Plants for Dry Shade

Tough, shade-tolerant plants with resilient foliage or spreading roots do best, since they cope with both low light and dry soil. The plants here are picked specifically for that difficult combination.

It combines two challenges at once: little light and little water, since tree roots and rain shadow take the moisture before it reaches the soil. Most plants need at least one of light or moisture, so the spot defeats them.

Dig in plenty of organic matter before planting to help the soil hold moisture, water well through the first year while plants root in, and mulch each spring. Once established, dry-shade plants need very little.

Yes, with the right choices. Under-tree planting is classic dry shade, so pick tough, shade-tolerant plants, improve the soil first, and keep them watered until established. After that they cope with the competition from tree roots.