Design: Shady Backyard

Published on
April 25, 2024 at 3:39:19 PM PDT April 25, 2024 at 3:39:19 PM PDTth, April 25, 2024 at 3:39:19 PM PDT

Change your shady backyard into a lush retreat by planting both short and medium perennials like Ajuga, Japanese Forest Grass, and Coral Bell, which will thrive in the dappled light. Enhance the space with color from flowering shrubs like mophead hydrangea or variegated dogwood. Add the year-round structure and color of an evergreen shrub and complete the serene ambiance with a small Japanese Lilac Tree and a large shade tree like an Aspen, providing shelter and beauty.


Ensure healthy growth with Earl May Plant Start, fortified soil using Structure Soil Conditioner, and enriched planting conditions with Earl May Organic Planting Mix.


Short Perennials

  • Japanese Forest Grass
  • Coral Bells
  • Ajuga

Medium Perennials

  • Japanese Forest Grass
  • Coral Bells
  • Ajuga

Evergreen Shrub

  • Variegated Euonymus
  • Boxwood
  • Yew
  • Rhododendron / Azalea

Small Tree

  • Japanese Maple
  • Redbud
  • Japanese Lilac Tree
  • Serviceberry

Shade Tree

  • Birch
  • Aspen
  • Maple

Flowering Shrub

  • Mophead Hydrangea
  • Arctic Fire Dogwood
  • Variegated Dogwood
  • Rhododendron / Azalea

Did you know? Earl May has landscape and planting services available. If you are planning on planting, see more information about how to plant trees, shrubs, perennials and more.