Shade-Tolerant Plants for Under Hemlocks on Long Island

Filling the 4-Foot Gap Beneath a Hemlock Hedge

Hemlocks cast dense shade and create acidic soil. Choose plants adapted to these conditions.

Recommended Shrubs (3–6 ft)

• Coastal Azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum)
• Mahonia (Oregon grape)
• Currant (Ribes spp.)
• Viburnum (e.g., V. dentatum)

Perennials and Groundcovers

• Hydrangea (macrophylla, serrata)
• Azalea (evergreen cultivars)
• Japanese Maple (dwarf varieties)
• Liriope (lilyturf)
• Astilbe
• Bluebells (Mertensia)

Resources

• Cornell Cooperative Extension shade plant list (PDF)
• Backyard Gardener Zone 6 shade guide
• Examiner.com Long Island shade plants article
• NYC Parks Greenbelt Native Plant Center
• Hicks Nurseries (local expert)

Rhododendrons and azaleas thrive in the acidic soil under hemlocks.