Simple, Effective Plant Combo for Dry Shade

This simple, effective, get 'er done planting combination with its rugged good looks and hearty constitution takes a tough situation, such as dry shade, in stride and looks handsome doing it. In this evergreen trio, the Aucuba japonica 'Serratifolia' provides the bulk and makes a good evergreen backdrop in shady spot, even growing successfully under trees where it adapts to competition to thirsty roots. The strappy, white variegated foliage of Iris foetidissima 'Variegata' adds textural contrast with its varied foliage shape and form, making a grass-like groundcover that adds a bright note to a dark spot. The bittercress (Cardamine trifolia) carpets the ground with deep green clover-like foliage and is decorated by a froth of white blooms in spring. This planting scheme would work equally well substituting Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' for A. 'Serratifolia'.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 6, 7, 8
Exposure: Open Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Full Shade, Morning Sun, Part Shade
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low

Design Considerations

Style: Formal, Naturalistic, Woodland
Features: Drought Tolerant, Fabulous Foliage, Winter Interest
Focus: Year-round Interest, Saving Water
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo