25 Fruit Trees That Grow In Shade [They Will Surprise You!]

Fruit trees that grow in the shade! Many homesteaders think that if they want a fruit tree in their yard, they need a spacious and sunny space for the tree to spread its roots. But that’s not always the case!

There are plenty of fruit trees that grow well in shady areas. Planting a fruit tree in a sun-deprived location can be advantageous, as it will protect the tree from direct sunlight. And wind!

So if you’re looking for fruit trees that grow in shady spots, check out some of these perfect options!

Which Fruit Trees Will Grow In Shade?

Many people believe that fruit trees need full sun to produce abundant fruit. However, several fruit trees will do quite well in partial – or even full-shade. The key is choosing trees suited to your particular climate and soil conditions. 

For example, in warmer climates, citrus trees can tolerate some shade. But in colder growing conditions, apple and pear trees may need full sun to produce a good crop. 

Other considerations include the number of leaves on the tree (deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter and may need more sun to produce fruit) and the type of fruit you want to grow (some fruits are more tolerant of shade than others). 

1. Passionfruit Vines

Passionfruit is a vine that produces an exotic fruit with sweet, juicy flesh. The vine typically grows in tropical and subtropical regions. And it requires full sun to produce healthy fruits. 

However, in some cases, the vine can tolerate partial shade. For example, if the temperature is tremendously hot and the sun is intense, the vine may appreciate some relief from the heat in the form of patchy shade.

2. Blackberries

Blackberries are excellent for partial shade and can be a productive addition to your garden. Plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Blackberries need about 4-6 hours of sunlight daily but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Prune them annually to remove old canes and encourage new growth. They are hardy in USDA zones 5-9, making them suitable for many regions across the USA.

3. American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

The American pawpaw is a fantastic choice for shaded gardens. This native tree thrives in partial shade, making it perfect for growing under the canopy of taller trees. It prefers rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Plant pawpaw trees in early spring, spacing them about 15-20 feet apart to allow room for growth. They are hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Pawpaws produce large, tropical-tasting fruits with a creamy texture, typically ripening in late summer to early fall. These fruits are excellent for fresh eating or making desserts.

The trees require minimal maintenance, though they benefit from regular watering during dry periods and occasional pruning to maintain shape. Pawpaw trees also have attractive, large leaves that add a lush, tropical look to your garden.

4. Hazelnut

Hazelnut trees can thrive in partial shade and are an excellent choice for shaded areas in your garden. They prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Plant hazelnuts in early spring or fall, spacing them about 15-20 feet apart. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Hazelnuts require regular watering during the first few years and benefit from annual pruning to remove dead or diseased wood. These trees produce tasty nuts that can be harvested in late summer to early fall, making them a valuable addition to any edible garden.

5. Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta)

Kiwiberry, also known as hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta), is a great option for growing in partial shade. This vigorous vine thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Plant kiwiberry vines in early spring, spacing them about 10-15 feet apart to allow for their extensive growth. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making them suitable for a wide range of climates in the USA.

Kiwiberries produce small, smooth-skinned fruits that taste similar to regular kiwi but can be eaten whole, without peeling. The fruits typically ripen in late summer to early fall. Kiwiberry vines require a sturdy support system, such as a trellis or arbor, to climb and spread.

6. Serviceberry

Serviceberries are ideal for growing in partial shade and can adapt to various soil types, though they prefer well-drained, loamy soil. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Plant serviceberries in early spring or fall, spacing them about 15-25 feet apart for tree varieties or 6-10 feet for shrub types.

These trees benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods, and light pruning to maintain shape. Serviceberries produce delicious, blueberry-like fruit that ripens in early summer and are excellent for fresh eating or making preserves.

7. Red Currant

Red currants thrive in partial shade and are perfect for cooler, shaded spots in your garden. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Plant them in early spring or late fall, spacing them about 4-5 feet apart. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Currants are hardy in USDA zones 3-7 and benefit from annual pruning to remove old wood and encourage new shoots. These berries are an excellent choice for shaded gardens in the northern USA.

8. Meyer Lemon Trees

While Meyer lemons can grow in full sun, they can also tolerate partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause the fruit to become overly acidic. If you live in an area with hot summers, it’s best to provide some afternoon shade for your Meyer lemon tree. 

Meyer lemons will likely produce fewer fruits when growing in the shade than when growing in full sun. However, the fruits that do mature will be just as tasty and fragrant as those grown in full sun. 

9. Barbados or Acerola Cherry (Malpighia Emarginata)

The Barbados Cherry is one of my best-producing fruit trees. My tree is almost in full shade. A 100-year old mango tree blocks all the morning sun, and a mulberry blocks the afternoon sun. It gets some sun in the middle of the day.

Despite these conditions, this fruit tree started to produce fruit in its first year. It has continued to provide a great harvest! These little flavor bombs are packed with vitamin C and they’re very refreshing on a hot day. An explosion of sweet and sour!

