How to Choose Plants for a Perennial Shade Garden
Finding plants that thrive in partial to full shade can be a challenge. Listed here are several plants that have interesting foliage, colorful blooms throughout the season and will thrive in zone 6 or warmer. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Prepared area for planting in partial to full shade.
- Your choice of perennials from the following list.
Instructions
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The following lists of perennials are grouped by height and color. Bloom time is also stated for each plant. Perennials are an excellent choice for the shade garden. They are both beautiful and economical. Plant once and enjoy!
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Plants that reach a height of 24" to 36" should be reserved for the back of the border. Many of my favorites include:
Ferns - up to 36", nice green foliage
Bee Balm - 36" to 42", red flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds
Astilbes - 24" to 36", red/pink/white flowers
Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart - 30" to 36", pink or white flowers
Toad Lily - 24", interesting purple speckled flowers -
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The middle of the shade garden includes plants that reach 12" to 18". There are many varieties to choose from:
Spanish Bluebells - 12" to 16", blue flowers
Traditional Bluebells - 18", blue flowers
Brunnera - 12", green and silver foliage/blue flowers
Coral Bells - 10" to 12", interesting red leaves
Lungwort - 12", pink/blue flowers
Hellebore - 12" to 18" , variety of whites and pinks -
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Reserve shorter plants for the front of the shade garden. A few I enjoy include:
Sedum Ground Cover - 6"
Sweet Woodruff - 6" to 8", white
Pachysandra - 6" to 8"
English Ivy - 4" to 6"
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Tips & Warnings
Take advantage of mail order nurseries if you cannot find the desired plants locally.
