Pruning shears in hand, you stare at that frustratingly dim corner of the yard where the sun never quite reaches. Most plants just wither away in those gloomy spots, demanding more light than your property can possibly provide.
But evergreen conifers offer a reliable solution for those tricky corners. Let us look at the Best Arborvitaes for Shade to bring life back to your yard.
Key Takeaways
- Check the mature height and width before purchasing to ensure the shrub fits your specific garden layout.
- Prioritize pot size and container friendliness if you plan to keep the plants on a patio or porch.
- Look closely at sun requirements to confirm the variety tolerates partial shade conditions.
- Verify deer and pet resistance if local wildlife frequently visits your outdoor space.
- Confirm hardiness zones to make sure the evergreen survives winter temperatures in your region.
| Golden Foliage Standout |  |
RedCrocus Rheingold American Arborvitae 3 Gallon | Bright golden yellow foliage | Naturally compact growth habit | Excellent deer resistance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Pet Safe Compact |  |
RedCrocus Hetzi Midget American Arborvitae | Pet friendly foliage | Dense and compact structure | Very easy to care for | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Vibrant Globe Accent |  |
RedCrocus Fire Chief Globe Arborvitae | Color changing seasonal foliage | Safe for household pets | Naturally neat globe shape | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Unique Conifer Choice |  |
RedCrocus Aurea Hiba Arborvitae | Distinctive fan shaped foliage | Non toxic to animals | Compact size for borders | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Privacy Screen |  |
Emerald Green Arborvitae Live Plant | Rich green year round color | Narrow columnar growth habit | Excellent privacy screen option | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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RedCrocus Rheingold American Arborvitae 3 Gallon
Brighten up that gloomy dim corner of the yard with a shrub that practically glows in the dark. Rheingold American brings a warm, golden yellow tint to shaded borders where most plants just fade into a dull green blur. You will appreciate the naturally compact shape that requires almost zero pruning to keep looking sharp.
Deer usually skip past this cultivar, which saves you from building ugly wire cages around your fresh plantings. But keep in mind that too much deep shade might tone down that vibrant golden color into a more subdued chartreuse. Give it a balanced spot of morning sun and afternoon shade for the best visual payoff.
- Brand:RedCrocus
- Type:American Arborvitae
- Foliage Color:Golden Yellow
- Sun Exposure:Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Additional Feature:Compact evergreen shrub
- Additional Feature:Landscape hedge friendly
- Additional Feature:Container friendly design
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RedCrocus Hetzi Midget American Arborvitae
Households with curious dogs or cats need plants that do not pose a toxic threat, and this small shrub fits that exact bill. Hetzi Midget forms a dense, tight globe that stays out of the way in narrow garden beds. Maintenance is remarkably low, so you can spend your weekends relaxing rather than trimming hedges.
Growth happens at a very slow pace, which is fantastic if you hate constant yard work. However, you must accept a smaller initial impact since this shrub takes several years to reach its full mature presence. Pair it with slightly taller perennials to create a layered look right away.
- Brand:RedCrocus
- Type:American Arborvitae
- Sun Exposure:Suitable for Shade and Sun
- Additional Feature:Small dense evergreen shrub
- Additional Feature:Garden and container ready
- Additional Feature:Hardy and easy care
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RedCrocus Fire Chief Globe Arborvitae
Globe shaped conifers offer a clean geometric contrast against wilder perennial plantings. Fire Chief stands out by shifting its foliage tones from bright gold in spring to a rich copper hue during autumn. It sits nicely near walkways or patio containers where you can admire the subtle color transitions up close.
Pet safety comes standard here, meaning you do not have to worry about furry family members sampling the leaves. Just remember that extreme drought will stress these shallow roots quickly, so keep a regular watering schedule during dry summer stretches. Good drainage in your soil will prevent root rot down the line.
- Brand:RedCrocus
- Type:Globe Arborvitae
- Sun Exposure:Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Additional Feature:Thuja occidentalis species
- Additional Feature:Compact evergreen shrub
- Additional Feature:Container friendly size
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RedCrocus Aurea Hiba Arborvitae
Branching out from standard arborvitae varieties leads you straight to the charming Japanese Hiba cedar. Aurea Hiba brings fan like foliage sprays with a distinct golden sheen that catches the eye immediately. It forms a dense, slow growing pillar that adds formal architecture to shady entryways.
Non toxic properties make this an easy addition to yards populated by grazing herbivores and domestic pets. You will need to monitor the soil moisture closely because this conifer dislikes sitting in soggy, poorly drained earth. Plant it in a raised bed or amended soil to guarantee long term success.
- Brand:RedCrocus
- Type:Hiba Arborvitae
- Foliage Color:Golden
- Sun Exposure:Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Safety:Non toxic
- Additional Feature:Evergreen conifer specimen
- Additional Feature:Suitable for formal hedges
- Additional Feature:Thrives in well drained soil
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Emerald Green Arborvitae Live Plant
Blocking an unsightly neighbor or street view calls for the undisputed king of narrow privacy hedges. Emerald Green maintains a tight, upright column that slips into narrow side yards with ease. The rich green needles hold their color through freezing winters without turning bronze or brown.
Fast establishment rates mean you will see a noticeable wall of green much sooner than with other conifers. But keep in mind that heavy shade can cause the center of the plant to thin out over the years. Plant them spaced closely together to form a solid, opaque fence line.
- Brand:Generic/Unbranded
- Type:Evergreen Shrub/Tree
- Foliage Color:Green
- Size:2.5 Quart
- Sun Exposure:Full Sun to Part Shade
- Additional Feature:Live outdoor plant
- Additional Feature:Fast vertical growth
- Additional Feature:Natural windbreak material
