If you live in a shaded area and have trouble finding the right plants for your space, read this article to discover the best plants for your landscape. In this article, we’ll cover Rhododendrons, Corydalis, Heucheras, and Bletilla striata. You can also find out what to plant in a partially shaded area. Read on to find out more.
Rhododendrons
The most important aspect of rhododendron care is to choose the right location for your shrub. Most of these trees thrive in partial or dappled shade. Ideally, they will be planted on the north side of a building. The soil needs to be acidic, but not overly acidic. Rhododendrons need a little water every two weeks.
One of the best plants for a shady area is a rhododendron that blooms in early spring. This evergreen shrub bears a heavy, fragrant flower in spring. It also requires little care and can thrive in shaded areas. In fact, these plants can last for decades without much attention. So, if you are looking for a plant to grow in your garden, rhododendrons are the best choice.
Rhododendrons have shallow roots, making them the perfect choice for shaded areas. Moreover, they do not like to be buried deep in the ground, so you can prune them to maintain their vibrant color. In winter, the foliage is deep purple or black. If the temperature is too high, it may die back. If the temperature is too low, rhododendrons may be best plants for shaded areas.
If you have an area that is partially or completely shaded, consider planting rhododendron. There are over 1,200 species of rhododendron in the world, and as many as 28,000 cultivars. Partial shade is best for this species, as it allows it to remain compact. It also helps the plant to flower. In fact, their popularity has led to many hybrids.
Bletilla striata
The most important aspect of selecting a plant for shaded areas is its hardiness range. The Bletilla striata can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels from 5.5 to 7.0. It requires regular feeding, watering, and support. It tolerates cold temperatures to -3.5 degrees F and requires heavy or moderate mulching in zones five and six. The species is also a good choice for container gardening.
This half-hardy perennial grows in most gardens and is suitable for shady areas. It has flowers that bloom in early spring and grows between thirty and fifty centimeters tall. The lance-shaped leaves on this plant have a fragrant scent that lasts for up to 10 weeks. Depending on the cultivar, it can be grown in zones 5 with a little care.
A native of the New World, the bletilla plant grows to about 1.5 feet tall and can thrive in a variety of woodland sites. It thrives in moist, evenly drained soil, and can tolerate partial or full shade. The bletilla is drought-tolerant and forms large clumps quickly. While it is not ideal for shady areas, it will still thrive in your garden if the conditions are right.
The Striata form is a popular cultivar and is a popular plant in the southern part of Japan. It is named after a famous ancient Japanese novelist. Its flowers are lavender, rather than the usual blue or pink. Unlike B. striata, Mursaki shikibu cultivars are mass-produced in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu.
Heucheras
Heucheras are the best plants for shaded areas because of their drought-resistant habits and early spring blooms. Their deeply veined foliage changes colors from rose to purple in different seasons and depending on the amount of light they get. They bloom in late spring and early summer on 18-inch stems, and their flowers may last for more than two months. Heucheras grow best in partial shade, but they need regular watering once they are established.
Heucheras grow well in containers and can be paired with other foliage plants that thrive in shade. They are excellent companions for hostas, dicentra, hellebores, impatiens, and other shade-loving plants. They can be planted in containers, mixed perennial borders, or mixed with a variety of other shade-loving perennials. Whether they’re in full sun or shade, heucheras make a great addition to any garden.
Plant breeders have developed hundreds of varieties of heucheras. These hardy plants do well in our British climate. They grow in container and window-boxes and tolerate low light. Heucheras are not sensitive to pH levels. The best part about planting heucheras in shade is that they are relatively drought-tolerant once they are established. A heuchera’s crown – the central portion of the plant where all leaves emerge – should be planted below the soil line.
Heuchera perennials are easiest to grow from seed. Some of the plants are not very attractive, so it’s best to start from seed. Alternatively, you can buy root cuttings from the nursery and plant them in your garden. They’ll look like their parent plant. The best time to divide a clump is in early spring or late fall. After they’ve developed their second set of leaves, thin the plants and transplant them to a deeper location.
Corydalis
If you’re looking for a beautiful plant to grow in a shady area of your yard, consider corydalis. This species has delicate, filigree leaves that resemble the head of a crested lark. The flowers come and go throughout the summer, but they’re only temporary. Corydalis plants need a humid, shaded location to thrive.
The corydalis genus is known for its elegant foliage and stunning blooms. Like bleeding hearts, corydalis grows in partly shaded areas with moist soil. They typically form a low mound and grow only up to two feet tall. Corydalis flowers are a gorgeous and unique feature of the garden, and can be found in many colors. The flower color will depend on the species.
There are several different varieties of corydalis, including Berry Exciting and Purple Leaf. Berry Exciting has golden yellow foliage and magenta flowers. Canary Feather features bright yellow blossoms on a blue background. The Purple Leaf is a lonelier variety, but can also thrive in partial shade. Its purple foliage and flowers make it a beautiful addition to a shady area.
These plants have a wide variety of benefits, including low water requirements. They will grow in shaded areas, but they will not thrive in over-watered conditions. Corydalis is a perennial woodland plant that thrives in dappled shade. Slugs and snails love to live on corydalis and their flowers provide cool, leaf shelter in a shaded area.
Bleeding heart
Bleeding hearts are a beautiful, easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in partial or full shade. In cooler climates, they can also thrive in full sun. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, as the bleeding heart’s leaves tend to turn yellow. It prefers a neutral or slightly acidic soil. It will grow best if the pH level in the soil is between 6.0 and 6.5. Once it has finished growing in the spring, bleeding hearts will go dormant.
While bleeding hearts don’t have any serious problems, they do face disease and insect attacks. Fungal leaf spot can cause the leaves to yellow and have a halo of yellow. You can kill this disease by spraying with horticultural oil or neem oil. Don’t spray bleeding hearts during the daytime, as this can burn the foliage. Apply it later in the day to avoid harming the pollinators.
Plant bleeding hearts early in the spring. While they are dormant during the winter, they are easier to handle. They form strong roots during the fall and emerge with flowers in the spring. Plant bleeding hearts in well-drained soil in partial shade. Light to moderate shade is ideal. Plant bleeding hearts two to three feet apart, with the roots pointing downward and the eyes below the soil level.
If you want to grow bleeding hearts in your garden, you can start them from seed or stem cuttings. Because they self-seed in gardens, they can be planted from seed. You can start bleeding hearts from seeds indoors, but they need freezing temperatures for six weeks. Once the seeds have thawed, they should be moved outdoors to a 55 to 60 degree/C temperature for germination. After the leaves turn brown, they will start blooming.