Lynnguistics - Shade Perennials

dahlias | daylilies | drying flowers | growing herbs | weeding

SHADE PERENNIALS

	Asiatic Lilies Asiatic lilies are the earliest flowering lilies, and produce large, elegant flowers in a wide range of colors in early summer. Plant several different varieties of lilies together in a large container for a vivid, multi-colored display. Asiatic lilies are tolerant of filtered shade, and are not at all bothered if placed near trees or hedges. Magnificent flowers supported on stems two to four feet high need no staking. Plant in spring in soil that isn't too rich.
	Astilbe The sun burns out the color pink, coral, magenta, plum and lavender, from these mid-to late-season flowers, so you'll want to plant them in a moderately shaded site, where the soil ( as rich as possible ) stay slightly damp. The plants average about two feet in height. To prolong their life, divide every three or four years, preferably in early spring.
	Bleeding Hearts ABleeding heart is an herbaceous perennial valued for its ferny foliage and pink, heart-shaped flowers that grow on arching stems in the spring. This perennial has a fairly short blooming period, but it grows well in shade and can be a lovely addition to a woodland or shade garden. Grows to be approximately 3 feet tall. Plant in a shady spot in rich, well drained soil.
	Coral bells Plant in a partly shaded spot. These dark-pink delicate flowers are ideal for floral arrangements. They flower from June through September.
	Foxglove Foxgloves have beautiful delicate flowers on tall stems, blooming in late spring through early summer. Foxgloves are grown as a biennial and as a perennial. They have broad leaves that offer interest during the rest of the year, giving the plant added value to the garden. Cut back the flower stems to 6 inches after the flowers fade. Thrives in doppled shade.
	Hosta Most hostas are grown solely for their foliage and its attributes. Leaf color may be shades of green, gold to yellow, white or bluish. Variegated forms of two colors are common. Perceived leaf color may be affected by leaf texture. Hostas with glossy leaves seem to have more color than those with dull ones. Leaves that are crinkled or seersucker-like appear darker than those that are smooth. Hosta leaves have many shapes allowing them to blend easily with other plants. Leaf blades may be rounded to oval, heart shaped, or strap-like. The leaf may be flat, have a wavy edge or be somewhat contorted. Hostas grow by underground stems called rhizomes. Some form symmetrical mounds while others develop into irregular, informal clumps. Plants will flourish in even the deepest shade.
	Lady's-Mantle A very easy perennial, with lovely lime-green foilage and sprays of yellow flowers. The leaves look like inside-out umbrellas, these catch the rain drops in their centre. Once considered a weed, this flower is gaining popularity. From June through August, chartreuse flowers about eighteen inches high, top foliage much like that of a water lily. This pest-free plant, makes a wonderful companion to coralbells, and is also useful in rock.
	Lily Of The Valley Happy even in dense shade, these eight inch plants make a great ground cover. They need their own location, as they will crowd out other species. Plant in moist fertile soil. Blooms in May and June. Dig them up and and pot them as gifts for your friends, as they do multiply very rapidly.
	Spiderwort Plants are very tolerant of soils with poor fertility and poor drainage. In fact, when grown in soils with higher fertility, plants will often grow too tall to support themselves and fall over. These will close up with too much sun. Blossoms of delicate blues, lavender, purple and white appear on compact, two foot plants from June, until frost.
	Virginia Bluebells Flowers come in either white or pink buds that age to blue. This plant is a spring blooming ephemeral that goes dormant by the heat of summer. Plan for other plants to fill in the space it leaves behind. Plant under trees or shrubs or wherever you would like to see an eye-catching display of electric blue and lavender flowers in April and May. Virginia bluebells do best in moist well-drained soil rich in organic matter.