One of the most challenging areas to landscape is dry shade. Whether under the canopy of trees or the north side of your home, the number of plants that will grow in shade is significantly less than those that will grow in full sun. Combine that with a dry area or the need for less water, and that number shrinks even more. But there are some plants that fill those gaps. Here are three native evergreen ground-cover shrubs that will tolerate those conditions.

Creeping mahonia

Mahonia repens, Zones 4–8

Creeping mahonia is a beautiful evergreen ground-cover shrub with tough, holly-shaped leaves that turn shades of red to purple in the winter. In early to midspring, the plant is covered with clusters of bright yellow, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators, including native bees. The flowers are followed by deep purple fruits that the birds enjoy. The prickly leaves help to make the plant deer and rabbit resistant. During some winters the leaves can suffer scorch and drop off, but the shrub will leaf out again in spring. Creeping mahonia does best in dry partial shade and will grow 12 to 18 inches tall and 36 inches wide.

‘Panchito’ manzanita

Arctostaphylos × coloradensis ‘Panchito’, Zones 4b–8

There are several varieties of manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp. and cvs., Zones 2–10) that do well in the Mountain West. These broadleaf evergreen shrubs provide year-round interest. The low-growing habit of ‘Panchito’ manzanita makes it an excellent ground-cover shrub. It only grows 1 to 2 feet tall, and a single plant will grow 3 to 5 feet wide in partial shade. It has pretty, cinnamon-red, exfoliating bark and deep green leaves that may turn reddish purple in the fall. In the spring, its clusters of bell-shaped white or pale pink flowers are some of the first to bloom, providing food for hungry pollinators. These plants do best in well-drained soil and require water the first couple of years; then they are drought tolerant. They do like some sun but seem to do best with afternoon shade. Perfect placement would be on the east side of a house or under the dappled shade of trees.

‘Effusa’ juniper

Juniperus communis ‘Effusa’, Zones 2–7

I have to admit I am not a huge fan of junipers (Juniperus spp. and cvs., Zones 2–10), but ‘Effusa’ juniper has won me over. Another evergreen, low-growing spreader, this shrub grows 2 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide and takes medium to low irrigation. It has small, bright green needles that are softer than those of other varieties of juniper. With flexible, reddish brown stems, this juniper tends to grow in circular forms. It can adapt from sunny areas to partial shade areas, making it a great option for beds with variable light.

—Michelle Provaznik is executive director of the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Niteangel Natural Wooden Insect Hotel, Garden Insect House for Ladybugs, lacewings, Butterfly, Bee, Bug

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

The insect nest box provide a safe environment where garden creatures can shelter, hibernate and lay their eggs, the insect house can also keep insects from entering your warm room. The insect hotel makes it easy to find and observe fascinating creatures. the butterfly, bees and ladybugs can use this product as habitat. Dry wood and Bamboo can be home to many insects such as ladybirds and lacewings which eat aphids and help keep your plants pest-free. the insect hotel improve the growth of plants in your yard by attracting beneficial insects. The iron design on the top can keep the insect house from rainwater. Let the insect house have a longer useful life and make the insects more comfortable. If you only have a balcony or yard, the hanging garden shelter is ideal as it provides a choice of suitable habitats in a small area.

Buy at Amazon

Monarch Butterfly Rescue Wildflower Seeds 4 oz.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

HIGH QUALITY SEEDS and EXPERT GUIDANCE: Experience the quality seed difference. We are committed to providing the highest quality, open-pollinated, non-GMO/non-GE seeds to our customers, guaranteed. A trusted source of high quality seeds since 1985. ATTRACT MORE MONARCHS: We know seeds and we know pollinators! Our expertly crafted botanical garden seed mixes contain a wide variety of both perennials and annuals that are specifically designed to attract pollinators. Attract more Monarchs and Butterflies in general. Gardener tested, pollinator approved! All Of Our Wildflower Varieties Are 100% Pure Seed, They come with complete planting instructions. Compare and see the quality value. This Wildflower Seed Mix will make the perfect gift for those gardeners in your life.

Buy at Amazon

Corona® Multi-Purpose Metal Mini Garden Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Longer Service Life: The blade of this round small shovel is made of carbon steel, which can effectively improve the hardness by high temperature quenching, and the surface has anti-rust coating to avoid rusting. In the process of use when encountering hard objects will not bend and deformation. Sturdy Structure: The small garden shovel with D-handle, ergonomically designed grip can increase the grip of the hand when using, the handle is made of strong fiberglass, will not bend and break under heavy pressure. Quick Digging: Well-made digging shovel has a sharp blade, and the round shovel head is designed to easily penetrate the soil and cut quickly while digging to enhance your work efficiency.

Buy at Amazon