Conifers in the Shade
Conifers are evergreen trees that have needle-like leaves and bear seeds in cones. Like other types of trees, conifers don’t all have the same cultural requirements. Some grow best if planted in sun, but you can also find conifers for shade. Conifers have a reputation of requiring a sunny location to thrive. This may stem from a few, prominent sun-loving members of the conifer family like pine trees. But if you look around a little, you’ll find confers for shade.
Dense Shade Loving Conifers
Shade comes in many different intensities, from filtered sun to full shade sites. For dense shade areas, you’ll definitely want to consider yews (Taxus spp.) as shade loving conifers. You can find lots of variety in yew heights and growth habits, but most have very dark green needles. Female yews grow red, fleshy aril fruits. Select a species that fits your needs, from groundcover to full-size tree. Be sure you provide excellent drainage and protect yews from deer. The second tree on our list of shade loving conifers is called plum yew (Cephalotaxus spp.), and despite its common name, it’s a completely different plant. Plum yew’s foliage is rougher and coarser, and a softer green than the yew. These conifers for shade are not as picky about soil as the yew.
Light Shade Tolerant Conifers
Not every type of shade tolerant conifers can thrive in full shade. Here are some options for shade tolerant conifers that can grow in light shade or filtered sun. Canada hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) words as a conifer for shade as long as the shade is fairly light. You can find weeping varieties or opt for the graceful pyramid shaped trees. American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata) are both Native American trees that can thrive in sun or in high shade. If you want conifers for shade with mounded shapes and a loose growth habit, consider variegated elkhorn cedar (Thujopsis dolabrata ‘Nana Variegata’). It grows slightly taller than an average gardener and offers cheerful green and white foliage. This conifer also needs good drainage and deer protection.
