Create a shady oasis | almost PERFECT Landscaping
Make the best of the shady spots in your garden or yard by planting a shade garden. You can have a lovely display of greens and colors on the north side of a house, under tree canopies or in a corner that gets little direct sunlight, in the spots you thought couldn’t support plants. Great shade gardens use varying plant heights and types, textures, and colors. Like a walk through a woodland, a planned and properly planted shade garden can be an oasis of cool, restful shade in the heat of summer.
Many people think that shade-loving plants don’t have much color except green. It’s true that hostas, ferns and mosses thrive in the shade, but many other plants with colorful and interesting blooms like to grow with a cool and shaded rootbed, but their foliage in the light, or in a semi-shaded area. White flowers and foliage seem to add a glow in a shady spot, as do varied shades of green.
Shade shifts daily, seasonally, and over time as trees grow. Carefully analyzing where and when shade occurs in your landscape is an important first step. Also, recognizing types of shade is important as some kinds of shade are suitable for growing plants while other types are very problematic. Sometimes difficult shade can be improved by lifting or thinning the tree canopy or large shrubs so more sun or indirect light can penetrate. Sometimes the best solution for difficult shade is to convert it to an outdoor garden room enhanced by seating, garden art, mulch, hardscape, colorful containers, a water feature, a birdbath, or other focal points.
Examples of Plants for Shade Gardens are show below
Specific plant information available on plant name accompanying image.
[ultimate_modal icon_type=”selector” icon=”Defaults-pagelines” modal_title=”Liriope – muscari” modal_on=”text” read_text=”Liriope – muscari” modal_size=”medium” modal_style=”overlay-zoomin” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″ img_size=”80″ header_text_color=”#dd3333″ content_text_color=”#dd3333″ txt_color=”#000000″ content_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” trigger_text_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_size=”desktop:22px;tablet:18px;tablet_portrait:16px;mobile_landscape:14px;mobile:12px;”]
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils in part shade. Tolerates a wide range of light conditions and soils. Will grow in close to full shade, but will produce more elongated foliage and spread more slowly. Also has good tolerance for heat, humidity and drought. Liriope muscari, commonly called lilyturf or blue lily turf, is a tufted, tuberous-rooted, grass-like perennial which typically grows 12-18″ tall and features clumps of strap-like, arching, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1″ wide).
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile soils in part shade. Tolerates a wide range of light conditions and soils. Will grow in close to full shade, but will produce more elongated foliage and spread more slowly. Also has good tolerance for heat, humidity and drought. Liriope muscari, commonly called lilyturf or blue lily turf, is a tufted, tuberous-rooted, grass-like perennial which typically grows 12-18″ tall and features clumps of strap-like, arching, glossy, dark green leaves (to 1″ wide).
Excellent grassy ground cover for shaded areas of the landscape. Best massed as a ground cover or edging plant. Small groups for accent. Rock gardens. Woodland gardens. Containers. Edging for paths or walkways. When planted right and in the right spot, Liriope are among the easiest plants to grow. They are ideal for use in the landscape massed as groundcover, in groupings, or as a border edger along walkways, paths and other structural surfaces. They provide a nice grassy texture and flower color in mixed container gardens.
They also provide a nice grassy accent or centerpiece in container gardens. These plants are super tough and easy to grow and their summer, hyacinth-like flowers spikes add to their overall appeal in the landscape.[/ultimate_modal]
[ultimate_modal icon_type=”selector” icon=”Defaults-pagelines” modal_title=”Heuchera – americana” modal_on=”text” read_text=”Heuchera – americana” modal_size=”medium” modal_style=”overlay-zoomin” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″ img_size=”80″ header_text_color=”#dd3333″ content_text_color=”#dd3333″ txt_color=”#000000″ content_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” trigger_text_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_size=”desktop:22px;tablet:18px;tablet_portrait:16px;mobile_landscape:14px;mobile:12px;”]
The garden plant Heuchera that we know as Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea) has been undergoing a lot of changes in the past few years. Ever since the introduction of ‘Palace Purple,’ there have been countless new introductions of coral bells, with ever more colorful leaves. You can still find the traditional green-leaved Coral Bells, with the charming coral bell-shaped flowers that hummingbirds love, but it has been joined by heuchera with leaves in shades of purple, rose, lime green, gold, and variegations in between.
The garden plant Heuchera that we know as Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea) has been undergoing a lot of changes in the past few years. Ever since the introduction of ‘Palace Purple,’ there have been countless new introductions of coral bells, with ever more colorful leaves. You can still find the traditional green-leaved Coral Bells, with the charming coral bell-shaped flowers that hummingbirds love, but it has been joined by heuchera with leaves in shades of purple, rose, lime green, gold, and variegations in between.
Heuchera are native North American plants that can be found, in some form, throughout the continent. Besides the coral bells we grow for their flashy leaves, there are tiny alpines (Heuchera nivalis) and tall heat lovers (Heuchera maxima).
- Heuchera plants form round mounds with a woody rootstock or crown at their base.
