Wildflowers Complete Shade Gardens

Nothing completes a shade garden more than having a few patches of wildflowers.

Wildflowers that grow well in warm shade include: ageratum-wild, columbines, asters, coral bells and cardinal flowers. You can also use turks cap, obedient plant, wild petunia, Indian pinks and spiderworts.

Hostas Are a Staple of Shade Gardens

Hostas do exceptionally well in shade gardens because they love rich soil. Hostas are very sturdy plants that can be planted in a single clump or used as ground cover.

The great thing about Hostas is they can easily be divided without jeopardizing the health of the plant. Once planted, Hostas do not require much attention.

Determining Shade Conditions

It is important to give plants their necessary levels of shade. Some plants thrive in shade, while others will not. Taking the time to observe your planting area can give you much information on the types of plants that will work in your garden.

Before you plant, observe the prospective planting sites for one full week. Take notice of the areas that receive the most light, little light and the areas which are in full shade. This will help you determine which plants and flowers are suitable for your shade gardens.

Evergreens and Dappled Shade

Broadleaf evergreens are excellent choices for a garden that is prone to dappled shade. Rhododendrons, Mountain Laurel, and Evergreen Azaleas are popular choices for shade gardens. Holly, Uva Ursi, Viburnum, and Boxwood also work well in a shade garden.

Ground Covers for Shade Gardens

The following ground covers work well in shade gardens: Carpet Bugleweed, Wood Anemone, Kangaroo Vine, Hostas, Lily of the Valley, English Ivy and Wild Sweet William.

One thing you should keep in mind when choosing a ground cover is the size of the plant's leaves. Larger and broader leaves will help to cut out weed growth.

Japanese Maples Can Accent a Shade Gardens

Japanese Maples can make a beautiful addition to a shade garden. With their graceful branches and gorgeous foliage, they are the perfect focal point for a shade garden. Japanese Maples are known for their brilliant fall color.

Keep in mind that the degree and intensity of your tree's color will be a direct result of having proper soil conditions, the right temperatures (warm days and cool nights) and whether or not the tree is in an area that drains properly.

Perennials for a Warm Shade Garden

Many perennials thrive in a warm shade garden. When purchasing perennials be sure to check each individual label to ensure the plants and flowers are a good match to your garden's growing conditions.

A few perennials that do well in warm shade gardens include: Lady's Mantle, Elephant's Ear, tailflower, columbine, Willow Bellflower, Spider Plant, Umbrella Plant, Lady Slipper, bleeding heart, Foxglove, daylily, and Hosta.

Culver´s Root Can Grow in Shade Gardens

Culver's Root is a prairie plant that is a relative of the Snap Dragon. Culver's Root can grow in moist woods, thickets and meadows. It can easily be grown in flower beds or shade gardens.

Culver's Root grows anywhere between two to seven feet tall. It bears spikes of fluffy white flowers from June to September.

What is Dappled Shade?

Dappled shade refers to the movement of the sunny and shady spots in a garden or yard. Dappled shade is a result of the position of the sun throughout the day on mature trees.

If your yard has dappled shade, consider yourself fortunate. This type of shade allows for the widest range of gardening options. You will be able to grow both shade and sun-loving plants.

Creating Shade with Trees

If you have a full sun area, the only way to create shade is by planting trees. If you have a small area, choose small trees such as the Dogwood, Cherry, or Apple. Shade can be added to large areas by planting White Birch, Weeping Willow or Evergreens.

Be mindful of where you plant your trees when creating shade. Carefully consider your site, not only today, but twenty years from now. Will the tree you are planting four feet from your house today be a suitable and safe location years down the road when it is fully grown?

Uva Ursi for Banks and Slopes

Uva Ursi, or bearberry, is an evergreen ground cover that works well on banks or slopes. Its dark green shiny leaves contrast nicely with its bright pink flowers and red berries. Being that the Uva Ursi is a perennial evergreen, the color does not quit and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Uva Ursi is seeing much attention for the medicinal properties that are found in its leaves.

Shade Trees Can Reduce Your Electric Bill

Trees are great energy savers. Planting trees in strategic places around your home can save you money on your electric bill. Trees create a cooling effect by the evaporation they put off, as well as from the shade they create. Shade trees can reduce the air temperature around your home by up to five degrees.

In regions where the need for air conditioning is relatively small, having trees on your property can virtually do away with electric cooling. Many electric companies throughout the United States donate trees to their customers to encourage energy conservation.