Native plants perfect for Marin's shady gardens
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James Campbell
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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 also bring a bit of the wild beauty of Marin right to your backyard.
Western Sword Fern is a great slope stabilizer and ground cover. Photo: Brewbooks/FlickrFirst up, let's talk about the Western Sword Fern. This sturdy, evergreen fern can grow up to 4-5 feet tall and spread out just as wide. In the garden, it usually stays around 3 feet but 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 ground cover. 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 very 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.
Coffeberry works great in all types of soil, including Marin's clay soils. Photo: David PrasadNow, 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 1-2 feet tall and wide, making them perfect for borders or ground cover 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.
Huechera or Coral bells can light up any shady spot with its varied foliage and delicate flowers. Photo: Tom HixsomLast but certainly not least is the Bush Anemone. This evergreen shrub has a bushy habit and can tolerate some shade. It grows about 4-6 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.
Pollinators love the flowers on the Carpenteria californica or Bush Anenome. They can also be used for hedges. Photo: Stickpen/Creative CommonsSo 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!
