In addition to being part of shade, there are many other plant species you can choose from. The list includes Hellebores, Coleus, Trilliums, and Rhododendrons. Each plant has its own characteristics and uses. Read on to find out which ones are the best for your area. We also include information about growing them in pots. And don’t forget to look for their colorful flowers. You’ll find that these plants grow well even in partial shade.
Rhododendrons
In order to enjoy the benefits of rhododendrons, the ideal mix of shade and sun must be achieved. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.0 and 5.5. This pH level is higher than the native soil of rhodies. You can check the pH level of your soil using a home-testing kit, or visit a soil testing laboratory. To make sure the pH level is right for rhodies, you can add sulfur or iron sulfate. In general, rhodies need fertile, well-drained soil. You should use two parts of organic matter to one part native soil. You should also add a bit of sand to the mix.
Despite the fact that rhododendrons are renowned as best plants for the shade, it is important to remember that they require a certain level of sunlight for proper growth. Planting them in direct sunlight could lead to them developing leathery leaves and odd shapes. This would reduce their beauty and make them unusable as a garden plant. However, if the shade is optimal, you can enjoy a beautiful rhododendron in your garden.
Hellebores
Typically sold as potted nursery specimens, hellebores are easy to grow in shady areas, but can also be grown from seed. While they prefer a shady location, they do need shelter from harsh winter winds. If they are kept in a shaded area for most of the year, they will grow well even if it is cold and sunny for some part of the year. In addition to being able to tolerate the shade, they are very drought tolerant once established. Their soil pH is neutral or slightly alkaline.
The flowers on hellebores are white and appear singly or in pairs. The flowers are borne on a stout stem about the same height as the foliage clump. The blooming season is in winter, and it is not conducive for pollination by insects. This is why many plants in the shade bloom so early in the spring. Pollinators will therefore take advantage of the few blooming plants in the garden.
Since hellebores thrive in light shade and partial shade, they are an excellent choice for a shade garden. They grow best in well-drained soil with organic matter. You should amend your soil with lime to maintain pH levels, as hellebores prefer a neutral or slightly alkaline environment. In addition, hellebores like a fertile soil, so adding a timed fertilizer every year will bring your blooms to life.
Coleus
If you have limited space, you can grow coleus in containers. Care for coleus cuttings should include keeping the soil moist, a well-draining soil mix, and proper sunlight exposure. Planting coleus in containers is the easiest way to add instant color to your garden. Planting coleus in pots allows you to move them from one spot to another and add color to any area.
The foliage of coleus has a luminous quality even in partial shade. Its leaves glow warmly, especially when reflected by sunset light. The colors are truly beyond description. Insects and disease: The most common pests that affect coleus are mealybugs and aphids. While they don’t affect coleus plants in the garden, you should keep them indoors and treat them with neem or malathion, a home remedy for mealybugs and aphids.
A coleus plant can brighten up the shade garden. The colorful leaves of coleus will look gorgeous next to impatiens. The plant is also known as a “filler,” which means it will bloom year after year. It will grow well in dappled sunlight, but can get overexposed to the sun. If you’re concerned about shade tolerance, you can pinch the foliage to allow new colorful leaves to grow.
Trilliums
Native to North America, trilliums are a lovely choice for a shade garden. They do well in USDA zones four through nine, and prefer soils that are well-drained with an acidic pH. They also benefit from mulch made from bark or leaves. In addition to their low watering needs, trilliums are pest-resistant, making them a great choice for a shady garden.
The largest of the three trilliums, Sweet Beth is a shade garden plant. It grows two feet tall and blooms chocolate-red flowers beneath large leaves. Flowers are oblong and reflexed, pushing the stamens forward. These flower-filled plants bloom in mid to late spring. Trilliums are hardy in zones four through nine, and will tolerate shade, but require a warm summer.
Trilliums are a lily-family member with three-petaled flowers. Their flowers resemble rotting meat or fruit and have a distinct, delicate fragrance. They grow in woodlands and thickets in north America and parts of Asia. There are forty species, and they are hardy in USDA zones four through nine. The flowers are trillium-like, with a three-petalled flower and bracts reminiscent of poinsettia petals.
Foxgloves
If you’re looking for a beautiful plant for your shade garden, try foxglove. These annuals require good drainage and should be planted in well-drained soil. Keep in mind that foxgloves can be susceptible to crown rot if watered too frequently. The best way to combat this problem is to keep watering to a minimum – overhead watering can encourage fungal disease.
They can be planted in the spring or early summer season. Sow the seeds in late spring to early summer in a well-prepared seedbed. Thin the seedlings to 15cm (6in) apart and then move them to a location where they can flower in the autumn. You can also start foxglove seeds indoors from March to June. Keep the soil temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Make sure that the soil is not too acidic or it will cause the plant to suffer from powdery mildew.
Once they’re established, foxgloves can be transplanted to a sunny location. They’re easy to grow and reseed. But you’ll have to be patient. You may want to leave them alone for the first few years until their flowers mature and disperse their seeds. But don’t worry, because these plants don’t need much maintenance once they are established.
Indian Pink
If you’re planning to plant a shrub in your shade garden, you might want to try an Indian pink. Its tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and produce nectar for both of them. You can also deadhead the flowers to extend the blooming season. Once established, Indian pink can survive drought. The horticulturist Kim Toscano, host of the popular PBS show, Oklahoma Gardening, recommends planting this plant.
Growing an Indian pink is simple and easy. It does best in the shade under a large tree. The plant can tolerate a little drought and extra moisture. The flowering period lasts until the summer months, when the plant is overwhelmed by summer flowers. It’s also an important plant for wildlife because it attracts pollinators, resulting in a thriving crop. The horticultural and wildlife importance of this native perennial can’t be overstated.
The soil you plant an Indian pink in should have a moist, well-drained pH and adequate moisture. If you’re growing the plant in a bright landscape, you’ll probably need to irrigate it. The plant grows upright and can be a foot to almost three feet tall. The more sunlight it receives, the denser its foliage will be, and the flowers will be more floriferous.
Heucheras
Heucheras are drought-tolerant plants once established. The shallow roots of the genus Heucheropsis allow it to survive on an inch of water per week in the dry summer months and little or no water during the fall and winter. Water early in the morning. While not heavy feeders, they may require occasional light fertilization if grown in containers. In addition to watering, heucheras need good air circulation.
Heucheras are great companions for other shade-loving plants, including hostas and dicentra. They also look beautiful as border edges, especially in mass plantings. Their vibrant foliage makes them attractive in containers, and they are easy to grow. You can also grow a variety of cultivars. Heucheras grow well in nearly any situation in the garden, from partial shade to full sun.
Heucheras are easy to grow, requiring only minimal maintenance. The variety of flowers, leaf color, and pH tolerance will vary among the varieties. Some species of Heuchera are more floriferous than others, so choosing a plant that thrives in dappled shade is key. Heuchera species vary widely in their heat/humidity tolerance and cold-tolerant requirements. Species of Heucheras are perfect for a wide variety of gardens, including urban spaces.