Calling all hoticulturists

coachgrd · Apr 29, 2008

I have a corner of my house that gets almost no sunlight whatsoever. My wife planted a nice selection of shade loving perenials that thrive in this area but I had a Crimson Maple there that did not get enough sunlight and as a result, never turned red. I moved it recently but need to replace it with another variety of tree or a taller growing bush of some type. Anyone familiar with a shade loving...and I mean 1-2 hours of morning sun only...tree or taller bush that would apprieciate this type of growing situation? Thanks!

Gary

Edit: Ummm, that would be Horticulturists, not hoticulturists!

Tom_H · Apr 29, 2008

Azaleas, camellias and rhododendron are all shade loving. They do need slightly acidic very well drained loamy soil. The climate is a factor in choosing which cultivar to plant. Some are more heat or cold tolerant than others. Rhodies can grow taller than the other two, but are not in general as heat tolerant as the other two. Pennsylvania is usually a very good location for Rhodies. For those who live in the west, you might see if the local library has a copy of Sunset Western Garden Book. Your local nursery can also usually answer these questions for you.

ToadHill · Apr 29, 2008

Dogwood's are shade loving trees. They can be kept to a reasonable size and the spring flowers are great.

Tom_H · Apr 30, 2008

ToadHill said:
Dogwood's are shade loving trees. They can be kept to a reasonable size and the spring flowers are great.

Ditto, don't know why Dogwood didn't come to mind. There are many from which to choose. Certain maples, particularly Japanese Maples, are good in shade. There are many species and cultivars (cultivated varieties raised from cuttings-not seed).