Shade Plants for Arizona

Is it possible to find shade plants for Arizona?

What kinds of adjustments should you make when it comes to caring for plants in the shade?

Are there different kinds of shade to consider?

There are many shade plants you can grow in Arizona. Some may need full shade, while others do better in partial shade or filtered light.

When caring for plants in the shade, you may need to water them less often and make sure they have well-draining soil, but otherwise, you can grow them easily in Arizona.

In the article below, you’ll find out more information about some of the best shade tolerant plants you can grow in Arizona. Read on to find out more!

1. Carolina Cherry

Scientific name: Prunus caroliniana

Tall tree with thick foliage that can be shaped into a topiary. Requires high temperatures to thrive.

Shade Type: Bright, full sunlight

Pros

  • Easy to establish
  • Cold hardy

Cons

  • Not a shade plant

2. Indian Laurel

Scientific name: Ficus microcarpa

Canopy tree with thick, dark green foliage. Prefers moderate watering and mild temperatures.

Shade Type: Full sunlight to partial shade

Pros

  • Can be shaped into a topiary
  • Grows fast in warm climates

Cons

  • Can be picky about water

3. Pindo Palm

Scientific name: Butia capitata

Tall palm tree with a thick, brown trunk and long, green fronds. Requires 10 feet of space from structures and seating areas.

Shade Type: Full sunlight to partial shade

Pros

  • Salt tolerant
  • Grows in any soil type

Cons

  • Drops fruit regularly

4. Strawberry Tree

Scientific name: Arbutus unedo

Short tree with a thin trunk and a spreading canopy. Grows bright green leaves and red berries, and requires regular irrigation.

Shade Type: Full sunlight to partial shade

Pros

  • Handles any soil pH
  • Easy to grow once established

Cons

  • Not drought tolerant

5. Sweet Bay

Scientific name: Magnolia virginiana

Tall tree with thick, dark green foliage and sometimes yellow or white flowers. Requires well-draining soil with a neutral pH.

Shade Type: Full sunlight to partial shade

Pros

  • Aesthetic appeal
  • Can be grown indoors or outside

Cons

  • Not cold hardy

6. Ageratum

Scientific name: Ageratum spp.

Dark green leaves with clusters of purple flowers. Requires temperatures of at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit to flower.

Shade Type: Full sunlight to partial shade

Pros

  • Easy to grow
  • Aesthetic appeal

Cons

  • Can become leggy in the shade

7. Azalea

Scientific name: Rhododendron indica

Dark green leaves with wide, bright pink flowers. Requires well-draining soil with an acidic pH.

Shade Type: Partial shade or filtered light

Pros

  • Blooms easily
  • Aesthetic appeal

Cons

  • Susceptible to pests

8. Begonia

Scientific name: Begonia spp.

Dark green leaves and large, full blooms that are usually red or pink. Requires light and well-draining soil.

Shade Type: Partial shade or filtered light

Pros

  • Pops of color
  • Easy to grow in containers

Cons

  • Susceptible to root rot

9. Cyclamen

Scientific name: Cyclamen spp.

Small, dark green leaves with a waxy finish and tiny flowers. Requires temperatures between 40- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Good for indoor growth
  • Bloom easily

Cons

  • Require a winter dormancy

10. Impatiens

Scientific name: Impatiens walleriana

Small plants with dark green leaves and open blooms that come in a variety of colors. Require well-draining soil and good watering practices.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Grow well indoors and outside
  • Handle a variety of temperatures

Cons

  • Cannot deal with sunlight well

11. Holly Bush

Scientific name: Ilex spp.

Sharp waxy green leaves with bright red, round berries. Can be grown in just about any soil conditions.

Shade Type: Full sun to partial shade

Pros

  • Can be started indoors
  • Can be shaped

Cons

  • Needs full sun to grow its berries

12. Japanese Aucuba

Scientific name: Aucuba japonica

Bushy plant with dark green leaves covered in bright yellow spots. Requires moist soil and mild temperatures.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Grows quickly
  • Unique garden addition

Cons

  • Difficult to water

13. Jasmine

Scientific name: Jasminum spp.

