6 Fruits That Grow in Shady Gardens, According to Experts

An outdoor space with abundant afternoon shade is rarely something to complain about—unless you’re trying to grow fruit. Many of these plants need full sun in order to thrive and produce delicious harvests, so a shady garden seems less than ideal.

Fortunately, there are a number of fruit-bearing varieties that can tolerate—and in some cases prefer—low light conditions. Here, we asked gardening experts about these plants as well as how to successfully care for them them in a less-than-sunny environment.

Meet Our Expert

Deborah J. Benoit, an extension master gardener at the University of Vermont and the author of Pen, Paper, Plant

Related: 8 Spring Flowers That Thrive in Shady Gardens, According to Experts

01 of 06

Currant

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Currants (Ribes spp.) are hardy, tart berries that come in red, white, and black varieties and are frequently used for jams and syrups. They grow on hardy, perennial shrubs and are known to produce abundant yields that are relatively low maintenance.

But the best news? “They are incredibly shade tolerant,” says Michael Judd, founder of Ecologia Design. “They are happiest in partial to light shade where their bushes are prone to grow taller as they reach for light.”

Size: 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide

Care Requirements: Partial shade; well-drained, loamy soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH; consistent moisture

02 of 06

Fig

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The fig plant (Ficus carica) is a medium-sized, multi-stemmed deciduous tree or shrub with smooth, silvery-gray bark and large green leaves. The fig fruit can be made into jams, dried, or eaten fresh. They are packed with antioxidants, dietary fiber, and potassium, supporting heart health, bone strength, and digestion.

“While these voluminous plants prefer six or more hours of sunlight, dwarf or cold-hardy varieties can be grown successfully with as little as four hours of direct light,” Judd says. “Bonus: you don’t have to worry about leaf burn.”

Size: 10 to 30 feet tall and 10 to 30 feet wide (can be pruned smaller in containers)

Care Requirements: Partial shade; well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid overly wet conditions

Related: How to Grow a Fig Tree at Home for Endless Fresh Fruit—Indoors or Outside

03 of 06

Pawpaw

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The pawpaw plant (Asimina triloba) is a tropical-looking, large-leafed native tree that produces elongated yellow-green fruit with a creamy, custard-like texture and a flavor often compared to banana, mango, or pineapple. Mature trees can be highly productive, yielding 100 or more fruits in a good season.

“It thrives in warmer regions and can tolerate shade well, particularly in its early stages,” Judd says. “In fact, young seedlings and newly grafted trees typically require 30 to 50 percent shade cloth for their first one to three years to protect them from sunscald while they establish.” So it’s the perfect shady backyard plant.

Size: 15 to 30 feet tall and 15 to 25 feet wide

Care Requirements: Partial shade when young, full sun when mature; rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; consistent moisture and protection from harsh wind

04 of 06

Kiwi Vine

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The kiwi vine (Actinidia arguta) is a deciduous, woody vine that is self-fertile. Hardier varieties can tolerate partial shade, albeit with lower fruit production. Their fast-growing vines require a support structure such as a trellis or fence, and when trained horizontally, they often get better light exposure.

In shady conditions, it’s important to prioritize well-drained, fertile soil and consistent moisture as well as routine pruning for improved light exposure.

Size: 15 to 30 feet long (vine), 6 to 10 feet spread on trellis

Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; fertile, well-drained soil; consistent moisture; support structure required

Related: How to Grow Hardy Kiwi, a Cold-Tolerant Vine That Produces Sweet Mini Kiwis

05 of 06

Blackberry

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Blackberries (Rubus fruticosus) are fruiting shrubs that can also be trained to grow on a trellis for improved light exposure. They are adaptable, vigorous, and tolerate partial shade remarkably well.

“Even though usually planted in full sun, blackberries can do well in afternoon or dappled shade, particularly in areas with higher temperatures and stronger sunlight,” says Deborah J. Benoit, an extension master gardener at the University of Vermont. “Growing in partial shade may mean a smaller crop and a longer wait time for berries to ripen, so be sure to plant in rich soil that drains well and provide additional water if needed.”

Size: 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 10 feet wide (arching canes)

Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained, fertile soil; regular moisture; support recommended for airflow and fruit production

06 of 06

Elderberry

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Elderberries (Sambucus spp.) are multi-stemmed shrubs that produce dark purple berries. They can be found in woodland edges or partially shaded borders where other fruit crops might struggle.

They prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soil and respond well to consistent watering, especially during fruit development. Periodic removal of older canes helps the plant to maintain structure and supports new growth.

Size: 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide

Care Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; tolerates wetter soils

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