade can prevent sun damage. To promote healthy root formation, water heavily twice a week during the first growing season.
The Thuja Green Giant is shipped as a 2.5 quart pot with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. Please note that this product is unavailable for shipping to Hawaii and Alaska. Overall, this tree is an excellent choice for those seeking a fast-growing, dense, and attractive evergreen for privacy or as a windbreak or sound barrier.
4. Burning Bush 4" Pot Hardy Shrub Dwarf Burning Bush Live Plant ( Euonymus Alatus )
The Burning Bush shrubs are an excellent addition to any garden. They thrive in full sun but can also grow in partial shade, making them versatile plants that can be placed in a variety of locations.
One of the most popular uses of Burning Bush shrubs is for creating a hedge. If you're looking to create a natural fence, plant them 5-7 feet apart. This spacing will allow the shrubs to grow and fill in the gaps, creating a dense and beautiful hedge.
Another great thing about the Burning Bush shrubs is that they're easy to grow. They don't require a lot of maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. They're also drought tolerant, making them a great option for those who live in areas with limited rainfall.
In terms of size, Burning Bush shrubs can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. However, with regular pruning, they can be kept at a more manageable size.
5. Gardenia Belmont – 60 Live Plants – Blooming Fragrant Ornamental Shrub
The common gardenia is a stunning evergreen shrub native to East Asia, and is renowned for its lush foliage, rounded habit and fragrant flowers. Among the best cultivars for indoor culture, the 'Belmont' gardenia, also known as 'Hadley', boasts large leaves and rose-like, semi-double ivory flowers that eventually fade to yellow. These flowers bloom from late spring to summer, occasionally lasting into the fall. The dense, glossy dark foliage of this plant is an attractive feature that lasts all year round.
For optimal plant health and blooming success, it is crucial to provide acidic, evenly moist soils with good drainage. Common gardenias thrive best in full to partial sun, and require good air circulation to prevent foliar diseases. Whether as a specimen or mixed in a shrub border, the 'Belmont' gardenia is a beautiful and rewarding ornamental addition to any landscape. In areas with colder temperatures, gardenias can be container-grown and overwintered in sunny indoor locations.
The 'Belmont' gardenia is a rare, vintage, estate variety that produces intoxicatingly fragrant, creamy blooms in full to partial sun. Its large, rose-like flowers emit an alluring heady aroma, making it more captivating than any bottled perfume. These flowers bloom heaviest in late winter and early spring, and can often be found on the plant until the fall season.
Regular watering and feeding are recommended for the 'Belmont' gardenia, which is a heavy feeder plant that requires high-nitrogen fertilizers. Although it may require some effort, the stunning beauty and fragrance of this plant makes it a worthwhile addition to any garden or landscape.
6. Mounded Snowmound: Simple Ornament For Any Garden
Introducing a beautiful and vibrant plant that will add life and color to any space! This high-quality plant is shipped directly to your doorstep in a convenient quart pot, ensuring that it arrives in pristine condition.
With its lush foliage and eye-catching blooms, this plant is sure to become a cherished addition to your home or office. It is perfect for brightening up any room, whether it be a living area, bedroom, or workspace.
Please note that for customers in California, the plant will be shipped bare root in order to comply with state regulations. However, rest assured that every effort will be made to ensure that your plant arrives healthy and ready to thrive.
This plant boasts a range of impressive parameters and specifications, including its size and growth habits, unique features, and care requirements. It is a low-maintenance plant that can be easily cared for with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to plant parenting.
7. Mosquito Repelling Lantana Camara Flower Duo
Introducing a set of TWO (2) LARGE LIVE PLANTS that are sure to make your garden or yard look beautiful and lively. These premium pepper plants are big, healthy, and ready to grow, standing at a height of 4” to 8” tall in 4” pots. As a bonus, these plants are NON-GMO and free of Neonicotinoids, ensuring the safety of your environment.
With these plants, you can also grow Lantana Camara flowers, which naturally provide a protective barrier in your yard or garden. Not only that, but these flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to the beauty of your outdoor space.
These plants are grown in the Midwest and can be planted in any US Zone. Whether you have a small space, balcony, patio, or a large garden, these plants are perfect for you. They can be planted in containers, making it easy to move them around as needed.
For Zones 3 to 7, these plants are considered tender annual, and will grow to about 3' tall and wide. For Zone 8 and warmer, they are considered perennial and can get as large as 6' tall.
We understand the importance of timely delivery, and that's why we offer fast priority shipping. We also take extra care in packaging, ensuring that your plants arrive safely and in the best condition possible. If for any reason you're not satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
To help you get started with your planting, we've included our copyrighted Quick Start Planting Guide, which is exclusive to Clovers Garden. So, order your TWO (2) LARGE LIVE PLANTS today and enjoy the beauty they bring to your outdoor space.
