Every property features some spaces that receive little or no direct sunlight at particular times in the year. You need to find plants that either grow very well in the shade or at least tolerate it to take advantage of these areas. Otherwise, they can turn muddy and the soil may erode. Common choices for shade gardening in Dallas landscape design include various types of Hostas and Ferns. Research and planning is essential for proper placement of these plants.

 

What Is Considered Shady?

 

Categories of light conditions can be confusing if you don’t know what they mean. Here are some definitions you may find helpful:

 

 + Full sun generally means greater than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day

 

 + Partial sun indicates 3 to 6 hours of direct illumination tending more toward sunny side

 

 + Partial shade is the same range as partial sun but tends more toward the shady side

 

 + Deep shade is considered anywhere that gets less than 3 hours of sunshine per day

 

Light sensors/monitors are available that can easily calculate the light that reaches various locations in your yard. For a quick measurement, just stick the monitor in the ground for 24 hours during the regular growing season. The read out tells you how much light that spot receives. This information offers a basic guideline and a place to start planning your shaded Dallas landscape design.

 

Get Ready to Experiment

 

Just because the label on a flowering plant indicates full sun, this doesn’t mean you should keep it away from any shade. Do more research and find the true light tolerances for the plant, not just the optimum. For example, Spiderwort will grow nicely in full sun or deep shade. It will, however, sport fewer blooms in the shade. Many other species will also tolerate less light reasonably well. They simply grow more slowly than they would in the sun because they have access to less energy.

 

Some shaded areas receive a lot of reflected light; this can open up possibilities. The seasons also have a big impact on the amount of sunshine your yard receives. Measure it throughout the year for a better understanding of what to grow where. Areas under deciduous trees become fully lit in the fall when the leaves drop. Such situations may make a difference in the kind of ground cover you incorporate in your Dallas landscape design.

 

Plant Selection for Full Shade

 

DFW is in Hardiness Zone 8 according to the USDA. This means you can grow quite a wide variety of plants here. A number of these do well in partial to full shade. These include Columbines, Periwinkles, Plantain Lilies, Sweet Woodruff, Lenten Roses, Lily of the Valley and Gold Fountains Sedge.

 

Along with ferns and hollies, these species offer a lot of different textures and colors for your landscape. Blend foliage and blooming plants to enjoy all year long. Check out an online shade garden encyclopedia for even more choices.

 

If you want some edible plants, try growing shade tolerant herbs like Lemon Balm or Parsley in poorly lit areas. Your yield will be small, but it should be sufficient for your purposes. Contact us for a free consultation on how to get the most out of every inch of your Dallas landscape design.