shrubs for shade

Fatsia for a Tropical Appearance

Fatsia japonica (pronounced FAT-see-uh jah-PON-ih-kuh) is a broadleaf, semi-evergreen shrub (or short tree) with a decidedly tropical appearance. Native to Japan and Korea, Fatsia is prized for its large, shiny, dark green leaves. It has clusters of white flowers in fall. that resemble drumsticks.

Fatsia prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade in zones 7-10. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to avoid root rot. Fatsia also benefits from regular fertilization during active growth. Do not fertilize in winter. Locate the plant away from windy areas to avoid torn or brown leaves.

Fatsia can grow quite large, reaching up to 20 feet tall and wide. Prune it regularly to maintain its shape and size. Pruning can be done any time of the year, but is best undertaken in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. It can be propagated from stem cuttings in the summer and may self-sow from dropped seeds.

Fatsia is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Deer find the leaves tasty. In areas with high deer pressure, consider container culture so that plants can be draped or relocated. Container plants will not grow as tall as ground-grown plants.

This Fatsia looks fabulous when its bold leaves are seen in contrast to a small-leaf Azalea (left), variegated Hosta (middle) and burgundy foliage of a Japanese maple (right)

Calycanthus, Carolina Allspice or Sweetshrub

Sweet Shrub is a homely shrub with a heavenly scent. Native to the southeast, Sweet Shrub grows in part shade. It will reach heights of six to ten feet, and spreads indefinitely by suckering. Flowers of the species are nondescript, wine colored, and easy to overlook. Newer cultivars have larger, more attractive flowers but may not be as fragrant as the older type. The flowers have a scent that is described as a cross between strawberry and kiwi. Bruised foliage has a pleasant scent also.

Sweet Shrub (Calycanthus floridus, pronounced kal-ee-KAN-thus FLOR-id-us) is perennial in zones 4-9. It will reach heights up to 12 feet in clay or loamy soil with an acidic or neutral pH. Flowers have strap-like petals (tepals) in shades of burgundy to brown. Newer cultivar ‘Athens’ has white flowers and ‘Aphrodite’ has a brighter red bloom than the straight species. ‘Hartlage Wine’ has larger, showier flowers.

Locate Sweet Shrub in a woodland garden to seating or pathways so that its fragrance can be enjoyed. Flowers are popular with pollinators and shrubs are usually ignored by deer.

This is the native version of Calycanthus, Sweet Shrub. Newer cultivars have larger flowers. Reports indicate that newer cultivar ‘Venus’ is equally fragrant.