8. Endless Summer Hydrangea – Reblooming Beauty.
Introducing the Spring Blooming Flower, a remarkable hydrangea that boasts large mophead blooms that start in spring and continue through summer and fall. The bloom color is influenced by the soil pH, with more acidic soil producing blue blooms and more alkaline soil producing pink blooms.
This hydrangea is a great choice for those who want a compact plant that can fit in almost any space in their landscape. It grows to a mature size of 3-5ft. tall and wide, making it perfect for small gardens, patios, or balconies.
The Spring Blooming Flower is a hardy plant that easily thrives once it's established in your garden. It's suitable for USDA Hardiness zones 4-9, meaning it can tolerate cold temperatures and survive in most regions.
The best part of this hydrangea is that it comes ready to plant in its pot, complete with fully developed root systems that allow for quicker growth. You can enjoy the beauty of this plant in no time!
By buying this hydrangea, you're also supporting family farms in Florida, as it's locally grown and shipped nationwide to your home. It's a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for anyone who loves gardening and wants to make a positive impact on the environment.
9. Wildflower Palooza: Partial Shade Mix – 1oz
Looking for high-quality seeds and expert guidance for your gardening needs? Look no further than this botanical garden seed mix! With a commitment to providing only the highest quality, open-pollinated, non-GMO/non-GE seeds since 1985, this product is a trusted source for gardeners of all levels.
Designed specifically for partial shade areas, this seed mix contains a wide variety of both perennials and annuals that thrive with a minimum of 4-6 hours of sunshine per day. Gardener-tested and approved, you can be confident that this mix will provide the lush coverage you desire.
Containing 30,000 seeds per bulk packet, this seed mix provides over 100 sq. ft. of coverage with no fillers. That's over 1 oz. of pure, high-quality seeds! Perfect for use under trees, up against buildings, fences, and more, this mix is hardy and can be used in a variety of growing zones.
Not only is this seed mix a great addition to your own gardening collection, but it also makes the perfect Christmas gift for the gardeners in your life. Give the gift of lush, beautiful blooms all year long with this expertly designed wildflower mix.
Best Shrubs For Partial Sun FAQs
Are there any shrubs that can tolerate both partial sun and shade?
Yes, there are several shrubs that can tolerate both partial sun and shade conditions. One such option is the American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), which produces vibrant purple berries in the fall and thrives in a range of light conditions. Another option is the Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), which features large, showy blooms and can tolerate both sun and shade. Additionally, the Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) is a versatile shrub that can grow in a variety of light conditions and produces fragrant, maroon flowers in the spring. Other options include the Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica), the Inkberry (Ilex glabra), and the Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica). When selecting a shrub for a partially shaded area, it's important to consider the specific light conditions and soil type of the site and choose a plant that is well-suited to those conditions.
Can you recommend some low-maintenance shrubs for partial sun?
Certainly, there are several low-maintenance shrubs that can thrive in partial sun. Here are a few options:
1. Dwarf Korean Lilac – This compact shrub produces fragrant, lavender-colored flowers in the spring and requires minimal pruning.
2. Boxwood – Known for its dense, evergreen foliage, boxwood is a popular choice for hedges and borders. It can tolerate partial sun and requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
3. Spirea – With its delicate, pink blooms and low-maintenance nature, spirea is a great choice for adding color and texture to a partial sun garden.
4. Nandina – This versatile shrub produces year-round interest with its colorful foliage and berries. It can thrive in both partial sun and shade and requires minimal pruning.
5. Beautyberry – This shrub produces vibrant, purple berries in the fall and can tolerate partial sun. It requires minimal pruning and maintenance.
When selecting shrubs for your garden, be sure to consider factors such as soil type, watering needs, and climate to ensure that they will thrive in your specific growing conditions.
Can you suggest some native shrubs that grow well in partial sun?
Yes, there are several native shrubs that can thrive in partial sun conditions. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): This deciduous shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and produces fragrant yellow flowers in early spring. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can grow in full sun to partial shade.
2. Inkberry (Ilex glabra): This evergreen shrub can grow up to 8 feet tall and produces small, black berries in the fall. It prefers moist, acidic soils and can tolerate partial shade.
3. Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica): This deciduous shrub can grow up to 5 feet tall and produces fragrant white flowers in early summer. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate partial shade.
4. Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii): This deciduous shrub can grow up to 4 feet tall and produces fragrant white flowers in early spring. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade.
5. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): This deciduous shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces clusters of bright purple berries in the fall. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade.
These native shrubs not only add beauty to your landscape but also provide important habitat for wildlife.
What are the best flowering shrubs for partial sun?
