What Shade Tolerant Shrubs Grow in Texas?

Hollies

• Texans have several varieties of shade tolerant hollies to grow as shrubs. The American Holly and Cherry Bomb are exceptionally good choices for shade conditions. The American Holly brings a traditional look of prickly leaves and red berries. The cherry bomb is a good choice for a low-growing shrub, maintaining a height of 3 to 4 feet, and a width of about 3 feet. Plant either variety in well-drained soil as a border plant or as a decorative plant in containers.

Virginia Sweetspire

• Named for another state, Virginia Sweetspire grows well in Texas and is shade-tolerant. It bears fragrant white flowers in the early spring and vibrant red and orange foliage in the fall.

Aralia

• Aralias give a tropical look to Texas landscapes. The racemosa variety is a good choice among the genus for a shade environment. It will flower with greenish-white clusters of blossoms. In the fall, it will bloom with dark purple berries to accent the turn of the Aralia leaves from green to gold.