There are many different types of flowers for full shade. In this article, we will discuss the Bellflower, Ligularia, and Toadlilies, unique shade-loving perennials. We’ll also discuss Hostas, which have no rival when it comes to deep shade. No garden would be complete without a Hosta. But which flowers do you need in full shade? Read on to discover the best options.
Toadlilies are unique shade-loving perennials
Toadlilies are clump-forming, slow-spreading perennials with orchid-like foliage. They have six-petaled flowers with purple spots, which are surrounded by a band of hair. The leaves are arranged alternately and have parallel veins. Known as hairy toad lilies, these perennials are great for flower arrangements and make excellent cut flowers.
Toadlilies are an excellent choice for planting in shady areas. Their flowers are unique, appearing in a variety of shades in late summer. They are highly ornamental and come in a wide range of colors. Unlike most other shade-loving perennials, their flowers are spotted, which makes them attractive to look at. The flower-bearing stems of Toadlilies are easy to maintain and can be planted in containers.
Bellflowers are a show-off flower
Bellflowers are a diverse group of flowering plants. They are native to many parts of the world, so you should research specific varieties before purchasing. In general, they prefer average to well-drained soil, but the exact amount of water they need can vary widely. Learn more about bellflower care, including when to prune and when to deadhead. Also, learn about their growing requirements, and get ready for an amazing display.
The flower stems of bellflowers are covered with bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. This low-maintenance plant requires moist soil that drains well. Full-sun conditions are not essential as the bellflower will tolerate some amount of shade. It thrives in full shade and semi-shade, although it prefers full sun in warmer regions. Bellflowers can be divided and transplanted frequently to ensure their vitality.
Ligularia is a show-off flower
In the full shade, Ligularia is a stunning and elegant flower. Its foliage is a rich burgundy and its spires of bright yellow flowers are impressive. Its foliage is often dissected, and some varieties have color-changing leaves. This species grows well in partial shade, and makes a bold statement even when it isn’t blooming. It’s easy to grow and blooms year-round.
The only disadvantage of growing this plant in full shade is that it needs constant moisture. In warmer climates, supplemental watering may be necessary, as the leaves will wilt if not supplied with sufficient moisture. The soil in which Ligularia is grown should be rich in organic matter and moisture-retentive. Compost amendment would be helpful. Watering the plant on a regular schedule and fertilizing it with a general-purpose fertilizer will ensure a healthy plant.
Hostas are indispensable in deep shade
In addition to their colorful foliage, hostas need plenty of shade to thrive. Blue, green, and variegated hostas grow best in deep shade. In cooler climates, hostas can tolerate full sun. But they require frequent watering. A little too much sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow and lose their vibrant colors. In these conditions, consider planting hostas with brightly colored foliage in partial shade.
Young hostas grow with lance-shaped leaves that turn heart-shaped in a couple of years. Hostas come in an incredible range of sizes and colors. Large plants will make you stop and say “wow!” While medium and small hostas make lovely edging along paths and borders, miniature hostas will be the center of attention in a container. They grow well in filtered shade and require a moist soil, so deep shade is an important consideration.
Coleus produces a narrow blue spike in late summer
One of the best-known foliage plants, Coleus has numerous leaf colors and is suitable for full shade and part-shade gardens. It produces a narrow blue spike in late summer that adds intense color to the garden until frost. If you are unsure of when to remove the spike, consider pulling it as soon as it appears. Fortunately, coleus is easy to care for once it starts to appear.
Because coleus needs bright light, it prefers a sunny spot. Avoid full sun during the middle of the day, though, as the leaves will become sun-faded and sun-scalded. It will thrive in full shade or part shade, depending on the variety and cultivar. A good selection for full-shade or part-shade situations would be “Black Magic” or “Fishnet Stockings.”
Spiderwort is a show-off flower
The most important thing to remember when planting spiderwort is to make sure the soil is damp. It’s best to water the plant daily, so it doesn’t become too dry. Spiderwort’s roots are shallow and fan out along the soil surface. Watering this plant is easy as long as you remember to remove the excess water. If you’re growing it in a container, you’ll need to thin the spiderwort plants during early spring garden cleanup. You can also transplant spiderwort in the full sun. The best time to plant spiderwort in the full shade is late September or early October.
The spiderwort plant grows up to three feet tall. The flowers are tiny and triangular-shaped. They bloom in early morning and last for a day. You’ll notice the many flowers in the cluster. The flowers of this plant are so beautiful they can attract native bees and butterflies. Spiderwort is a good plant for partial shade gardens, where the sunlight isn’t too strong.
Toadlilies are hardy in zones 5 to 8
Toad lilies are hardy from zones 5 to 8, and their crown is elevated above soil level. They require hard pruning each winter, though you can leave flower stalks uncut to seed. If you find excess foliage on your toad lily, remove it and the plant will divert energy toward forming rhizomes. Toadlilies thrive in ponds.
Toad lilies grow well in containers and prefer consistent moisture. They need moist soil, and watering is important to keep the soil evenly moist. Watering can be more frequent than necessary, but you should never leave the soil dry. Toad lilies grow well in full sun to partial shade, depending on the climate. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal.
Primula veris
Primroses, especially those that grow in full shade, are incredibly easy to grow. Their flowers are a wonderful, nectar-pollen-rich variety that attracts butterflies and other pollinators. In fact, they are one of the only plants in the entire plant kingdom to be listed in the Pharmacopee Francais. Among its other benefits, primroses also attract beneficial pollinators.
The phenolic glycosides present in this plant make it an excellent source of bioactive compounds. The flower extracts from Primula veris and elatior are rich in rutoside and hyperoside, which are both antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds. These compounds are found only in the flowers of one species, making them useful chemical markers for identification. For this reason, primroses are popular as a beautiful and edible plant.
Primula polyantha
When planning a garden, you might want to plant a variety of primroses to get the most beauty. Primula polyantha is a perennial that is suitable for planting in USDA plant hardiness zones eight through nine. The various cultivars differ slightly in sun tolerance, so it’s important to choose the right species for your climate. The following are some popular types of primroses. For more information, read our primer on primroses.
One of the most beautiful primroses is the ‘Drift’. Its compact, globe-shaped flowers have yellow eyes and a sweet fragrance. The flowers last for weeks in cut arrangements. You should consider growing the Primula ‘Drift’ with Athyrium ‘Regal Red’ behind it. Primula ‘Drift’ is a great plant for shady borders, and thrives in moist, acidic soil.
Toadlilies
Toad lilies are a beautiful, unusual flower for a shady garden. They are often spotted and will flower later in the summer than other shade plants. Toad lilies make beautiful cut flowers with variegated leaves and dark purple flowers. They are also deer resistant and are a good choice for shady areas. Toad lilies can be grown in containers, but you must ensure the container has drainage holes. Toad lilies are best grown in glazed ceramic or plastic pots. A terracotta pot is not recommended as it will whisk away moisture.
Toad lilies are perennials with creeping rhizomes. Their flower stems are erect, producing several stems with showy white tepals. They have yellow throats and are generally born in clusters in late summer. Their foliage is attractive throughout the growing season. In a Chicago Botanic Plant Evaluation study, ‘Miyazaki’ received an excellent rating.