Embrace the Shade: A Guide for What to Grow in Shady Gardens
The weather has been going a little crazy the last few years, and each year it seems that more and more of the country is affected by drought conditions. It’s no surprise, then, that drought landscaping (sometimes called xeriscaping) is becoming a hot topic. There are a lot of easy things you can do in your garden to conserve water. A rain barrel under your house gutters is an obvious solution, and one that’s becoming more and more popular (I’ll be installing a 55-gallon barrel at my parents’ house tomorrow). Putting down a thick layer of mulch can help a lot of plants to retain moisture. Many landscapers are recommending less grass, most types of which require a tremendous amount of water. In the place of grass natural areas and planting beds are taking over.
Understanding Shade Levels
While the chart may be familiar for levels of sun, there are levels of shade to consider too.
- Full Shade: Less than 4 hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably in the morning.
- Partial Shade (or Semi-shade): About 3-6 hours of morning or early afternoon light.
- Dappled Shade: Sunlight filters through mature trees, creating a shifting light pattern.
Plant Recommendations and Their Shade Tolerance
1. Hostas:
- Shade Tolerance: Thrive in partial to full shade.
- Sunlight and Blooming: While primarily grown for their foliage, hostas do produce lily-like flowers. Some varieties might bloom better with a few hours of morning sun, but excessive sunlight can scorch their leaves.
2. Ferns:
- Shade Tolerance: Most ferns prefer dappled to full shade.
- Sunlight and Blooming: Ferns are non-flowering plants, so blooming isn't a concern. However, some sunlight can enhance their frond coloration.
3. Astilbe:
- Shade Tolerance: Best in partial shade but can tolerate full shade.
- Sunlight and Blooming: While they can grow in deep shade, astilbes will produce more vibrant and abundant plumes with a bit of morning or early afternoon sun.
4. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra):
- Shade Tolerance: Prefers partial to full shade.
- Sunlight and Blooming: They bloom best with some morning sun but need afternoon shade to prevent wilting.
5. Impatiens:
- Shade Tolerance: Thrive in partial to full shade.
- Sunlight and Blooming: While they're known as shade lovers, a couple of hours of morning sun can enhance their flower production.
Garden Styling Tips for Shady Gardens
Some garden styles lend themselves naturally to a shade garden. Here are two of our favorites.
Woodland Garden: Mimic the natural setting of a forest floor using ferns, hostas, and astilbes. Intersperse them with stepping stones and maybe a rustic wooden bench to evoke a serene woodland feel.
Romantic Retreat: Aim for a soft, dreamy aesthetic with bleeding hearts, impatiens, and astilbes. Consider adding a white wrought-iron bench or swing, surrounded by these blooming beauties.
Successful shade gardens require certain plants to thrive. It's entirely possible to cultivate a vibrant, serene garden in low-light conditions, though. By understanding the specific needs and preferences of shade-loving plants, you can ensure a beautiful display. Remember, sometimes it's not about how much sun you get, but what plants you add in the shade that counts.
