Finding interesting plants for shade can be a struggle, but when you add in the desire for that plant to be a woody shrub, the list narrows even more. But these structural wonders are essential in giving our shady beds and borders depth and real presence. In this episode we feature shrubs that will tolerant a range of low-light situations. Some flower beautifully in spring or winter, while others save their best show for fall. Regardless, the list is robust, especially because associate editor Carol Collins joins us to highlight an impressive native plant she adores and a peony (yes, that’s right—a woody tree peony counts as a shrub) that everyone will want to save their pennies to purchase.

Expert testimony: Andrew Bunting, Vice President of Public Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society

Danielle’s Shrubs

‘Showy Lantern’ enkianthus (Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lantern’, Zones 4–7)

Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha and cvs., Zones 7–10)

Carol’s Shrubs

American cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum, Zones 2–7)

‘High Noon’ tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa ‘High Noon’, Zones 4–7)

Steve’s Shrubs

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

Dwarf fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii, Zones 4–8)

Expert’s Shrubs

Daphniphyllum (Daphniphyllum macropodum, Zones 7–9)

Wheel tree (Trochodendron aralioides, Zones 6–7)

Oregon grape-holly (Mahonia japonica, Zones 6–8)

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin, Zones 4–9)

Blunt-lobed spice bush (Lindera obtusiloba, Zones 6–9)

Asian spicebush (Lindera glauca var. salicifolia, Zones 6–9)