Shade-Tolerant Evergreens for Acid Soil Under Japanese Maple: Pieris, Not Privet

Best Shrubs for Dry Shade, Acid Soil, and Root Competition in New Jersey

A north-facing bed under a Japanese maple needs evergreen shrubs ~3 ft tall. Acid soil rules out many options. Top picks:

Pieris (All Evergreen, Shade-Tolerant)

• 'Bert Chandler': 6×5 ft, pink-to-white new leaves, rare flowers.
• 'Purity': 3×3 ft, white lily-of-valley flowers in early spring.
• 'Daisen': 10×8 ft, bronzy red new growth, red-to-pink flowers in late winter.

Avoid Privet

Greedy feeder — depletes soil fast.

For a "Christmas Tree" Evergreen

Consult a conifer specialist — dwarf cedars or similar may work.