Shade Gardening - Types of Plants for Shade
People are often amazed at the variety of plants suitable for shade gardens.
Sure, there are varying degrees of shade, from light shade to heavily shaded,
and everything in between. Nature created plants that thrive in each and
every type of surrounding. If you've got a small area of your yard that is
inhospitable to the sun lovers in the plant world, there's no shortage of
plants suitable for your needs.
Types of Shade-loving Plants:
Ferns- Tops on the list of many experienced shade gardeners are ferns.
Ferns are grown for their colorful foliage. There is a wide variety
of plant sizes, leaf colors, and leaf shapes. They are extremely easy to
grow.
More on growing Ferns
Hostas- perhaps the most popular of shade loving plants. Grown for
their attractive leaves, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from....a
Hosta for every shade gardener. And, you won't be alone. There are legions
of growers and plenty of Hosta Groups and organizations.
More on Hostas
Bleeding Hearts - Attractive plants
and an attractive flower. While most shade loving plants are grown for their
foliage, you will love the colorful blooms of Bleeding Hearts flowers.
Bulbs- Opportunities abound. If you are growing under trees, select
spring flowering bulbs. They will grow and bloom before the leaves appear.
There are also spring bulbs that grow well in shady areas, most notably Lily
of the Valley.
More on Bulbs
Flowers- There are hundred upon hundreds of types of annual, biennial,
and perennial flowers. The vast majority are sun worshippers. But, that leaves
a sizable minority of neat flowers that prefer the shade in your yard.
Houseplants- Few people think about planting houseplants outdoors
in shady areas. But, it works well. Your houseplant spent the long winter
in doors and saw little, if any, direct sunlight. It's already accustomed
to lower light levels. If grown outdoors in shady areas, they will suffer
less leaf drop when brought indoors in the fall.
More on Houseplants
Bushes and Shrubs- Tops on the list are Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
They are often used as foundation plants around the northern sides of houses.
More Information:
Information on shade garden habitat
Find Shade Lovers:
Lily of the Valley
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