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Having an attractive garden at home could be one of the most satisfying achievements of many homeowners out there – for most people, that is. However, no matter how much you try, there will really be times when it seems that gardening is not as easy as 1, 2, 3. Aside from having the skills, one must consider the environmental conditions they have in the area.
Although all plants need enough sunlight to grow and thrive, there are other plants that grow well in partial sun to full shade. So if you want to decorate your yard with beautiful plants, but the area gets a lot of shade, there is no need to get altogether disappointed because you can still create the view you want for your yard. This article lists down and will walk you through some of the best shade-loving plants you can try for your ‘shady’ garden.
Foliage Plants
When it comes to shade, you can count on many foliage plants to add a splash of color to your garden. And no, foliage plants do not only give you shades of green but can also range from red to violet – much like every exciting color in the spectrum. Some of the well-loved foliage shade-loving plants include:
Hostas
Hostas are very popular shade perennials among gardeners. With their very fabulous foliage in a mix of green, blue, white, and gold shades, you should not miss this plant out in your garden. Tall lavender flowers also grow out of them, but even without these blooms, the foliage itself can already give a spectacular appeal to your yard.
Although they can tolerate partial sun, these plants would really appreciate it if you place them in areas where they can get a certain amount of shade. This is especially applicable to darker-colored foliage varieties. Interested in growing hostas? Check out Gardener’s Path to Learn More.
Dolce Heuchera
Dolce “wildberry” heucheras can add a shade of dramatic view to your garden with their rich purple foliage that has scalloped edges and charcoal grey veins. Aside from their fantastic display, they also grow pretty well all season long. Furthermore, they feature delicate stalks with cream-colored flowers.
Wildberry heucheras can be great for flower beds, and if you want, you can place them in containers. However, to ensure better growth performance, plant them in soil rich in humus and make sure they are well-draining.
Caladium
Also known as ‘angel wings’ or ‘elephant ear,’ caladiums can easily make your garden feel unusual but in a good way. Their foliage is filled with green, white, pink, and red splashes that seemed to be hand-painted in their leafy canvass. With this kind of uniqueness, no wonder they have become popular plants in the darkest corners of the garden.
Since caladiums are tropical plants, they grow well in air and soil with warmer temperatures. Therefore, you can plant them in the daytime when the temperature is about 70° to 85° F, usually around late spring.
Flowering Plants
Aside from foliage plants, there are also a few good flowering plants that could put on a full floral display in the shade. These flowers are perfect if you want to have blooms that attract pollinators or the garden fairies, so they say, but you’ve got a shady garden. Some of the best shade-loving flowering plants are:
Bletilla
Bletilla is a deciduous terrestrial orchid that produces clusters of small, cattleya-like purple flowers that open in early to midsummer. In addition to the stunning blossoms, their deeply veined, Iris-like foliage adds to their attraction. What’s more, you will not have any trouble taking care of them because they are pretty low maintenance.
Just make sure to plant them in organically rich, well-draining, and moist soil. Then, once established, they have average water needs so that they can get by on their own with less water.
Impatiens
Impatiens are so-called because of their mature seed pods that burst open even with a light touch as if they are impatient to go out. These cheerful annuals bring bright and colorful blooms in the spring through summer. Aside from the flowers being brightly colored, they are also long-lasting and, of course, shade-tolerant.
On the downside, though, some types of this flowering plant are susceptible to powdery mildew. On the bright side, there are now many cultivated varieties that are more disease-resistant.
Hellebore
Hellebores are grown for their striking rose-like flowers that welcome the spring air. In addition, their evergreen, lobed, and palm-like foliage stays attractive throughout the summer season, so even when the blossoms are not in their season yet, you can still enjoy a lovely garden.
They perform best in partial shade and are planted in well-draining soil. They are also easy to grow and come back every year to display their beautiful blossoms.
Takeaway
Having a garden can truly make your residence a head-turner and even turn it from a plain house to a comfortable home. Even when your yard doesn’t get exposed to sunlight during the day, certain shade-loving plants can come to the rescue. If you don’t know what to plant, you might want to consider the plants listed here.
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