Maintenance Landscaping Design

Shade loving evergreens is a plant that is perfect for people who want to add some greenery to their home but do not have a lot of sunlight. These plants do not require a lot of care and can survive in low light conditions.

Alternative name

• American holly
  
• Christmas holly
  
• English holly
  
• European holly
  
• Inkberry

Good to Know

• Many shade-loving evergreens are native to North America.
  
• These plants are adapted to low-light conditions and can thrive in shady areas.
  
• Shade-loving evergreens include species of ferns, mosses, conifers, and flowering plants.
  
• These plants are often used to create privacy screens, windbreaks, and erosion control.
  
• Shade-loving evergreens are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.
  
• Many of these plants are drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
  
• Shade-loving evergreens require little maintenance and can be left to grow naturally.
  
• Some common pests and diseases of shade-loving evergreens include slugs, scale insects, and root rot.
  
• Shade-loving evergreens can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division.
  
• These plants are an important part of the ecology of shady areas and provide habitat for wildlife.

Related plant:
Shrubs That Like Shade

How to Grow

1. For shade loving evergreens, first step is to find a shady spot in your garden that receives little to no direct sunlight.
   
2. The next step is to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your chosen plant.
   
3. Once the hole is dug, you will want to back fill it with a mixture of half peat moss and half potting soil.
   
4. After the hole is filled, you will want to water the planting area well.
   
5. The fifth step is to remove your plant from its container and loosen the roots slightly.
   
6. You will then want to plant your evergreen, making sure that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   
7. The seventh step is to back fill the hole with the remaining soil mixture and water the area again.
   
8. The eighth step is to apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
   
9. The ninth step is to water your plant regularly, making sure that the soil does not dry out.
   
10. The final step is to enjoy your beautiful shade loving evergreen!

Related plant:
Shade Loving Flowering Shrubs

The Soil

About soil condition, evergreens prefer soil that is moist but not soggy. They also prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If your soil is heavy clay, you may want to consider mixing in some organic matter to improve drainage.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, evergreens need sun to grow. But because they are shade-loving plants, they don't need as much sun as other types of plants. They can grow in both full sun and partial shade. However, if they don't get enough sun, they may not grow as well.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for shade loving evergreens is a cool temperature. This means that the evergreens should be placed in an area where they will not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. The ideal temperature range for these types of evergreens is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. This plant does not require much watering and can tolerate some neglect. It should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. The best time to water this plant is in the morning.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant food is very important for the growth of shade loving evergreens. The right type of fertilizer will promote healthy growth of the roots, leaves, and branches. It is important to select a fertilizer that contains the essential nutrients for this plant type such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your shade loving evergreens healthy and looking their best. Pruning can help remove diseased or damaged branches, improve air circulation, and promote new growth. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning tools and make clean, angled cuts just above a bud or branch.

About Propagating

Propagation of shade loving evergreens is best done by rooting stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft, and they should be about 4-6 inches long. Cuttings can be taken from the tips of branches or from the sides. The bottom 2 inches of the cutting should be placed in a rooting hormone, and then the cutting should be placed in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. The pot should be placed in a shady location, and the potting mix should be kept moist. After about 6-8 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow. However, there are a few exceptions such as the Leyland cypress, which can grow up to 3 feet per year. When choosing a shade loving evergreen for your landscape, be sure to choose one that will fit the space you have available.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are; lack of sunlight, too much shade, and problems with the roots. Without enough sunlight, these plants can become leggy, and their leaves may yellow. Too much shade can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off. And, if the roots don't have enough room to grow, the plant can become stunted.

List to Know

• Do not forget to water your evergreen, especially during the hot summer months.
  
• Use a layer of mulch around the base of your plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Fertilize your evergreen regularly to encourage growth.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
  
• Choose a location for your evergreen that receives partial sun to shade.
  
• Ideal soil conditions for evergreens are slightly acidic and well-drained.
  
• When planting your evergreen, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball.
  
• Evergreens are susceptible to damage from wind, so be sure to stake them if necessary.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can affect evergreens, such as aphids, scale, and spider mites.
  
• With proper care, your evergreen will thrive and provide you with years

Substitution

• Powderhorn
  
• Mountain Ash
  
• Rowan
  
• White Spruce
  
• Pinus mugo
  
• Blue Spruce
  
• Red Spruce
  
• White Pine
  
• Scotch Pine
  
• Norway Spruce

Source:
Evergreens for the Shade - UF/IFAS Extension Bay County
Successful Shade Gardens - Mississippi State University
What Is the Best Evergreen for Screening? | North Carolina …