Waxy green leaves and small, delicate, white flowers. Requires well-draining soil.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Grows flowers in the shade
  • Sometimes blooms in winter

Cons

  • Can be overwatered

14. Lily of the Nile

Scientific name: Agapanthus spp.

Bright green bush with tall stalks topped with clusters of purple flowers. Requires well-draining soil.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Can be grown indoors
  • Grows well in containers outside

Cons

  • Can get leggy in too much shade

15. Rhododendron

Scientific name: Rhododendron spp.

Dark green leaves with bright pink to red flowers. Requires well-draining soil.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Grows quickly
  • Adds lots of color to a garden

Cons

  • Susceptible to root rot

16. Algerian Ivy

Scientific name: Hedera canariensis

Dark green leaves with white trim. Requires frequent watering.

Shade Type: Full shade

Pros

  • Comes in many varieties
  • Spreads quickly

Cons

  • Not drought tolerant

17. Arizona Grape Ivy

Scientific name: Cissus acutifolia

Small, delicate leaves on long tendrils. Requires regular fertilizing.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Easy to propagate
  • Drought tolerant

Cons

  • Not as aesthetically appealing as some

18. Carolina Jessamine

Scientific name: Gelsemium sempervirens

Dark green vines with delicate yellow flowers. Requires a structure to grow on.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Grows quickly
  • Covers a lot of space

Cons

  • Can become leggy

19. Creeping Fig

Scientific name: Ficus pumila

Small, delicate leaves on fine tendrils. Can grow in almost any conditions.

Shade Type: Full to partial shade

Pros

  • Spreads quickly
  • Drought tolerant

Cons

  • Can overwhelm other plants

20. Star Jasmine

Scientific name: Trachelospermum jasminoides

Dark green, waxy leaves and delicate white flowers. Requires well-draining soil.

Shade Type: Full sunlight to partial shade

Pros

  • Easy to grow
  • Blooms in spring and summer both

Cons

  • May not bloom in too much shade

21. Asparagus Fern

Scientific name: Asparagus setaceus

Feathery bright green fern with lots of fronds. Requires well-draining soil.

Shade Type: Partial shade to filtered light

Pros

  • Drought tolerant
  • Quick to establish

Cons

  • Needs a hanging pot if grown indoors

22. English Ivy

Scientific name: Hedera helix

Climbing tendrils covered in dark green leaves with yellow trim. Requires alkaline soil.

Shade Type: Full shade

Pros

  • Grows quickly
  • Can cover structures beautifully

Cons

  • Will not survive high temperatures or bright light

23. Hearts and Flowers

Scientific name: Aptenia cordifolia

Bright green leaves and sprays of red or pink flowers. Requires regular watering.

Shade Type: Partial shade

Pros

  • Blooms in spring and summer
  • Grows quickly

Cons

  • Cannot handle bright sunlight

24. Verbena Peruviana

Scientific name: Verbena peruviana

Dark green leaves and clusters of small flowers in many colors. Requires well-draining soil.

Shade Type: Full sunlight to partial shade

Pros

  • Tolerant of many soil conditions
  • Drought tolerant when established

Cons

  • May not always flower easily

25. Vinca Major

Scientific name: Vinca major

Ground cover with dark green leaves bordered in pale green to yellow. Grows purple to blue flowers and requires dry to medium watering.

Shade Type: Full to partial

Pros

  • Good for ground cover
  • Easy to grow

Cons

  • Can be overwatered

Conclusion

What are some issues you may encounter when growing shade plants? Here are a few to look for when caring for plants in the shade:

  • Too much soil moisture: This issue can cause root rot or make plants susceptible to pests.
  • Poor air circulation: Plants may develop fungal infections or other diseases without good airflow.
  • Nutrient deficiency: Poor soil conditions or lack of watering can contribute to this issue.