Shade Tolerant Flowering Shrubs

There are many flowering shrubs that will do well in shade. In some cases, woody shrubs, such as rhododendrons, can thrive and grow very large in the shade. In other cases, you may want to consider planting a type of shrub that you cut back every year to encourage new growth and flowering. The type that is best for you will depend on your exact location and climate zone.

Japanese Kerria is a 3- to 6-foot-tall arching plant that can spread 6 to 9 feet wide. In addition to its yellowish green stem, the Japanese kerria creates blooms of yellow flowers from mid-spring through the end of the growing season. It is very tolerant of shade and does well in light shade, medium shade and deep shade. It doesn't require heavy fertilization and does best in well drained soils, according to the Savvy Gardener.

St. John's wort is best known as an herbal remedy for depression. Although commonly used as a ground cover, it can work well as a low-flowering shrub when planted in a confined bed. St. John's wort can grow up to 3 feet tall, although it commonly stops around 2 feet. It produces 3-inch-wide yellow flowers from June through September. It grows well in poor, sandy soil. When you prepare your St. John's wort shrub for winter, cut it nearly to the ground to encourage new growth in the spring. St. John's wort flowers only on new growth.

Rhododendrons grow well in partial to full shade. These slow-growing flowering shrubs are available in a wide range of flower colors. Although you can prune them to virtually any size, they will grow to over 5 feet if left unpruned. Rhodies are evergreen, with many varieties flowering throughout the growing season. Rhododendrons prefer loamy soil and tend to do better in humid climates. Although rhododendrons do well in partial shade, they won't do well in deep shade. Direct morning sun with shade in the late morning and afternoon are ideal conditions for these shrubs.