10. Plum Trees

While most fruit trees need full sun to produce a bountiful crop, plum trees are slightly more tolerant of shade. Too much sun can diminish the fruit, leading to sunburn or other damage. If you live in an area with hot summers, it’s best to plant your plum tree in a spot that gets some relief from the afternoon sun. 

I grow a plum variety called ‘Gulf Gold’. So far, it’s growing and fruiting well in partial shade!

11. Avocado Trees

I’ve grown many avocadoes in full sun. Most failed. In the tropics and sub-tropics, the temperatures can get too hot for avocado trees. My personal experience is that they perform much better in a protected position. The foliage is greener, they flower more, and it is far easier to keep them well-watered.

I love growing avocadoes from seed. So much so that my neighbors regularly drop off ‘special’ avocadoes for me to grow! This has resulted in a huge variety of avocado trees – I have over 30! I now only grow them in partial to full shade. If you’re in a warm climate (say zone 8 and up), it’s worth trying an avocado tree in shade.

12. Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum)

Miracle fruit, or miracle berry, is an excellent choice for shaded gardens. Known for its small, red berries that temporarily make sour foods taste sweet, this unique plant thrives in partial shade, making it a perfect addition to areas with limited sunlight. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 4.5 to 5.8 and is suitable for USDA zones 9-11.

Miracle fruit is relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in containers. The plant produces berries several times a year, which can be harvested when fully red.

13. Malabar Chestnut or Saba Nut (Pachira sp.)

I adore my saba nut! From its umbrella shape to its giant fruits packed with delicious nuts, this tree is a great performer all-round. The best thing about the Malabar chestnut is its adaptability. It will tolerate droughts (once established) and floods, and a range of soil conditions.

The nuts inside the shell are delicious – I would describe them as an almond, but tastier. And bigger! I like to eat them straight from the tree, but they’re also excellent roasted in the oven with a little olive oil and salt.

Finally – don’t forget pesto! Pine nuts are some of the most expensive nuts to buy. Grow a Pachira and you’ll never have to buy pine nuts for pesto ever again!

14. Fig Trees

Fig trees are a great choice for shaded gardens, with certain varieties being particularly tolerant of lower light conditions. The common fig (Ficus carica) can adapt well to partial shade, especially in hotter climates where full sun might be too intense. Varieties such as ‘Chicago Hardy’ and ‘Brown Turkey’ are known for their resilience and can thrive in less sunny spots while still producing delicious fruit.

Fig trees prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They are hardy in USDA zones 6-10, making them suitable for various regions across the USA. When planting fig trees in partial shade, ensure they receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily to encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Regular watering and mulching help maintain soil moisture, while annual pruning promotes better air circulation and fruiting.

15. Pear Trees

Pear trees are well-suited for shaded gardens, with some varieties being more tolerant of lower light conditions. The European pear (Pyrus communis) can adapt to partial shade, particularly in regions with intense summer sun. Varieties such as ‘Bartlett,’ ‘Kieffer,’ and ‘Anjou’ are known for their ability to thrive in less sunny areas while still producing abundant and yummy fruit.

Pear trees prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making them versatile for many parts of the USA. If you are planting pear trees in partial shade, try to give them around 4-6 hours of sunlight daily to support healthy growth and fruit production.

16. Loquat Trees (Eriobotrya japonica)

Loquat trees are an excellent choice for shaded gardens. These evergreen trees produce clusters of small, yellow-orange fruits that are sweet and tangy, perfect for fresh eating or making preserves. Loquats thrive in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH and are hardy in USDA zones 8-10.

17. Ginger

I suppose you may not call ginger a fruit tree as such. However, since we’re talking ‘fruit’ – I couldn’t leave ginger out. Many, if not all, varieties of ginger (and there are many!) will grow exceptionally well in shade. In fact, most prefer it!

From the tasty lemony fruits of Alpinia to the well-known flavor-packed rhizomes of Zingiber officinalis – a ginger will thrive in the shady spots in your garden.

Read More!

• 13 Trees That Grow in Rocky Soil (Including Fruit Trees!)
• How Far Apart to Plant Fruit Trees [7+ Fruit Tree Spacing Tips]
• How to Create the Perfect Fruit Tree Guild Layout for Permaculture
• Top 9 Best Fruit Trees for Zone 4 Gardens

18. Elderberry

Elderberries are highly adaptable and can grow well in partial shade, making them suitable for areas with dappled sunlight. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. Plant elderberries about 6-10 feet apart to allow for their expansive growth.

They are hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and require minimal maintenance. Elderberries attract wildlife and produce clusters of edible berries that can be used for jams, syrups, and wines, making them a versatile addition to your garden.

19. Guava Trees

Guava trees can be a good option for partially shaded gardens, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. These evergreen trees are adaptable and can tolerate a range of light conditions, although they perform best with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Guavas are hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and thrive in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.

