Saturday, July 20, 2013

Shade Perennials To Complete Your Landscape

By Gene Bush


For many homeowners, the most difficult place to successfully add landscaping are those shaded by the structure of the home or the dense canopy of a tree. Such locations may involve challenges including a lack of light and moisture along with poor soil. Shade perennials can thrive in these areas.

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 can be very showy plants that do well in situations low in light. They have a great variety in size from a few inches across to giants that are more that six feet in width. Leaves are available in various colors other than the normal green. Variegated foliage can create interest as the colors mix. Some can provide very fragrant flowers.

Ajuga, a groundcover, offers foliage covered with pretty pink flowers at times. The glossy deep green leaves may also show spring spikes of blue flowers. Ajuga does best in Zones 3-9 and the plant remains under control at six inches in height.

When looking for solutions for a bed that gets relatively little light, these shade perennials make a good choice. They can thrive in heavily shaded areas while providing beautiful displays. Most mix well with other similar loving plants.




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