Summers are getting hotter in much of the U.S., including our local environment.
One way to counteract this change in climate is by planting trees to provide more shade in the summer months. But adjusting to a shadier garden also means shifting to different plant choices. While it is true that most colorful garden flowers (like roses, zinnias, poppies, and hollyhocks) require full sun, there are still many options for blooms available to the shade gardener.
White flowered gardenias and pink or blue flowering hydrangeas are common shade plants in our area. Here are some less obvious selections of shrubs that are easy to care for and can provide interest in the shade garden at different times of the year: A great small shrub for very shady areas is Sarcococca (sweet box). It is evergreen, with dark green leaves and tiny white flowers that appear in late winter or early spring and are very fragrant.
Following the flowers are red berries. Once established, Sarcococca will tolerate dry shade. It is especially lovely planted in groups or as a small hedge; several of these shrubs growing together maximizes their scent, which has been compared to that of sweet vanilla.
S. ruscifolia is slow growing, but can eventually reach six feet tall and wide; S. hookeriana humilis is a much shorter shrub, growing to perhaps one and a half feet.
This variety will spread by underground runners to create a good ground cover over time. Sarcococca is a perfect choice for deeply shaded areas under eav.
