How to Grow Perennials that Thrive in the Shade!

Perennial plants are always an economic choice in gardening as they come back each year and some are even self-seeders. The problem is in finding perennials that thrive in the shade. These are seven proven winners in the shade and flower category.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Astilbe

   Astilbe
   Astilbe is a no-fail shade classic! This striking plant features flamboyant, feathery plumes, and foliage with large, deeply divided leaves. Astilbes has the added advantage of being available in a wide range of heights, from a ground- skimming 6 inches to 4 feet or more. The color range is impressive too from white, red, pink and purple flowers. The plant will produce blooms from June to August. If deer is a problem, Astilbes may be a good choice since deer usually leave then alone. Astilbes are thirsty, so plant in a spot that stays fairly moist.

2. Cora Bells

   Heuchera (Coral bells or Alumroot)
   These plants are labeled as full sun to partial shade, but plants in this genus flourish in shady, well-drained soil. Heuchera do not like soggy and hard clay soils. Good drainage is essential for their growth. Coral Bells have a woody rootstock that can be divided about every three years to produce more plants. Heuchera add dramatic color and form to any partially shaded garden

3. Bleeding Hearts

   Bleeding Hearts
   Bleeding Hearts are easy to grow and adapt to most conditions. Feed them once a year with a slow release fertilizer. Their height ranges from 2 to 3 feet and they will spread 1 to 2 ½ feet. The Bleeding Hearts will bloom from April to May, with lovely white and pink flowers surrounded by fern-like foliage. In warmer climates you can induce this plant to bloom in the fall. It is a drought tolerant plant that grows very fast. Bleeding Hearts are self-seeders, but can easily be propagated too. They do not like windy areas of the garden, so provide them with protection.

4. Candelabra Primrose

   Candelabra Primrose
   The Candelabra Primrose, also called Japanese Primrose is the largest primrose. It produces a rosette of leaves, but in this species the leaves can grow up to a foot long. The blooms are in three to six clusters around the stem creating a kind of upside down candelabra. Blooms are white, red or pink and about an inch in diameter. Candelabra Primrose is not commonly available in local nurseries, but grows well from seeds. Divide plants in early spring.

5. Meadow Rue

   Meadow Rue flowers don't have any petals; the white, pink or purple starbursts are made up of stamens. The plant has delicate, finely divided leaves that give them a 'see-thru' value when planting. They grow fast and they grow tall 3 to 8 feet tall. Their stems are fragile, so make sure they are supported. Meadow rue prefers moist well-draining soil.

6. g. Phaeum

   Geranium, Cranesbill or Mourning Widow
   A true geranium phaeum, also called cranesbill has maple-like leaves and slender flat flowers. Most varieties have maroon, magenta or mauve flowers. Deadheading will encourage more flowers, but if you have a small garden beware of these self-seeding plants. They can become too invasive. They have the added advantage of thriving in dry-shade

7. Foam Flower

   Foam Flower
   Foam Flowers (Tiarella condifolia) are shaped like a bottlebrush and have lovely maple shaped leaves. They begin blooming in early spring. Deadheading won't keep them blooming any longer, but removing the flower stems keeps your border tidy. This is a hardy plant that will return year after year.