When it comes to partial sun, there are many flowering shrubs that thrive in these conditions. One great option is the hydrangea, which comes in a variety of colors and can add a pop of color to any garden. Another option is the azalea, which is known for its vibrant blooms and ability to attract pollinators. Rhododendrons are also a great choice for partial sun, with their large, showy flowers and year-round foliage. Other options include the butterfly bush, which is known for its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and the weigela, which produces beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers in a range of colors. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific climate, soil type, and aesthetic preferences, so it's important to do your research and choose a shrub that will thrive in your particular growing conditions.
What are the best shrubs for partial sun?
When it comes to choosing shrubs for partial sun, it is important to select varieties that can thrive in moderate sunlight conditions. Some of the best shrubs for partial sun include hydrangeas, camellias, azaleas, and viburnums.
Hydrangeas are a popular choice for partial sun areas as they can tolerate some shade and require little maintenance. They bloom in a range of colors and can add a pop of color to any garden. Camellias are also a great option as they produce beautiful blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer slightly acidic soil and can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Azaleas are another popular choice for partial sun areas as they are easy to care for and produce vibrant blooms in the spring. They prefer well-draining soil and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Viburnums are also a great option as they produce fragrant flowers in the spring and berries in the fall. They can grow up to 10 feet tall and prefer well-draining soil.
Overall, when selecting shrubs for partial sun areas, it is important to choose varieties that can thrive in moderate sunlight conditions, require little maintenance, and add beauty to your garden.
What are the most popular shrubs for partial sun?
When it comes to choosing shrubs for partial sun, there are several popular options that can thrive with some sun exposure. One of the most popular shrubs for partial sun is the hydrangea. These beautiful plants produce large, colorful blooms in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white. Another popular option is the azalea, which also produces stunning blooms in a range of colors. Boxwood is another popular shrub that can thrive in partial sun, and it offers year-round greenery and a classic look. Other popular shrubs for partial sun include the camellia, which produces beautiful flowers in shades of pink, white, and red, and the weigela, which produces colorful blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. Ultimately, the best shrub for your space will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as well as the amount of sunlight your garden receives.
What shrubs attract birds and butterflies in partial sun?
There are several shrubs that can attract birds and butterflies in partial sun. One of the most popular is the butterfly bush, also known as Buddleia, which produces fragrant flowers that are irresistible to butterflies. Another option is the American beautyberry shrub, which produces bright purple berries that birds love to eat. The spicebush is another great option, as it produces fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and its berries are a favorite of birds. The red chokeberry is also a great choice, as it produces vibrant red berries that are a favorite of many bird species. Finally, the inkberry holly is a great option for its dark green foliage and black berries that attract a variety of bird species. With any of these shrubs, it's important to ensure they receive enough sunlight to thrive and produce the desired attraction for birds and butterflies.
What shrubs provide year-round interest in partial sun?
There are several shrubs that can provide year-round interest in partial sun. One of the most popular options is the Camellia, which blooms in the winter and early spring with beautiful flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Another great option is the Azalea, which blooms in the spring with an array of vibrant colors and maintains its evergreen foliage throughout the year. The Japanese Pieris is another shrub that offers year-round interest with its striking red or pink foliage in the spring, followed by cascading clusters of white or pink flowers, and then its evergreen foliage. The Viburnum is also a great choice, with its fragrant flowers in the spring and summer, stunning fall foliage, and striking red berries in the winter. Lastly, the Fatsia is a unique option with its large, glossy leaves that add a tropical feel to any garden setting. Overall, these shrubs offer a range of colors and textures that can provide year-round interest and beauty to any garden.
Which shrubs are best for creating privacy in partially shaded areas?
If you're looking to add some privacy to a partially shaded area of your yard, there are several shrubs that can do the job. One option is the boxwood shrub, which is known for its dense growth and ability to be pruned into different shapes. Another option is the holly shrub, which also has dense growth and can provide year-round interest with its colorful berries. Rhododendrons are another great choice, as they have large, evergreen leaves and showy blooms in the spring. For a more informal look, consider using a variety of native shrubs such as mountain laurel, witch hazel, or spicebush. These shrubs can provide habitat for wildlife in addition to creating privacy. When selecting shrubs for privacy, it's important to consider their mature size, growth rate, and maintenance needs to ensure they will thrive in your specific location.
Which shrubs thrive in partially shaded areas?
There are several shrubs that can thrive in partially shaded areas. One popular option is the hydrangea shrub, which comes in various colors and can grow well in areas with filtered sunlight. Another option is the Japanese pieris, which has attractive foliage and produces beautiful flowers in the spring. The mountain laurel is another shrub that can do well in partially shaded areas and produces clusters of pink, white, or red flowers in the late spring to early summer. Additionally, the rhododendron is a classic choice for partially shaded areas, as it can produce large clusters of colorful flowers and prefers filtered sunlight. Other options include the witch hazel, the dogwood shrub, and the sweet shrub. When selecting a shrub for a partially shaded area, it's important to consider the specific growing conditions and choose a variety that is well-suited to those conditions.
