Only a limited number of evergreens do well in shady areas. However, they do require well-drained soils. Yews often die in wet, poorly drained soils. They are also prone to winter injury when planted in windy, exposed sites. Yews tolerate pruning well and are often pruned into formal hedges.
Hemlocks perform best in cool sites with well-drained, moist soils.
Avoid windy, exposed sites and hot, dry locations. Hemlocks may eventually attain a height of 40 to 50 feet when grown in favorable sites. In Iowa, Canadian hemlocks grow best in the eastern portion of the state. When planting rhododendrons, site selection is extremely important. Rhododendrons perform best in protected sites in partial shade.