Classic Shrubs for Shade

There are so many beautiful plants, but some are classics. When you think of southern gardens, blooming Azaleas under Grandfather Oaks, picture perfect Camellias, and fragrant Gardenias are probably what come to mind. Put them together and you have a classic garden for shady areas.

(Click to open a printable PDF version of the information below.)

Plant Correctly

Florida’s climate throws a lot at plants, from frost and freeze in the winter to heat and humidity in the summer. To make sure your plants thrive, plant them well. Use Black Gold® Natural and Organic Garden Compost Blend, mixing it about 50/50 with the existing native soil. Top it off with Espoma Organic® Bio-tone® Starter Plus in the planting hole for a thriving root system and strong, sturdy plants.

Woman measuring depth of hole using the plant.

Care For Your Plants

Plants are living, breathing things, and they need regular care to live up to their full potential. Water regularly, especially when plants are new, starting with daily watering (always in the morning!) for the first month and slowly reducing the frequency. Fertilize monthly in the first year with Espoma Organic Azalea-tone® and three times per year after that. Commit to caring for your plants, and you’ll have the most beautiful landscape on the block.

Watering with a Garden Hose

Create Your Own Classics

Now’s the fun part! Azaleas, Gardenias, and Camellias are just the start of great plants for shady areas. There are also Jasmines, Crotons, Ti Plants…far too many to list here. So jot down your favorites, grab some sweet tea, and let’s create a classic southern garden for the shade.

Azaleas, flowering shrub

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