Perennial Shade Plants for Moist Areas

Although we refer to them as shade loving plants, most still require light, but with protection from the strong midday sun.

Placing a shade garden where the dappled light from deciduous trees shields them from this intense sun provides the light and shade they need to thrive.

Before planting anything, be sure the soil retains moisture. If needed, add a layer of leaf mulch or other amendment to the soil to provide good moisture retention.

Plants to consider for this woodland setting include astilbe, heuchera, phlox and monarda. Numerous varieties of these plants offer a colorful assortment for the shade.

Columbine offers shade flowers in a rainbow of colors, and dianthus provides delicate flowers in shades of white to pink and red. Vinca can be added as a groundcover to tie the area together.

Perennial Shade Plants for Dry Areas

Another common area in the garden where we find extensive shade is under the umbrella of a large tree.

In this setting the roots of large trees also make it difficult to plant anything, and since grass doesn't do well, this area tends to look bare.

Since the tree absorbs a great deal of moisture and nutrients from the soil, this area requires the addition of a layer of compost before planting.

Compost is preferable to topsoil, as it allows the tree roots to breathe. When adding the compost, leave an area about two feet from the trunk of the tree, so the bark is not exposed to excessive moisture.

Once you add the compost, plant hosta, heuchera and ajuga. Although the flowers on these plants are not spectacular, the variety of leaf color and texture is impressive.

For shade flowers add balloon flower and cranesbill geranium varieties.

Sweet woodruff creates an airy and fragrant ground cover. As long as they have good drainage through the added compost, these plants will tolerate moist soil as well as dry.

Annual Shade Plants

For an extra punch of color, annual flowers can be added to either perennial shade bed.

For additional leaf color and texture, add one or several varieties of coleus. Begonia, impatiens and forget-me-not are other favorites for shady areas of the garden.

With the extensive variety of perennial and annual shade plants available, there is no reason to have any bare areas in the garden.

Whether you utilize a massive planting of a groundcover, or a combination of perennials and annuals, your shade garden can be a beautiful addition to your landscape.

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