Leaves: Leaves vary greatly among the cultivars. Most are somewhat rounded, lobed and hairy. - Flowers: Small bell-shaped flowers are borne on tall stalks.
- Best grown in organically rich, humusy, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Performs well in full sun in the north, but prefers some shade.
- Attractive foliage and airy flower panicles provide color and contrast to the rock garden, perennial border, native plant garden, open woodland garden or shade garden.
- Good edging plant. Mass to form an attractive ground cover.
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Hostas are quite possibly the most versatile and varied perennials for the shady garden. For nearly any need, you can find a great Hosta. Some Hostas thrive in the deep shade, and some can tolerate up to a full day of sun. They can also be found in a variety of sizes and colors. With foliage in a spectrum of greens, blues, golds, yellows, and whites, as well as variegated, speckled, and striped, Hostas can be used in your shady garden to make statements dramatic or understated.
Hostas are quite possibly the most versatile and varied perennials for the shady garden. For nearly any need, you can find a great Hosta. Some Hostas thrive in the deep shade, and some can tolerate up to a full day of sun. They can also be found in a variety of sizes and colors. With foliage in a spectrum of greens, blues, golds, yellows, and whites, as well as variegated, speckled, and striped, Hostas can be used in your shady garden to make statements dramatic or understated.
For the best care of hostas, plant them in rich organic soil with a slightly acidic pH. You’ll only have to do it once. Dig the planting hole about a foot deep, and wide enough to accommodate the spread of a full sized plant. This will make it easier for the roots to establish a foothold and begin their horizontal spread. In spite of their almost tropical look, hostas are rugged and once established, they tolerate almost any soil and will grow for years.
Hostas can turn a dull, shady part of your yard into an elegant, low-maintenance landscape that looks attractive from spring through fall. Planting an assortment of hostas is a beautiful way to line a woodland path. Leaf color ranges from dark green to steely blue, chartreuse and creamy white. Many cultivars have variegated foliage that displays two or even three different color combination.[/ultimate_modal]
[ultimate_modal icon_type=”selector” icon=”Defaults-pagelines” modal_title=”Astilbe – Federsee” modal_on=”text” read_text=”Astilbe – Federsee” modal_size=”medium” modal_style=”overlay-zoomin” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″ img_size=”80″ header_text_color=”#dd3333″ content_text_color=”#dd3333″ txt_color=”#000000″ content_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” trigger_text_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_size=”desktop:22px;tablet:18px;tablet_portrait:16px;mobile_landscape:14px;mobile:12px;”]A garden favorite for moist sites, astilbe can be thought of as a multi-interest perennial. Asti
lbe is a knockout plant, thanks to its ornamental, fern-like bronze-and-green foliage and its feathery plumed blossoms that look good both in season and dried for winter interest. Just make sure to keep astilbe moist, or its delicate foliage will scorch in the sun. Even if astilbes never bloomed, the healthy foliage of these plants adds wonderful texture and color to a garden. In spring, new foliage often emerges bright green with heavy blushes of bronze. These finely textured mounds of foliage maintain compact balls with no training needed. Come summer, these tight mounds are topped with fantastic spikes of feathery tridents in shades of pinks, reds, purples, and whites. These tall spikes of color command attention in a garden, but also work very well en masse with other plants. The flower spikes can even be left on the plants after blooming for added winter interest.
lbe is a knockout plant, thanks to its ornamental, fern-like bronze-and-green foliage and its feathery plumed blossoms that look good both in season and dried for winter interest. Just make sure to keep astilbe moist, or its delicate foliage will scorch in the sun. Even if astilbes never bloomed, the healthy foliage of these plants adds wonderful texture and color to a garden. In spring, new foliage often emerges bright green with heavy blushes of bronze. These finely textured mounds of foliage maintain compact balls with no training needed. Come summer, these tight mounds are topped with fantastic spikes of feathery tridents in shades of pinks, reds, purples, and whites. These tall spikes of color command attention in a garden, but also work very well en masse with other plants. The flower spikes can even be left on the plants after blooming for added winter interest.
Astilbe is a perennial with beautiful, showy flowers atop glossy, fern-like foliage. Here’s how to grow and care for astilbes in your garden. Astilbes’ flower clusters vary in size from 6 inches to 2 feet and their height ranges from 6 inches to 5 feet, depending on the variety.
- Astilbes prefer a site that receives light to moderate shade; they will burn in full sun.
- Astilbes prefer soils that provide average to slightly below average moisture. Make sure your soil drains well and does not puddle or get water-logged in rain. Amend soil, especially clay types, with peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand to improve the drainage.
- Astilbes spread quickly and form broad clumps. Their crowns often rise above the soil as they grow, so make sure to cover
- After blooming has finished for the season, feel free to clip off any spent flower stems. Your astilbes will continue to provide attractive foliage until fall.
- with humus-rich soil or lift and replant the clumps.
