Succulents and Other Options for Shaded Areas

Shaded areas of your yard can be tricky to deal with. How can you best use those areas that get little to no direct sun?

Luckily, there is plenty you can do with those sun-deprived areas of your yard. There are even some plants that will do just fine in these spaces!

Here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most of shaded areas. 

Plant succulents.

While succulents are known for being able to survive in a good amount of sunlight, and with very little water, there are some varieties that do just as well in the shade. These plants can turn even your shady yard into a lush oasis. Varieties to plant in the shade include:

  • Elephant’s food (does best in warm areas)
  • Fox tail agave
  • Christmas cactus
  • Lace aloe
  • Crassula blue waves
  • Zebra plant

Choose other shade tolerant plants.

These succulents aren’t the only plants that will do well in shaded areas. There are plenty of bushes and flowers that will grow in the shade as well, including:

  • Arabian jasmine
  • Begonias
  • Gardenias
  • Foxtail fern
  • Japanese boxwood
  • Salvia

Create a dog run.

A shaded space can create an ideal outdoor area for your furry friends. This is a dedicated area for your dog to exercise, rest, or even relieve itself. Dog runs can be made using many different ground cover options (including grass, turf, or pea gravel) and then you can add features like awnings (for rain protection), fencing, a dog house, etc.

Use hardscaping.

A hardscaped area can turn the shaded area of your yard into a functional living space. Use it for a comfortable conversation area with patio furniture, or set up an outdoor dining set that you’ll be able to use and enjoy even on hot days.

Add turf.

While real grass needs a good amount of sun to thrive, turf can give you the green look you want without the need for sun (or water). Even if you use real grass for most of your lawn, you can add turf to the more shaded areas to help everything look green year-round. A shaded area with turf can also create an ideal spot for a lawn chair or hammock, as you’ll be protected from the sun’s harsh rays while still getting to enjoy the great outdoors.

Related: Best Plants for Creating a Privacy Hedge

 A shaded area of your yard may initially seem like wasted space, but with a little creativity and the right materials, you can put that shaded space to good use. Now get out there and soak up the shade!

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