Shade Garden Solutions for Washington DC: Under Trees, Pines, and in Containers

DC area, early April: 50/50 sun/shade under large tree; bed under pines; container garden.

Under Large Tree

• Inner ring: Coleus (colorful foliage).
• Outer ring: Impatiens (continuous bloom till frost). Vinca also works.

Under Pines

Tough spot. Try: Azaleas, Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Bleeding heart, Hosta, Variegated ivy, Groundcover strawberry, Lily-of-the-valley. They fill in but don’t bloom continuously.

Containers in Heavy Shade

• Coleus for color.
• If warm enough: Impatiens, Vinca, Begonias.

Match plants to light; embrace the shade palette.