If you want to create a garden in the shade, you should consider growing some Perennials, Geraniums, Hostas, and Ferns. In this article, we’ll discuss which of these plants thrives best in shaded areas. Listed below are some of the best plants for shade in our area. Read on to learn more. Also, read about some other great plants for shade! The best plants for shade are the ones that thrive in shade, and you won’t even know they’re there!
Perennials
The best perennials for shade are those that can tolerate a bit of shady light, but are not likely to take over the garden. Perennials grow back every year, after their roots have gone dormant over the winter. You can choose among many garden-worthy varieties of shade-loving perennials, including natives and familiar plants. Read on to learn more. Here are some examples of shade-loving perennials that will make your backyard a haven for everyone.
A popular choice for shade-tolerant plants is the Japanese painted fern. Another shade-tolerant perennial is the native lady fern. This plant is elegant and widely adaptable, growing in moist woods, down slopes, along streams, and even cultivated shade gardens. Its fronds are about two to three feet long and are paired beautifully with other shade-tolerant perennials. The native lady fern pairs well with several other perennials.
Lungwort is another hard-working perennial, which doesn’t attract deer or rabbits. Lungwort is a perennial plant that blooms from late spring until frost. Yellow corydalis is another favorite, with gray-green leaves and white flowers that self-seed. It will thrive in a shade garden and will even tolerate deer! This plant can tolerate a lot of shade, and it will keep your garden looking dazzling.
Ferns
Fortunately, there are many types of ferns that can thrive in the shade of your garden. Many are hardy and will tolerate both cold and hot weather. Most are small, one to three feet wide, and are slow-growing. They all like moist, organic soil, and a shady location. Hardy varieties are even hardy in full shade when given constant moisture. Read on to learn more about the best ferns for shade.
Leatherwood fern: This fern, also called marginal shield frond, is native to the eastern U.S. It grows to a height of 18-24 inches. Because its fronds are leathery, they are best grown in moist, shady areas. The leatherwood fern is hardy from zones three to eight. Its ferny leaves are attractive year-round and complement other plants such as hostas, heucheras, hellebores, carex, and wild ginger.
For shade, try a few different varieties. Some of the most beautiful types are the tall, strappy, and elegant Korean Rock Fern. This fern is deer resistant and grows best in partial to full shade. Its foliage is dark green and will contrast beautifully with lighter colored shade perennials. Keep in mind, however, that male ferns are poisonous if ingested. If you have pets that like to chew plants, consider planting an upright specimen to avoid causing poisonous damage to your plants.
Geraniums
There are many varieties of geraniums that will thrive in the shade. If you want a plant that blooms during the entire summer, consider ‘Lily Lovell’, which prefers partial shade. Its deep purple flowers are surrounded by white centers. Its foliage is variegated, and its leaves have darker veins. This geranium does well in shady spots, but it needs a certain amount of moisture to thrive.
Hardy geraniums require little care, but may suffer from late Summer mildew and vine weevil larvae. You can prune them back with shears once they bloom and new foliage will appear. A second flush of blooms usually follows. Cut the stems and replant them for another flush of flowers. Depending on the type of soil in your garden, you can prune them as necessary. The new foliage will soon form a pleasing mound.
If you’re unsure of which variety is best for your climate and growing conditions, consider Cranesbill geranium. Its large flower clusters are easy to divide and can be gifted to friends or family members. Cranesbills also grow well in shady spots and have a wide range of uses in the garden. These hardy geraniums are a good investment.
Hostas
Despite being popular in gardens, many people aren’t aware that hostas are actually the best plants for shade. The truth is, hostas can thrive in shade, but they prefer a partially sunny location. They require adequate moisture and well-amended soil. The best shade-loving hostas are the blue-leaved variety. You can plant these plants in containers to control flower height.
This species is native to China, Korea, and Japan, but only recently became popular in North America. Variegated hostas have stripes or bands of contrasting colors around the leaf’s edge. They may be bicolor or tricolor, or even white-leafed. Some newer varieties feature three different colors. These plants are best planted in dappled or partial shade to avoid the hot, dry summers and early autumn.
Larger varieties are best for shade gardens. These plants can stand up to invasive perennials, like Japanese Forest Grass. They also mix well with easy-to-maintain ground covers. The foliage of hostas is often contrasted with the greens of ferns or Japanese Forest Grass. The plants grow together, and they can easily be pruned to make them bushier.
Azaleas
The best part of growing Azaleas in shady conditions is that most species tolerate shade quite well. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before planting your new shrub. Although Azaleas can tolerate shade, they do not like full sunlight and will produce less blooms. Azaleas are best suited for partial shade or full shade, but it’s important to note that each plant has its own specific requirements.
First, azaleas require filtered sunlight. In areas where sunlight can reach only during the early morning, they will not thrive. Azaleas are best planted in areas with variable shade, such as under the canopy of large deciduous trees. While they can tolerate full shade and partial shade conditions, they can burn if the area is over-sunned. Shaded areas should be located away from buildings and other large trees.
When growing Azaleas in full shade, they will produce fewer flowers, and their blooms will last less. This type of growing environment can also cause the shrub to become scrawny and weak. Additionally, Azaleas can be susceptible to disease and insects, so full shade should be avoided if possible. To avoid this, plant Azaleas in areas with partial shade, where they can receive some light during the day and partial sun during the evening.
Coleus
The leaves of coleus have a luminous quality when grown in partial shade, particularly on overcast or hazy days. In the evening, these plants glow even more vibrantly, and the color of their leaves is beyond description. In the house, coleus is susceptible to mealybugs, which can find their way through cuttings or indoor plants. The right fertilizers will keep plant energy directed toward its striking foliage.
‘Under the Sea Fishnet’ is another good option, which will provide texture to your landscape. The foliage is tipped with green ribbons. This plant needs filtered or partial shade and moist soil. The ‘Wizard Jade’ coleus, which is similar but bushier, has toothed leaves with a salmon pink center. It will also tolerate some light and can tolerate full sun.
Although coleus will tolerate some shade in a garden, it can also overwinter indoors. In colder climates, coleus does well in pots and planters. They do best in well-drained potting soil. They should be kept just moist but should not be waterlogged. Pinch back the stems to encourage dense foliage growth. Remove flowers after flowering to prevent the plant from going to seed. There are several new varieties of coleus being developed, including varieties that produce prolific lateral branching and blooming late in the summer.
Golden star
Golden Star is a native, deer-resistant plant that can thrive in shade and full sun. Golden Star can be divided and planted in different locations, making it a great choice for a ground cover or container garden. Golden star can also be propagated from softwood cuttings. Look for varieties with stolons, as these will develop a root system and grow into a full plant. This plant also grows well in groups.
Often called a golden star, this native plant is low-maintenance and low-water-required plant. It grows to a mat of low-growing foliage and produces attractive, star-shaped yellow flowers in early spring. These plants are not very ornamental, but their low-maintenance nature makes them an excellent choice for shade gardens. They grow easily in a sunny location, as they are slow to spread.
The golden star plant grows well in part-shade conditions and appreciates consistent moisture. However, if you’re growing it in a particularly poor soil, you may need to provide additional nutrients for the plant to grow properly. This is not a necessity, but if you want to have golden star year-round, you can consider planting seedlings in early spring and dividing them in the autumn. Cuttings and runners are easier to propagate from mature plants.