If you want to grow plants in partial shade in your yard, there are a variety of choices to choose from. This article will discuss some of the best plants for partial shade that require very little maintenance. Read on to learn more. If you want to grow a more unusual plant, consider one of these unusual choices. Siberian bugloss, foxglove, and coleus are all great choices, but there are many others as well.
Heuchera
Heuchera grows best in part shade. Water the plant regularly and avoid waterlogging it. Plants will die if the soil becomes wet. Divide the plant in late May or early July and plant the newly created plantlets. In the spring, mulch the plant well. Mulch reduces watering needs while providing low-level nutrients. Divide heuchera if the plant is overgrown. This plant grows well in containers.
Heuchera is related to the foamflower. They are related but have different-shaped leaves and foam-like flowers. They are hybridized. Both plants thrive in partial shade and look great in hanging baskets. Both plants can tolerate low light levels and can be grown in pots. In a garden, plant one of each species and watch its foliage fill in. Heuchera is best for partial shade gardens.
Heuchera is tolerant of drought once established. Because their shallow roots, they require only an inch or two of water every few weeks during dry periods in summer. Water the plants in the morning or early afternoon. Heuchera is not a heavy feeder, but container-grown plants may need an all-purpose fertilizer. However, they don’t need a lot of water to survive the winter season.
Heuchera comes in many different colors. Their leaves are wide and variable in size. The flowers of Heucheras generally appear in late spring or early summer. You can prune the plant to prolong its flowering period and avoid dead flowers falling into the soil. Dead flowers can cause fungal diseases. Also, mulching the plant will add vital nutrients for the plant. It is also possible to plant a second Heuchera in the same container, if it has been moved from the previous container.
Siberian bugloss
This plant has beautiful blooms, which are usually five petals with a white center. The flowers are a variety of bright blue and similar to Forget-me-not plants. The flowers fade during the summer and are followed by the plants’ brown seeds, called schizocarps. Siberian bugloss is a good plant for partial shade because of its low water needs and ease of care.
It is best planted in a part or full-shade location. It requires good drainage and moist soil. Divide plants every three to four years. It is often used in shade gardens, particularly near ponds. Because it grows slowly, it makes a great ground cover. Be sure to give it time to establish itself before dividing it. If you have an abundance of space in your yard, this plant can take over.
The scientific name for Siberian bugloss is Brunnera. This low-maintenance perennial has colorful foliage and is an excellent plant for partial shade. The plant was recently named 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year. Its foliage will keep your plants from scorching your lawn or becoming damaged by direct sunlight. A nice touch is to plant it in a pot. A potted plant will last for many years.
Foxglove
If you want a shade garden plant that blooms for weeks at a time, consider the foxglove. Its flowers are thimble-sized and form spiky clusters. Plant them 15 to 20 inches apart. Planting them too close together will result in clumps. Divide them by hand after they bloom. They prefer moist soil in partial shade. They are also susceptible to rot and fungus.
Most foxgloves are biennials, spending the first year growing foliage and the second year flowering. They will flower each year after the first. Digitalis grandiflora is the easiest to grow and is the most versatile foxglove. Another foxglove is Hakonechloa, a Japanese forest grass that grows well in partial shade. It grows to four feet in four months and survives winters down to zone 5.
It has deep, leathery leaves with netted veins and large, yellow flowers. The flowers are incredibly fragrant and attractive, and the plant blooms from late summer to early winter. The foxglove is also a good companion plant and will grow happily in containers. You can cut it back after it has flowered to promote new growth in the spring. This plant is great for a garden border.
A plant that grows well in a partial shade garden should be a beautiful native. Digitalis purpurea is a pure species native to the UK, but there are many cultivars that look better in the shade. If you choose a foxglove for your garden, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful flowers for weeks on end. But be warned: foxglove can be poisonous to pets.
Coleus
Coleus is a versatile shrub that can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It grows well in moist soil, and is not as fussy about watering as other plants. However, you should avoid prolonged periods of dry weather as it will not tolerate the humidity and heat that they require. If you notice that the leaves are turning brown, water them. Planting coleus in containers requires twice a day watering, and once every two to three days when grown in the house.
Coleus can be susceptible to infestation. Infestations may look like holes in the leaves or white cottony spots on the stem. If you spot these signs, apply Sevin Insect Killer Ready-to-Spray, which kills on contact. The spray will last about 3 months and continues protecting your coleus. If you spot mealybugs, try squirting them with a strong water spray. To remove cottony masses, use a soft brush dipped in alcohol.
The best way to care for coleus is to provide regular watering. It needs to be moist, but not so wet. Constant wetness will cause the stem to rot or dissolve. Always remember to water your coleus when you notice it needs it. If you don’t want to wait, plant it in the shade. In a pot, watering it regularly can increase its lifespan and reduce the cost of your purchase.
Dead nettle
You can use dead nettle as a groundcover for shady areas. You can also plant it in your flower beds, cottage gardens, and as a mulch for shrub hedges. Although it’s a weed, dead nettle is completely safe to touch. Even the dead stingers are edible if prepared properly. It doesn’t like direct sunlight and will spread rapidly to smother weeds.
The spotted variety of dead nettle grows best in partial shade. It has silver-green leaves with emerald green edges. It blooms early in the spring and is a source of nectar for bees. This plant grows to be eight to 12 inches tall and can trail up to 3 feet. It makes an excellent ground cover and a beautiful spiller plant. Unlike other weeds, dead nettle doesn’t grow in a rich soil, so it’s the best choice for partial shade.
There are several cultivars of dead nettle, and they all have unique attributes. The ‘Shell Pink’ cultivar, for example, has clear pink flowers, while ‘Beacon Silver’ and ‘White Nancy’ are pale greenish-yellow. Unlike the ‘Shell Pink’ variety, the ‘Spotted’ cultivar requires little soil preparation, so it can survive in very poor soil. If you want to plant dead nettle, be sure to check out the following varieties:
Spiderwort
If you’re in need of a houseplant that thrives in partial shade, consider planting spiderwort. It doesn’t require much care and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It will benefit from occasional fertilization, although it doesn’t need it often. Indoor plants will need a little extra humidity to thrive, so you can water them every other week or every ten days. And because it grows well in containers, you can move it from room to room without worrying about its leaves wilting.
Tradescantia ohiensis is an attractive perennial plant with long, arching leaves. The leaves grow up to six inches long and are topped with small clusters of violet flowers that reach two inches across. The flowers contain showy yellow stamens. The plant is native to the United States and grows well in part shade. It has attractive seasonal blooms that attract native bees and butterflies.
When growing spiderwort, make sure the flowers are open half of the time. This will ensure the flowers are visible throughout the day. Spiderwort is easy to repot, and you can use the stems to divide the plant. A good plant for partial shade is a variety that will tolerate shade and thrive in your home. The plant requires a few hours of light per day to produce flowers, but if it receives all-day sun, you’ll need to provide enough water. Once you’ve got a spiderwort plant growing, keep in mind the amount of sunlight it receives and when to repot it.
