Fruit Bearing... and SHADE?

My family loves their fruit and berries and most need full sun for at least 8 hours per day in order to produce. BUT WAIT!!! There are several fruit trees and berries that are happy in the shade… and quite a number of them, too.

Most of these are in the berry category, but if you have a partially shaded area, even pears and plums may be grown. 

Pears trees do need some sun, but they will produce in partial shade. Try a variety such as ‘Beth’ planted in a westerly facing area that will get a few hours of sun in the afternoon. 

Plum varieties, such as ‘Czar,’ can be grown in areas of the garden that get morning sun and afternoon shade. Plums should be planted as dormant, bare-root trees in an area that stays moist but not too wet. 

Rhubarb (which I will be splitting again this year) is another shade-loving fruit, or rather vegetable plant, since it is related to the celery family, popular for rhubarb pies. Early varieties like ‘Timperley Early,’ ‘Stockbridge Arrow’, or ‘Victoria’ do best in shaded areas with rich soil. 

Hardy kiwi can also be grown in partial shade, which I have yet to try, but there is a few Hardy Kiwi trees on my list for this year. Provide the plant with a trellis for support and plant it in an area with at least partial sun. Hardy kiwis love partial shade – just an hour or two a day of sun is all they need! 

Muscadine grapes (scuppernong) are a good choice for a partially shaded area in the southern regions of the United States. Muscadine grapes are great for making wine (on the list of things I need to learn) and pies, and can thrive in partially sunny areas. Keep in mind though, that if grown in fully shaded areas, you may not get as many grapes! Keep in mind that the more sun the vine receives, the more fruit, so if growing in a truly shaded area, enjoy the plant for its rampant vines and gorgeous large leaves.

Berries such as blueberries, currants, elderberries, gooseberries, juneberries, lingonberries, mulberries, raspberries, and alpine strawberries can all grow in partial shade. Keep in mind though, that although they can grow in shade, they will still require a few hours of sunlight per day, especially in the mornings.

Raspberries are easy to grow and will tolerate partial shade. As with other brambles, they will run and can get out of control rapidly. But the delicious delicate flavor of the berry makes it worth it. 

While most strawberries do need full sun, alpine strawberries can do well in partial shade. Try a variety such as ‘Alexandria’ and plant several for a bumper crop.

Blueberries generally require full sun, but lowbush blueberries will tolerate light shade and there are also cold tolerant varieties that can be grown in USDA zones 3-6. 

Currants, both black and red, will tolerate partial sun to moderate shade. Again, if you are growing the plant for the delicious fruit, the more sun the plant gets the more it will produce. Elderberries thrive in partial shade. Their fragrant edible, blooms segue into dark purple, luscious berries used to make wine and preserves and a wonderful immune boosting tonic for the winter months.