Choisya ternata

Ilex is, of course, holly.  There are many species, all of which will need shade in the north county.  Some species have few spines while other are very pokey indeed.  Hollies prefer slightly acidic soil, so some soil amendment is required.  There are green leaved and variegated versions.

Aucuba japonica Aucuba is a foliage plant that can be very useful in the shade.  The most widely used varieties are variegated.  One of the most handsome is ‘Mr. Goldstrike’ grown by Monrovia Growers.  This evergreen plant is a slow grower, eventually reaching four to six feet.  The green-leafed version is also a very attractive plant with very…

Nandina, or heavenly bamboo, is a versatile shrub that can take sun or shade.  In our climate, it appreciates some shade in the afternoon.  Growth rate is moderate up to eight feet tall, depending on the variety.  ‘Fire Power’ is a nice small plant that only grows to about two feet high and wide and turns…

Loropetalum, or Chinese fringe flower, is a very attractive shrub that thrives in shade.  It is fairly slow growing to six to ten feet high and wide.  Most of the varieties available have purple leaves and pink, fireworks-like flowers, but the green leaved, white flowering varieties are lovely, too.  Flowering is heaviest in the spring,…

Grown strictly for its foliage, Fatsia adds a very tropical look to the shade garden.  It will have white puffy flowers in late autumn and winter, but they are not particularly showy, just interesting and unexpected.  Fatsia can take deep shade and is very suited to containers.

Abutilon (flowering maple) Abutilons display flowers of white, yellow, pink, red, orange and apricot along with frequently bold foliage. Dwarf varieties are only three feet tall while others can grow to six feet or more. The flowering maples are just a bit marginal for the North County, but will survive most winters with some protection.  Even if they die to…