Planting on the north side of a house presents a unique challenge for any gardener. This exposure creates a microclimate defined by consistent shade, cooler temperatures, and often higher humidity compared to other sides of a structure. Successfully transforming this area into a thriving landscape requires choosing plants adapted to these low-light conditions and preparing the soil to counteract common foundation issues. The secret lies in understanding the environmental factors and selecting species that rely on bold foliage and texture for visual impact rather than sun-dependent blooms.
Understanding Deep Shade Conditions
The area immediately adjacent to a north-facing wall is classified as “deep shade,” receiving no more than two hours of direct sunlight, if any. This differs distinctly from “partial shade,” which receives three to six hours of sun daily. The wall acts as a permanent light block, severely limiting the energy available for photosynthesis.
This lack of direct sunlight results in a cooler, more stable ambient temperature, which reduces water evaporation from the soil and leaves. However, the area directly beneath the eaves often experiences a “rain shadow,” where the house overhang prevents natural rainfall from reaching the soil, leading to surprisingly dry conditions near the foundation. Understanding whether your north-facing area is moist or dry is the first step in selecting appropriate plant material.
Top Plant Recommendations for North Exposure
Foliage Focus (Perennials)
Plants that thrive in deep shade often compensate for a lack of flowers by offering spectacular, varied foliage that brightens a dark corner. These plants generally favor consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Hosta, prized for its diverse leaf textures, colors, and sizes, with varieties ranging from deep blue-green to chartreuse and variegated patterns.
- Ferns, such as the Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum), which provides silvery-gray fronds with maroon midribs, adding luminous color.
- Brunnera macrophylla, known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that often feature silver variegation to reflect minimal light.
- Heuchera, or Coral Bells, offers a wide spectrum of leaf colors, from deep purple to lime green, providing year-round interest in warmer climates.
Flowering Options (Shrubs and Perennials)
While flowering is reduced in deep shade, some plants are adapted to produce blooms with minimal light exposure. For a reliable shrub, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ is an excellent choice, capable of blooming profusely even with indirect light. This smooth hydrangea produces large, white, snowball-like flowers on new wood, making it reliably cold-hardy.
Perennials like Astilbe and Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) deliver color in the spring and summer. Astilbe features feathery plumes in shades of pink, red, or white, thriving in the cool, moist soil typical of a shaded area. For annual color, Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) and Tuberous Begonias are unparalleled, offering vibrant, saturated color that practically glows in the darkness.
Groundcovers
Groundcovers are useful for suppressing weeds and unifying the landscape design in a wide planting area.
- Pachysandra terminalis provides a dense, evergreen mat of dark green foliage that requires virtually no maintenance once established.
- Vinca minor, or Periwinkle, is a vigorous, evergreen vine that produces small, blue or white flowers in spring and is highly effective at covering large areas.
- Liriope muscari, or Lilyturf, which has grass-like foliage that creates a fine texture contrast to the broad leaves of Hostas.
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is an aromatic, low-growing groundcover that tolerates the challenging dry soil often found directly beneath the house eaves.
Soil Preparation and Maintenance in Shaded Areas
Soil Preparation
The soil near a house foundation often poses challenges due to construction practices, typically leaving behind compacted subsoil, clay, and debris. This heavy, compacted soil restricts root growth and inhibits the proper flow of water and oxygen. Before planting, thoroughly loosen the soil by tilling or turning it to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches to break up these dense layers.
Incorporating a generous amount of organic matter, such as compost or aged leaf mold, is the most effective way to improve soil structure. These materials enhance drainage in heavy clay while improving moisture retention in sandy or dry areas. Ensure the finished soil grade slopes gently away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling against the structure.
Maintenance
A shaded garden requires a different watering approach than a sunny one because the low evaporation rate means the soil stays moist longer. Watering should be less frequent, but it must be deep and thorough to encourage deep root growth. Shade-loving plants typically require less supplemental fertilizer than sun-loving varieties, as excessive nitrogen can lead to weak, leggy growth. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a top dressing of compost in the spring is usually sufficient to maintain vigor.