If you have a shady area, try astilbes. They are a great way to add color and texture to a place where other flowers won’t thrive.[/ultimate_modal]
[ultimate_modal icon_type=”selector” icon=”Defaults-pagelines” modal_title=”Foxglove – Digitalis” modal_on=”text” read_text=”Foxglove – Digitalis” modal_size=”medium” modal_style=”overlay-zoomin” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″ img_size=”80″ header_text_color=”#dd3333″ content_text_color=”#dd3333″ txt_color=”#000000″ content_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” trigger_text_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_size=”desktop:22px;tablet:18px;tablet_portrait:16px;mobile_landscape:14px;mobile:12px;”]
Foxglove are tall, slender plants that grow 2 to 5 feet tall and just 1 to 2 feet wide. Their blooms include multiple tubular, often freckled, flowers that form on a spike. They are usually nodding flowers that range in color from purple to white. The white ones can be used in moon gardens. Bloom time is in the early summer months (late spring in warm zones). Digitalis species thrive in acidic soils, in partial sunlight to deep shade, in a range of habitats, including open woods, woodland clearings, moorland and heath margins, sea-cliffs, rocky mountain slopes and hedge banks. Foxglove plants thrive in rich, well-drained soil. It’s important to keep soil moist, as this will encourage the re-growth of flowers. For best results, prune your plants regularly and your Foxgloves will reseed themselves.
Foxglove are tall, slender plants that grow 2 to 5 feet tall and just 1 to 2 feet wide. Their blooms include multiple tubular, often freckled, flowers that form on a spike. They are usually nodding flowers that range in color from purple to white. The white ones can be used in moon gardens. Bloom time is in the early summer months (late spring in warm zones). Digitalis species thrive in acidic soils, in partial sunlight to deep shade, in a range of habitats, including open woods, woodland clearings, moorland and heath margins, sea-cliffs, rocky mountain slopes and hedge banks. Foxglove plants thrive in rich, well-drained soil. It’s important to keep soil moist, as this will encourage the re-growth of flowers. For best results, prune your plants regularly and your Foxgloves will reseed themselves.
They enjoy light shade, with the majority of species preferring cool temperatures, however they can thrive in environments where light varies throughout the day. The exception is the Mediterranean foxglove, which requires warmer temperatures. When planting in the garden, opt for lighter soils. If you only have heavy clay to work with, add good compost to the top few inches for best results. In addition to this, mulch well to retain moisture, as the fibrous roots tend to spread vertically, creating vast mats that support the flower spikes.
Traditionally, foxgloves come in the shape of a purple, pink shade with a spotted centre, which is tinged with green. These clusters of tubular shaped blooms also come in lavender, yellow, pink, red, and purple hues. Their colours vary very subtly, with the exception of wild foxgloves, which boast a pure white hue. The flowers themselves are extremely elegant in style, with the bells hanging gracefully from one side of the stem.[/ultimate_modal]
[ultimate_modal icon_type=”selector” icon=”Defaults-pagelines” modal_title=”Japanese Painted Ferns – Athyrium niponicum” modal_on=”text” read_text=”Japanese Painted Ferns” modal_size=”medium” modal_style=”overlay-zoomin” overlay_bg_opacity=”80″ img_size=”80″ header_text_color=”#dd3333″ content_text_color=”#dd3333″ txt_color=”#000000″ content_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” trigger_text_font_style=”font-weight:bold;” header_font_size=”desktop:22px;tablet:18px;tablet_portrait:16px;mobile_landscape:14px;mobile:12px;”]
Japanese painted ferns (Athyrium niponicum) are colorful specimens that brightens the part shade to shady areas of the garden. Silvery fronds with a touch of blue and deep red stems make this fern stand out. Learning where to plant Japanese painted fern is key to the success of growing this attractive plant. Japanese painted fern plants thrive when light and soil conditions make them happy. Gentle morning sun and a rich, composted soil are vital to the proper care for Japanese painted ferns. Consistently moist and well-draining soil optimizes growth. Soil without good drainage can cause roots to rot or cause disease.
Japanese painted ferns (Athyrium niponicum) are colorful specimens that brightens the part shade to shady areas of the garden. Silvery fronds with a touch of blue and deep red stems make this fern stand out. Learning where to plant Japanese painted fern is key to the success of growing this attractive plant. Japanese painted fern plants thrive when light and soil conditions make them happy. Gentle morning sun and a rich, composted soil are vital to the proper care for Japanese painted ferns. Consistently moist and well-draining soil optimizes growth. Soil without good drainage can cause roots to rot or cause disease.
Perennial Plant of the Year 2004 – It is one of the most popular cultivated ferns, due to the beautiful combination of green and purple shades on its fronds that appear to be “painted” with silver. Easy to grow in damp, humus soil, not too fertile.It forms a tight, hardy ground cover when plants are placed about 1 foot apart. It is deciduous, and although it reaches only 8 to 12 inches in height, it is easy to grow, prolific, and easily divided.
It has many uses inclusive of woodland gardens, shade gardens or shaded border fronts. Also effective in shaded areas along streams or ponds.
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