When growing guava trees in partial shade, ensure they are planted in a spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade if possible. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

20. Fruit Salad Plant (Monstera deliciosa)

This tree isn’t well-known for its fruits. Most people know it as an exceptional indoor plant. However, if you’re lucky enough to live in a warm climate, Monstera will produce delicious fruits! I’d describe them as a tropical flavor explosion – hints of pineapple, mango, and citrus – all combined in a huge, 12″ long, very interesting-looking fruit.

My Fruit Salad Plant is growing up the trunk of a mango tree – in almost full shade. Not only does it look exceptionally tropical in the garden with its huge leaves, if you ever get the chance to try the fruit – you’ll be blown away!

21. Surinam Cherry (Eugenia Uniflora)

Surinam Cherry, also known as Brazilian Cherry or Cayenne Cherry, is a versatile fruit tree well-suited for gardens with partial shade. It thrives in USDA zones 9-11, making it ideal for tropical and subtropical regions. Surinam Cherry can grow as a shrub or small tree, reaching up to 20 feet in height, and is known for its attractive foliage and unique, ribbed fruits.

This tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and can tolerate partial shade, although it will produce more abundant fruit with more sunlight. The fruits are small, ribbed, and pumpkin-shaped, turning from green to bright red, orange, or even dark purple when ripe. They have a sweet-tart flavor and can be eaten fresh, used in preserves, or even made into beverages.

22. Ceylon Gooseberry (Dovyalis hebecarpa)

Ceylon Gooseberry, or Kitembilla, is an excellent fruit tree for partially shaded gardens. This tropical fruit tree thrives in USDA zones 9-11 and is well-suited for areas with dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade. It can grow up to 10-20 feet tall and produces small, round, dark purple to black fruits with a tangy flavor.

Ceylon Gooseberry prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. When planting, choose a location that offers some protection from the harsh afternoon sun. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

The fruits of the Ceylon Gooseberry are high in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and beverages.

23. Ugni (Ugni molinae)

Ugni, also known as Chilean Guava or Strawberry Myrtle, is a delightful fruit tree well-suited for partially shaded gardens. Native to South America, particularly Chile, this small shrub thrives in USDA zones 8-10. Ugni can grow up to 3-6 feet tall, making it a great choice for smaller garden spaces or as part of an edible hedge.

Ugni prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and can tolerate partial shade, making it ideal for gardens that do not receive full sun all day. It produces small, fragrant white or pink flowers in the spring, followed by round, red or dark purple berries in the fall. The berries have a sweet, aromatic flavor reminiscent of strawberries and are excellent for fresh eating, jams, and desserts.

24. Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum)

Tamarillo, also known as the tree tomato, is a versatile fruit tree that can adapt well to partially shaded gardens. Native to the Andes of South America, tamarillo thrives in USDA zones 9-11, making it suitable for warmer climates. This small tree can grow up to 10-18 feet tall and is known for its attractive tropical appearance and vibrant, egg-shaped fruits.

Tamarillo prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil and can tolerate partial shade, though it performs best with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. The tree produces fragrant, pinkish-white flowers followed by red, orange, or yellow fruits that have a tangy, tomato-like flavor. These fruits are excellent for fresh eating, cooking, and making sauces and preserves.

If you are growing tamarillo in partial shade, choose a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to protect the tree from intense midday heat. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.

25. Dragon Fruit/Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.)

Pitaya, commonly known as dragon fruit, is a striking and exotic fruit that can be grown in partially shaded gardens. Native to Central America, pitaya is a cactus species that thrives in USDA zones 10-11. It can be grown in slightly cooler climates with some protection. This climbing cactus can reach up to 20 feet in length, producing large, vibrant fruits with a unique, sweet flavor.

Pitaya prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. While it flourishes in full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates where intense sunlight can be too harsh.

Plant it near a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or fence, to help manage its climbing habit. Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater as pitaya is drought-tolerant once established.

How Many Hours of Sun Do Fruit Trees Need?

Most fruit tree varieties need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy fruit production. The more sunlight, the better – because sunlight helps the tree to produce food through photosynthesis. 

Additionally, adequate sunlight (usually) helps to promote good airflow around the tree, which helps to prevent diseases. Of course, there are some exceptions to that rule – as evidenced by the list of shade-tolerant fruit trees above!

Final Thoughts

Shade-grown fruit trees are a great way to get started in permaculture. Not only do they provide food, but they also offer habitats for beneficial insects and other wildlife. In addition, shade-grown fruit trees can help reduce the energy needed to cool your home or business in the summertime. (Hopefully – the trees offer some shade on their own!)

If you’re interested in planting some fruit trees this spring, consider using shady areas on your property to maximize production. 

We also welcome your feedback regarding which fruit trees grow in the shade. What experience do you have growing fruit trees without much sunlight?

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks again for reading.

And have a great day!

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