Best Perennials for Shade

Best Perennials for Shade

Perennials are vegetables that live for more than two years and flower for several months. They are most often used in borders and container plantings, but they can be cut back to new growth when their bloom cycles start to interfere with each other. All perennials need rich, moist soil and a well-drained location in full sun or partial shade.Everyone adores a sunny garden with bold and bright blooms. But shady gardens also deserve some love. These shade perennials boast beautiful leaf colors and delicate, exotic flowers—and some have irresistibly cool names too! Pick plants that work in your USDA Hardiness Zone, and talk to the nursery or read the plant label to make sure it can handle the conditions in your yard. Remember: Full shade means the area never gets direct sunlight. Part shade means it doesn’t get more than 3 or 4 hours of sun daily.

Shade

For novice gardeners wondering what the definition of "shade plant" even entails, note that the term simply refers to a plant's tolerance of lower light levels. Perhaps there's an area of your garden surrounded by some leafy trees (this is often the case in lush English gardens), or maybe you're looking for low-growing plants that will be able to flourish beneath the shade of larger plants or privacy trees. Maybe you're just in need of a few hardy perennials to withstand the winter months (we've got a full guide on annuals vs. perennials if you're confused). Either way, it's very easy to choose a shade plant that's right for your region and yard, research how to best take care of it, and get started with our shady backyard ideas as soon as possible. Let's get to planting! Sometimes called "leopard plant," Ligularia is an excellent choice for any shade garden—and not just because deer don't enjoy eating it.

There's another variety that features yellow, daisy-looking flowers, and yet another called 'The Rocket' that boasts spikier blooms." If you're looking for a plant with a large leaf structure, this might be your best bet. Daydreaming of next year's garden? Even if yours is mostly shady, you still can fill it with color. Many pretty plants will do fine under a large shade tree or in flower beds, hanging baskets, and containers throughout your garden. But before planting, pay attention to how much shade you have. Full shade means three hours or less of direct sun, while part shade is three to six hours. Some shade lovers, such as flowering shrubs, bloom best with some sun (preferably in the morning because the hot afternoon sun isn't a friend to shade lovers). And if you're planting shrubs or perennials, which come back every year, make sure they're suited to your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here). There's no sense investing in plants that won't have a fighting chance in your garden! (Source: www.housebeautiful.com)