Thursday, July 25, 2013

Shade Perennials To Complete Your Landscape

By Gene Bush


Some of the last places many homeowners successfully landscape are those shaded by trees or the home itself. These areas offer several challenges, including lack of light, dry conditions and poor soil. However the following shade perennials can thrive in such areas with proper care.

The bigroot geranium is a tough plant that can survive many of the challenges of the shady life. It is not bothered by heat or drought. Most of the time animals, such as deer or rabbits often pass by in search of tastier plants. It provides pink or white flowers. Some varieties also offer excellent fall colors and the foliage has a woodsy scent. The plant is best planted in Zones 4-8.

Toad lilies offer a beautiful Autumn show. They are thrive under these conditions and provide unique orchid like flowers. They blooms are often dotted with blue or purple colors. For large lavender flowers that mix well with hostas, choose the Tojen variety.

Hostas are showy plants that do well under these conditions. They provide the largest variety of plants that do well in low light environments. Miniatures grow to a few inches in width while giants may cover six or more feet. Leaves are available in a variety of colors including greens, blues, whites, chartreuses and golds. Many are variegated. Very fragrant flowers are available in some varieties.

Ajuga is a groundcover that provides both foliage and pretty pink flowers. The green leaves are glossy and deep in color. During the spring, blue flowers may spike from the plants. It does best in Zones 3-9 and normally does not grow more than six inches in height.

When attempting to landscape shaded beds homeowners may find these shade perennials to be a good choice. They thrive even in heavily shaded areas and create beautiful displays. Most mix well with other plants that love a shaded environment in which to grow.




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