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.