Shade gardening in Oregon
Western Oregon has mild, wet winters and dry summers, and its native forests are dominated by conifers such as Douglas fir and western redcedar, with a layered understory beneath. East of the Cascades, conditions are drier and colder. This article focuses on plants native to the Pacific Northwest woodland, which are best suited to western Oregon. Eastern Oregon gardeners should seek out plants from their own region. For general principles, see the indigenous shade plants guide.
Evergreen plants for full shade
Evergreens keep a shade garden looking alive through the wet season. Common native options include:
- Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum): a large evergreen fern that tolerates both deep and partial shade.
- Deer fern (Struthiopteris spicant, formerly Blechnum spicant): a smaller evergreen fern for moist shade.
- Low Oregon grape (Mahonia nervosa): holly-like leaves and yellow spring flowers.
- Salal (Gaultheria shallon): a tough evergreen shrub that tolerates dry or moist shade.
- Evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum): glossy leaves and edible berries.
- Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana): a clover-like groundcover in moist shade.
Native perennials and groundcovers
- Pacific bleeding heart (Dicentra formosa): ferny foliage and pink flowers.
- Inside-out flower (Vancouveria hexandra): a delicate groundcover for dry shade once established.
- Vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla): a spreading groundcover with distinctive three-part leaves.
- Western wild ginger (Asarum caudatum)
- Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora)
- Western trillium (Trillium ovatum): slow-growing; buy only nursery-propagated plants.
- Foamflower, including the native Tiarella trifoliata
Shrubs and small trees
- Tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
- Red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum): tolerates part shade and draws hummingbirds.
- Vine maple (Acer circinatum): a small tree with strong fall color, often grown as an understory tree.
- Beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta)
- Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor): adaptable to part shade.
What are good perennial shrubs for shade gardens?
Oregon grape, salal, evergreen huckleberry and red-flowering currant are all woody natives that perform in part or full shade. Choose by size and moisture. Salal and tall Oregon grape can spread and become large, so give them room.
What is the 3-year rule for plants?
Many gardeners refer to “sleep, creep, leap.” The idea is that a new perennial establishes roots in year one, grows modestly in year two, and grows more vigorously in year three. In Oregon, where summers are dry, new plantings usually need regular watering through their first couple of summers. Natives often need less water once established, but dry shade under conifers can be demanding.
Planting tips
- Plant in fall. Autumn rains help roots establish in western Oregon.
- Use leaf and conifer needle mulch to mimic the forest floor.
- Avoid disturbing roots of mature trees when planting beneath them.
- Buy local stock. Nurseries specializing in Pacific Northwest natives can recommend plants for your area.
Related guides
Some of these plants also work in northern Idaho, as discussed in Idaho shade plants. For a broader list, see our best perennials for shade.