While we always maintain a broad selection of evergreens for year-round structure and privacy, finding the perfect match for a shady corner can be a challenge. At Painters, we’re here to help! Alongside our dependable (and gorgeous!) staples like all the varieties of rhododendron, camellia, and pieris we carry, we’ve curated a collection of unique, shade-tolerant finds. This season, we’re especially excited to debut several varieties that go beyond our traditional lineup—perfect for adding a fresh look to your lower-light landscape.

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rhodoleia-henryi/

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rhodoleia-henryi/

Hong Kong Rose 'Scarlet Bells'

This rare and unique relative of witch hazel is adorned with abundant dangling clusters of lovely pink bell-shaped blooms from late winter to early spring--when little else is flowering. It's truly a sight to behold!!

Rhodoleia henryi 'Scarlet Bells'

• Evergreen tree (z7-9) part shade

• Slow growing to 15' tall

• Thrives in rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soil with protection from hot afternoon sun

• Aka evergreen rose hazel

Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie'

This self-fertile fruiting cultivar with shiny, bright red berries that last throughout the winter months is reminiscent of holly. Additionally it has small red-purple flowers that bloom in spring.

Its glossy green foliage is a great accompaniment to the more commonly known Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike' --also available at Painters now--whose golden variegation lights up shady spots. Both varieties shown in photo.

• Evergreen shrub (z6-10) part-full shade

• 3-5' tall and wide

• Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with protection from hot afternoon sun and strong winds; drought tolerant once established

• Aka Japanese laurel

  
  

Cherry Laurel 'Chestnut Hill'

This tight, compact evergreen shrub takes very well to pruning and makes an excellent, easy-care low hedge. The fragrant white flowers in spring attract butterflies and showy black fruits attract birds--a super supportive and lovely living hedge.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Chestnut Hill'

• Evergreen shrub (z6-9) part sun

• 4' tall and wide

• Disease resistant

Cherry Laurel 'Napoleon'

This cultivar is tiny but mighty with a dense, rounded habit and abundant, fragrant, pure white blooms in spring. Easy to care for, it would be a great low-maintenance hedge, foundation planting, or container shrub.

Prunus laurocerasus 'Gajo Napoleon™'

• Evergreen shrub (z6-8) full sun-full shade

• 3' tall and wide

• Deer resistant, easy care

• Thrives in well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established

As always, find prices, sizes, and current availability on our website. We just received a lovely delivery of shrubs from our friends at Big Frog Nursery including restocks as well as new for the season. The evergreens especially are looking great - some excellent options for privacy screening in sun as well as part shade! Check out the availability here: