Shade Plants
Shade is the hardest spot in most yards to plant, and it is where the standard drought tolerant list stops being useful. The entries here are rated for shade or part shade, which covers a north facing bed, the ground under an established tree, or a covered patio that never takes direct sun. Cycads, several bromeliads and a number of aloes belong in that group, and they hold colour without scorching.
Two cautions worth reading before you buy. Shade tolerant does not mean water hungry, so check the water rating on the product page rather than assuming a shade bed needs more irrigation. And dry shade under a mature tree is different from open shade, because the tree wins the competition for water; give anything planted there its own emitter for the first two seasons.
