What are the best shrub / bushes to grow in the shade and create a barrier between neighbors?

If you are looking for an evergreen hedge, and the shade is light, you might consider hemlock (tsuga), which can be pruned into a very soft and natural looking barrier. You may also consider yew, (taxus), which also can be pruned into a nice hedge.





If you do not require evergreen, then you have the option of many shrubs tolerant of shade.





Clethera, (summer sweet), is a suckering shrub and grows quickly and produces fragrant blooms for a natural look.





Hydrangea, this species has many varieties, some of which are excellent low-higher screens depending upon your needs.





Viburnum, this is another large group. Some of the best screens would be the larger-leaf varieties, one commonly known as cranberry viburnum, which also has nice fall color.





Rhododendron (in some areas this is actually semi-evergreen, say zone 6 and south)





Elder (sambucus r.) some new varieties have gold and/or deep burgundy foliage.





All of these shrubs could be grown as a loose hedge or as groupings to create separation from neighbors.





You might consider a combination of evergreens such as hemlock/yew and then some deciduous shrubs such as the viburnum and rhododendron. That would be both effective and natural.





Whatever you plant, be sure to give good attention to the soil. Shady spots are sometimes dry and infertile. A soil testing kit is inexpensive and easy and will save you time and money. Be sure to supplement the soil as indicated by the kit, (for your chosen plants, many of the above like moist and acidic soil), and be sure to mulch them and water them frequently in the first season.





Best of luck





For more ideas, check out Michael Dirr's book Hardy trees and shrubs from timber press.

What are the best shrub / bushes to grow in the shade and create a barrier between neighbors?
Trees and Shrubs for specific uses





Need/Want Variety





Windbreak/Privacy: Pine, Spruce, Ceadar, Hemlock





Hedging: Cedar, Yew, Boxwood, Spirea,


Dogwood, Barberry





For fragrance and privacy, get Lilacs... but they will only do well in sun to partcial shade.





Some of these specimens do well in Shade or Sun. If you want instant fencing, get a large specimen for instant shade.
Reply:Try Japanese Yew. Do not use any cultivars, just this. As to Rhododendron, be careful as most of them require some sun. Some types of Holly might also work. I have shade, clay soil, and drainage problems! lol Good luck---
Reply:Just how much shade you we talking about? If it's FULL shade, no sun at all - your choices are decidedly limited.


Most evergreens need full sun.





Hick's Yew is a possibility in part shade. Might be worth a try.


Also there are several bamboo varieties that grow in the shade. And although they are not technically evergreen, they would still provide screening even in winter.