Plants for shade

In a patio or garden, shady corners are often needed, places where we can enjoy the outdoors without the sun bothering us. They are those places where, especially in summer, it is nice to be. But to have one it is important to choose the species well that will beautify it.

Trees, palms and vines are almost always chosen, but What are the best plants for shade? What are their names?

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)

El carob tree It is a tree that usually reaches a height of 6 meters, although it can reach 10 meters. It has a rounded crown full of dark green leaves that remain on the plant. Although blooming, the flowers lack ornamental value; Nevertheless, Its fruits are interesting, since they are used as food. In addition, in cultivation it is a very grateful species, capable of withstanding drought and frosts down to -7ºC.

Orchid tree (bauhinia variegata)

El orchid tree or cow's leg is a deciduous plant that grows between 10 and 12 meters in height, despite this, can be grown in small gardens and even in large pots placed on patios or terraces. It has rounded green leaves and a rounded crown. In spring it produces pink or white flowers of about 10 centimeters in diameter. It has to be watered moderately, but otherwise you have to know that it supports cold and frost down to -5ºC.

Bougainvillea (Bouganvillea)

La bougainvillea o Santa Rita is an evergreen climber, or it expires if the winter is cool, reaching a height of up to 10 meters. It is a plant with woody stems, and simple green leaves that are almost hidden behind the flowers in spring-summer. It has a slow growth rate, so we recommend buying a grown specimen, 1 meter or more, to be able to enjoy it from the beginning. It needs moderate watering throughout the year, as well as protection against frost (but you have to know that it supports weak and specific ones, up to -2ºC).

Japanese cherry (Prunus serrulata)

El japanese cherry It is a deciduous tree that grows to a maximum of 12 meters, although it is normal for it to stay at 6 meters. It has an open but full crown of green leaves that turn orange in autumn before falling. This makes, Not only is it an ideal plant to provide shade for a good part of the year, but it is also ideal to brighten up the garden or patio in springas it has lovely pink flowers. Of course, it is important that the land is of quality, well drained and rich in organic matter. Resists up to -18ºC.

False jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)

El fake jasmine or star jasmine is an evergreen climber that reaches 7 meters in length. It has white and fragrant flowers in spring and summer. It is very similar to true jasmine, that is, to the species of the genus Jasminum, but with the difference that it is much more resistant to cold. In fact, it can withstand temperatures down to -10ºC. It is perfect for flower pots, but also for covering lattices or sunny balconies.

Wisteria (Wisteria)

La wisteria it is a deciduous climber that reaches a height of 20 meters if it gets the chance. It produces lilac or white flowers in spring, grouped in hanging clusters. It grows very fast, up to 1 meter per year, and can be grown in large pots as it tolerates pruning quite well. (In fact, there are those who work it as bonsai). Of course, if it is going to be in the soil it is important that it is acidic, otherwise its leaves will become chlorotic. It is also highly recommended that the stem is a little protected from the sun, so that it can grow better. It resists frosts down to -20ºC.

Mimosa (acacia dealbata)

La Mimosa It is an evergreen tree that reaches a height of 12 meters maximum. It has a straight trunk and a crown composed of green leaves, which are almost hidden by the large number of yellow flowers that appear from late winter to early spring. The best thing is that, they are not only smelly, but also It is a tree that resists drought and frosts down to -6ºC.

Olivillo (Eleagnus angustifolia)

El olive tree It is an evergreen tree that reaches 25 meters in height. It has elongated, bluish-green leaves, a rounded crown, and it also blooms in spring. Its flowers are yellow and appear in great numbers. The most interesting thing is that it resists drought very well, but also intense frosts of up to -30ºC. All this makes it a perfect plant to shade in a garden.

Lilo (Syringa vulgaris)

El lilo it is a large shrub, or if you want a small tree, of deciduous leaves that reaches a maximum height of 7 meters. It has a trunk that tends to branch from the base, so to take up less space it is advisable to prune it from a young age so that it only maintains one stem.. Its growth is rather slow at first, accelerating a bit over the years until it grows about 20 centimeters per season. During the spring it produces white or lilac flowers, and also does not need very frequent waterings: 2-3 a week will suffice in summer, and one a week or every ten the rest. Supports up to -14ºC.

Senegal Palm (Phoenix reclines)

La Senegal palm tree It is very, very similar to the date palm, but it has green leaves and a more elegant appearance. Yes, like her, too produces several suckers throughout its life, and they are thin, about 30 centimeters in diameter, and up to 15 meters high. Produces edible dates in summer. Likewise, it is a highly recommended plant for all types of gardens, regardless of their size, since if you don't want it to have suckers you only have to cut them when they are sprouting. There is even one that has it in a pot (see photo above), but we do not recommend it since it is a plant that sooner or later will need to be in the ground. It resists drought, extreme heat (up to 50ºC if it has some water) and frosts down to -7ºC.

Which of these shade plants did you like the most? Do you know of others?