Not every backyard gardener has a massive plot of land to start a full-blown orchard. That’s exactly why columnar fruit trees have become such a huge trend lately! Most of these vertical beauties crave the sun, but if your yard is a bit on the leafy, darker side, don’t worry—there are a few varieties that can actually handle the shade.
These Fruit Varieties Can Handle the Shade
Generally speaking, most fruit trees are sun-worshippers. They need those rays to grow strong and produce that juicy, sugary fruit we all love. However, some hardy varieties are perfectly happy with a little less Vitamin D. If you’ve got a shady spot, consider planting:
- Blackberries,
- Quinces,
- Sour cherries,
- Wild blueberries, and
- Gooseberries.
On the flip side, you’ll want to avoid planting these guys in the shade, as they just won’t thrive:
- Apples,
- Pears,
- Plums, and
- Sweet cherries.
Go Mobile with Container Gardening
Even if your garden is mostly in the shadows, you don’t have to give up on your dream of homegrown fruit. Columnar fruit trees are actually perfect for growing in pots and containers. By planting them in tubs, you can move them to a sunny balcony or tuck them into small sun-drenched corners of the yard where a full-sized tree would never fit. Plus, these vertical growers make an absolutely stunning living privacy screen for your patio!
