Displays brilliant burgundy foliage in fall and winter in sunlight. Attractive, dense compact evergreen shrub with bright yellow‐green foliage. Slightly spiny foliage is common on some while other hybrids have softer foliage. Blooms in fall or early spring with yellow flowers to the top. Compact, upright growth with elongated compound leaves are somewhat fern‐like and tropical‐looking. Moist, welldrained soil, and many are drought tolerant when established. Many varieties, including some native, with multiple habits and differing leaf shapes and spines, with some varieties fruiting better than others. Dense, mostly dark green, shiny leaves with red berries in the winter. Oakleaf hydrangeas are native to the southern states and are one of the best species for North Texas. Height, width, and flower colors vary with variety. Must have consistently moist, well‐drained acidic soil. Blooms are soil ph‐specific (clear pink in alkaline soil and blue in acidic soil). Showy blooms start in spring and some last into autumn. Size and winter hardiness varies with variety. Multiple species and cultivars, grown for their attractive foliage and showy white fragrant flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Adaptable to many soil types and moisture levels, and can be treated as a groundcover. Blooms tiny white flowers attractive to bees in late spring to early summer, forming attractive pinkish berries that feed birds. A mounding shrub to 4’‐6’, and best in groups. ‘Purple Pixie’ is most compact, growing 2‐3 ft. Chinese Fringe Flower ‘Plum Delight’ grows to 6 feet, ‘Purple Diamond’ grows to 3’‐4’ high and 4’ wide. New growth is plum colored maturing to a deep burgundy. Colorful shrub or even small tree with graceful, arching branches. Loropetalum chinensis (many hybrids and varieties)‐ Semi‐Evergreen. Assorted types and varieties are available with varied growth habits. Needs some protection from hot afternoon sun. Small, dark green oval shaped leaves hold their color well in winter. ‘Encore’ varieties will bloom sporadically through summer and fall. Flowering shrub for use as hedge, borders or massed planting for an impressive display. (many hybrids and varieties)‐ Semi‐Evergreen. Needs light protection during extreme cold. Mature plants may bloom with a white flower cluster that is followed by blackberries. Araliaįatsia japonica – Evergreen, Large fan‐shaped leaves add a tropical look to the landscape. A desirable native, it attracts wildlife. Small pinkish flowers mid to late summer. Attractive purple fruit clusters in fall. American Beauty BerryĬallicarpa americana ‐ Deciduous. Grows to approximately 6 feet and 3‐6 ft. ‘Gold Dust’ has glossy green leaves splashed with yellow variegation and red berries on female plants. Excellent choice for those dark corners where little else will grow.
Very tolerant of full shade and dry soils. Top 20 Shrubs for Shade in North Texas AucubaĪucuba japonica (‘Gold Dust’ is a popular variety) ‐ Evergreen. This is a list of the best shrubs for North Texas that will create varying degrees of shade in your backyard or garden.