Mario Bautista
Hey there, fellow Marin home gardener. Got a shady spot in your garden that’s begging for some native greenery? Let me tell you about some wonderful native plants that are perfect for those shady corners of your garden. These plants not only thrive in the shade but they also bring a bit of the wild beauty of Marin right to your backyard.
First up, let’s talk about the western sword fern. This sturdy, evergreen fern can grow up to 4 to 5 feet tall and spread out just as wide. In the garden, it usually stays around 3 feet but it can get bigger if it’s really happy. You won’t get flowers from this one, but its lush green fronds make up for it. It’s perfect for stabilizing slopes and does a great job as a groundcover. Plus, it’s deer-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about the local wildlife munching on it. Just make sure you plant it in moist, well-drained soil and keep it watered, but not too much — consistency is key here.
Next, there’s the California coffeeberry, a versatile evergreen shrub that can handle both sun and shade. This beauty can grow anywhere from 6 to 15 feet tall and wide, depending on where you plant it. Its small, inconspicuous flowers might not catch your eye, but they sure do attract bees and other beneficial insects. Later on, it produces berries that birds absolutely love. The coffeeberry is pretty flexible with soil types, including our common clay soils. Once it’s settled in, it’s drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden. And if you’re dealing with erosion, this plant is a great choice for keeping your soil in place.
Now, let’s chat about coral bells. These perennials form lovely clumps of foliage and send up tall, slender spikes of delicate bell-shaped flowers in the spring and summer. Hummingbirds and bees find these flowers irresistible. They usually grow about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, making them perfect for borders or groundcover in shady spots. Coral bells prefer well-drained soil and need regular watering, especially during dry spells. But their colorful foliage, which comes in various shades, keeps your garden looking interesting all year round.
Last, but certainly not least, is the bush anemone. This evergreen shrub has a bushy habit and can tolerate some shade. It grows about 4 to 6 feet tall and wide and produces fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer, which bees and butterflies just adore. Bush anemone prefers well-drained soil and, once it’s established, can handle periods of drought. It’s also deer-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it becoming a snack for the local deer. It’s great for adding fragrance and beauty to shaded areas and works well as an informal hedge or a specimen plant.
And here’s a little tip for you: The best time to plant natives in California is in the fall, just before the rainy season starts. This timing allows the plants to establish their roots during the cool, wet winter months, giving them a solid foundation to thrive when the dry season hits. Plus, planting in the fall means you can take advantage of the natural rainfall, which reduces the need for additional watering and helps your plants get off to a strong start.
So, there you have it, four fantastic native plants that will flourish in the shady spots of your Marin County garden. By choosing these natives, you’re not just beautifying your space but also supporting local wildlife and contributing to the health of our unique local ecosystem. Happy gardening, neighbor!
Sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension, the University of California Marin Master Gardeners provides science- and research-based information for Marin home gardeners. Email questions to helpdesk@marinmg.org. Attach photos for inquiries about plant pests or diseases. Please call 415-473-4910 to see when a master gardener will be at the office or drop off samples 24/7 in the sample box outside the office. To attend a gardening workshop or subscribe to Leaflet, a free quarterly e-newsletter, go to marinmg.ucanr.edu.
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