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Gardening in Shade

Fastest growing evergreen for shade

22 years ago

I posted this in conifer & woodland forum & thought I would try here also. I have an deciduous forest environment, shade with dappled light in summer, full sun in winter on a northeastern facing slope. I am in southeastern Pa. zone 6-7. I want to plant a tall growing evergreen that will eventually reach 30+ft preferably taller. After studying a few arboretums I am considering Canadian or Eastern Hemlock, Leyland Cypress, Balsam Fir, Alaskan or Japanese Cedar, Oriental Spruce or even American Holly. Am I on the right track? Can anyone tell me which evergreen will grow the tallest fastest in this difficult sunlight environment?

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Comments (2)

Yard_Mom
22 years ago
I have been successful with Canadian Hemlock in shade. I don't know if one of the others grows faster though.
Bellingham
22 years ago
I planted about 20 Leyland Cypress last fall to create a screen. All were about 2 feet high. I have read that this is a shade intolerant species, but in other places, I have read that it will take part shade.

The ones in full sun are about 4 feet high, and the ones in part sun (morning sun only) are over six feet. Four feet of growth in the first season in part shade. I'd say that's pretty fast. Now, of course, this is just the thin leader, but it is four feet longer, nonetheless.
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