Hi
Can you tell me a year long shrub, flowering plant or grass for a shady area, such as under a tree.
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners with your request for a year-long shrub, flowering plant, or grass for a shady location under a tree.
The shade from a tree can have a variable definition. If the tree is deciduous, the season of year and the amount and texture of foliage will determine the amount and depth of shade it casts. If evergreen the shade will likely be consistent throughout the year. To determine how much shade you have, full shade means 3 hours or less of direct sun, while part shade is 3 to 6 hours.
Here are some shrubs for shady places and appropriate links to provide information and cultivation strategies: Hydrangeas This fact sheet describes types and care of hydrangeas: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1263
Rhododendron and azaleas are described and discussed: landscapeontario.com › rhododendrons-and-azaleas
Black Beauty Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org › species › nigra
Virginia sweetspire (Itea Virginica) www.missouribotanicalgarden.org › PlantFinderDetails
‘Diablo’ Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diablo’) https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/ninebark.html
The following articles provide information on ornamental grasses: https://www.google.com/search?q=grasses+ornamental+for+shade&oq=grasses&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j69i59j0l3.7993j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
The following articles provide information on ornamental grasses: https://www.google.com/search?q=grasses+ornamental+for+shade&oq=grasses&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j69i59j0l3.7993j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Toronto Master Gardeners have prepared Gardening Guides which you may enjoy for further reading https://www.torontomastergardeners.ca/gardeningguides/perennials-for-shade-in-dry-or-moist-areas-a-toronto-master-gardeners-guide/
We hope that these suggestions are useful for your proposed shady garden bed.