On the other hand, adaptive traits of most drought tolerant plants to full sun, such as small pubescent or thick succulent leaves, reduce their ability to grow in a shaded environment. Typically, shade plants have developed certain traits such as thin, shade adapted leaves that are less adapted to resist water loss. This is especially true in Utah where high elevation and low humidity increases solar radiation and transpiration from the very canopy that may be creating the shade (Mee, et al., 2003). For example, the soil beneath the canopy of a mature blue spruce is heavily shaded however, between the canopy’s ability to shed snow and water to the drip zone and the water demand of the tree itself, the soil immediately underneath the tree can be very dry. Often the very conditions that create shade can reduce soil moisture. In spite of the common perception that shade gardens are always cool and moist, often there is not ample soil moisture. Shade produces a microclimate with unique cooling effects, reduced soil evaporation and reduced plant transpiration (Lin & Lin, 2010). Therefore, these plants do not grow well in shaded environments. Most of the drought tolerant plants used in Utah’s residential and commercial landscapes come from dry environments and are adapted to full sun. March 2018 | Horticulture/Lanscape/2018-01prįinding the right landscape plants for dry areas that are also shady can be challenging. Landscaping in Dry Shade: 15 Great Landscape Plants for Dry Shady Areas
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