By Joan Neiman-Agapas, Master Gardener, SCMG
Many gardeners bemoan the fact they have to deal with planting in shady spots. As our climate warms, this negative will turn into a huge plus.
But first, a few definitions.
What IS shade?
Think of shade as falling somewhere on a continuum, as not all shade is created equal. The generally accepted definition for partial shade is an area that receives less than four hours of direct sun per day. The remainder of the day consists of shade or filtered light. Full shade receives no direct sunlight during daytime. Remember – shade moves across your yard throughout the day.
In areas dominated by large, mature deciduous trees, it is possible to ‘lighten up’ the area by removing lower limbs from the trees to allow more sun to filter down. This may be a job for a trained & licensed arborist.
The bane of any shade gardener is growing plants under large, mature trees. Their roots compete for nutrients & water, thus making it a challenge to grow sturdy plants beneath them. Amend area soil with several inches of compost & re-apply annually. Mulch to retain moisture. Move your planting zone several feet away from the tree trunks. Ensure any newly installed plants are well watered in & monitored until established – usually the first year. If soil is very compacted, containers may be your best solution. Or place garden art, statuary or outdoor furniture in a particularly dark or difficult corner.
Remember, GREEN is a colour!! So, concentrate on foliage texture for contrast & interest together with subtle variations in leaf shape & colour.
When constructing your shade garden, ensure all selected plants share similar environmental requirements. Think in three vertical zones: ground, middle & upper thus creating a cohesive & pleasing arrangement. ‘Time layering’ refers to plants blooming in sequence to keep the area fresh & interesting as the seasons change.
Choose tall structural plants to form the backbone of planting that are long lived & clump forming. Next select vignettes of companion plants (3-5) & repeat once or twice within the planting for repetition & unity. Finally, plant ground covering plants that knit the design together, provide erosion control, supress weeds & act as green mulch.
Do your research on the plants you are interested in before a trip to the nursery. If you don’t see what you want, ASK if the business can order it in for you. The best way to ensure better, more diverse selection is to inquire for the varieties you wish to buy.
Finally, work with Mother Nature, not against her.
In the words of a wise old Chinese proverb:
‘To be a successful gardener, all you have to do is find out which plants grows well & plant lots of them!’
Suggestions:
Tall architectural plants & small understory trees
Aruncus dioicus (Goatsbeard)
Calycanthus floridus
Cercis canadensis
Cornus alternifolia (Dogwood)
Fothergilla gardenia
Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)
Kerria japonica
Tricyrtis (Toadlily)
Middle Level Candidates
Actaea simplex (Bugbane)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit)
Astrantia (Masterwort)
Astilbe
Bergenia (Elephant Ears)
Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss)
Dicentra (Bleeding Hearts)
Ferns – many to choose from
Geranium macrorrhizum (Big Root Geranium)
Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass)
Hellebores – many to choose from
Hostas – many to choose from
Ligularia
Mahonia repans (Oregon Grape)
Mertensia virginica
Primula auricula (Primrose)
Polygonatum (Solomon’s Seal)
Trilliums
Groundcover Options
Arctostaphlyos uva-ursi (Common Bearberry)
Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed)
Asarum canadense (Canadian Ginger)
Chrysogonum virginianum (Green & Gold Plant)
Epimedium – lots to chose from
Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff)
Hepatica
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heucherella (cross between Coral Bells & Foamflower)
Lamium
Lirope (Turf Lily)
Luzula sylvanica (Greater Woodrush)
Mitchella repans (Partridge Berry)
Mukdenia rossii (Crimson Fans)
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass)
Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge)
Paxistima canbyi (Mountain Lover)
Phlox divaricate (Woodland phlox)
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)
Saxifraga
Tiarellea wherryi (Foamflower)
Waldsteinia ternate (Barren Strawberry)
