Shade loving plants??
-
Douglas Hunt on Mar 21, 2012That's a substantial amount of shade, Bonnie, but I'm sure you can turn it into an area that is as inviting to you as it is to birds and butterflies. I think you might get the most bang-from-your-buck with a couple of the larger cultivars of oakleaf hydrangea, like "Alice," rather than small trees, although pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) would work as well. Mapleleaf viburnum (Vibunum aceriforlium) will take a good deal of shade and viburnums in general are one of the best plants out there for attracting birds and butterflies. In terms of perennials, a combination of hellebores, heuchera and Japanese anemone would bring you a long season of blooms. Also consider ferns, Solomon's seal and epimediums.Helpful Reply
-
-
White Pine Land Studio, LLC on Mar 21, 2012The one think that you didn't mention was whether or not the area was wet. That can make a HUGE difference in a shady area. Douglas has some good ideas for you. I'm a big proponent of mixed Fern and Hosta beds using both native and exotic ferns for a wonderful mix of different sizes, colors and textures. Since you're in Atlanta, you may want to swing by Georgia Perimeter College and take a stroll through their fern garden. George Sanko up there has a world class collection of shade plants. I doubt you're going to get any ornamental grasses to grown in that location, most of those are full sun animals. Depending on the soil, you might get Daphne to grow (which is a little finicky but smells AMAZING). A good go-to shrub for shade is Japanese Pieris, which will bloom white in winter, and loves some good shade. You might also want to look at some of the newer cultivars of Aucuba such as 'Picturata' for a backdrop planting.Helpful Reply
-
-
Erica Glasener on Mar 21, 2012For grasses try Carex 'Evergold' (really a sedge) but colorful and should do well. For perennials, Hellebores, the native Christmas fern, hostas need regular and consistent moisture to do well. Shrubs, Anise (Illicium parviflorum) I like Doug's suggestion for oakleaf hydrangea.Helpful Reply
-
-
Bonnie F on Mar 21, 2012Thanks for all the great suggestions. The area is well drained so it does not stay wet.Helpful Reply
-
-
360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Mar 21, 2012I like the Anise Henryi or the Mexican Anise for shade. The mountain laurel 'Pristine' is really nice too! I fell in love with a Hosta today (will get a picture to post tomorrow )called 'Fire Island'. Chartreuse leaves with red veins. Depending on your space a great shade tree would be the Japanese Maple 'Orange Dream' . You could add in some Toad lily and Heuchera's, Astilbe,Bleeding Heart, Foam Flower, Brunnera, Lamium. Annuals - of course impatiens (my favorites are the doubles and the stripey leafed New Guinea ones) & Coleus.Helpful Reply
-
-
Bonnie F on Mar 21, 2012Thanks. Good suggestions. That Hosta sounds beautiful!Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
GNATS - How to get rid of them?
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations - soap and oil dishes, sand in th... See more
Marigolds growing! Should I pinch the buds?
My marigold plants are growing. I heard that pinching the buds until Autumn will allow them to grow without killing the plant. Is this true?
Growing garlic
Growing our first garlic, should we wait until the leaves are drying out before we pick it? Husband picked first one today along with our first potatoes.
How to keep mice out of your garden?
Hi everyone, I have mice in my garden destroying my vegetables and I have also noticed them in the barn and shed. Please can someone tell me how to prevent them from ... See more
What's the best flower/plant to grow in Texas?
I know that opinions vary, but what's your opinion?!I have great luck w Rosemary plants. Green all year long.
What are some good potted plants for shade in AZ?
I live in the Phoenix area and am looking for flowering and non-flowering plants that will grow in shade on my shaded patio. It does not get sun but it is always bri... See more
Best way to kill bush/tree after being cut down?
Just moved into a new home. There was a huge thorny bush dragon devouring the mailbox. I slayed the dragon but it is trying to rise up again. How can I make sure it's... See more