Planting a small shallow alpine/rock garden but it is on the north face of a house. Wondering if there are any species that do well in part shade? Nervous nothing will thrive there if it isn't full sun.
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Someone I follow on Facebook just posted Diervilla 'Cool Splash', which he said does well in considerable shade, helping you brighten a dark spot. I looked it up on one website that says it grows in (presumably US) zones 3-8, depending on the variety. I think you can see this: (1) Facebook
Alpine garden plants are typically small and slow-growing. Diervilla 'Cool Splash' would not be a good choice as it grows to 2.5-4.5 feet high and wide. The fact is that alpine and sub-alpine plants grow in full-sun locations. So, by definition, shade-tolerant plants from lower elevations do not qualify. That doesn't mean @kalliwally that you can't choose similar plants for the same effect. Those that @Ron B suggests would be good and there are probably others you might learn about from members of the AGCBC Alpine Garden Club of British Columbia (agc-bc.ca). I think you should consider your north-facing garden more of a rock garden than an alpine garden. Lots of possibilities there.
In local mountains at high elevations there is a lot more vegetation on north facing aspects than south facing. Due to the total combination of conditions where the sun hits all day being too tough for most plants. But in both situations the growing sites are open to the sky. With a simulation of a community of alpine plants in the shadow of a building at a low elevation being easily accomplished merely by using small growing woodland species. Such as those I suggested. With independent outlets in particular having plenty of these to choose from during this time of so much gardening happening in small spaces.
If shaded and as others here suggest - what about small and sturdy Hosta plants that (once established) tolerate dry shade in pac nw I’m also a fan of sword fern (large and also dry shade native) then insert seasonal planter decor like tête à tête mini daffodils coleus summer sempervivum in decorative well drained planter so many options enjoy and do reply back to show your project planting progress
Oh - another idea - I have Lewisia in a wide bowl container so maybe you get some sparkle of colour in amidst mouse ears Hosta etc I suggest respectfully in addition to above replies go and find similar situations to your dream north garden - and observe what’s successful take notes and maybe your reputable and knowledgeable garden supplier can assist dry shade is a challenge tho not insurmountable
