Hi, everyone- We have a spot near our front steps that's in full shade (northern exposure). I'd like to put a shrub or two there. I was thinking roses would be nice, but I'm not sure which (if any) varieties will thrive in full shade. Anyone have any suggestions? Needs to be something that's hardy in Zone 5. A rose with some fragrance would be especially nice. Can be a climber or not. If roses won't thrive in full shade, does anyone have any alternate suggestions? Thanks! Ginger
I would plant a Mahonia aquifolium. It's a bush that thrives in shade, has shiny, green leaves, yellow flowers and blue berries. You can trim it too. There's also the Pieris japonica, I'm not sure how hardy those are. The hostas are my favourite for shady areas. Some clematis will also like shade.
I don't know about your zone, but Madame Alfred Carrier, New Dawn, Yellow Banksia, Lamarque. I have a Perle des Jardin climber an a Zephron Droughin also in shade doing well, but I'm a z8. Google Shade Roses an you'll get a number of hits. I especially love the Antique/Heirloom Roses.
Ginger, check out Heirloom Roses in Oregon. They have some beauties! I'm zone 6 (Southern Oregon) so our growing season should be pretty similar. I googled "heirloom roses" and found them. They sent a beautiful catalog, needless to say I ordered a few They had shade tolerant and cold winter hardy. Give them a try, I think you'll like their site. Deanna :-D
