What to Grow in A Shade Garden
Many of us lack complete full sun, but all is not lost! In fact, this opens up a whole new world of plant options, many of which I love to see and tend. For garden spaces with 4 hours of sun or less, I have put together a list of my favorite plants. I hope you’ll share in the comments below which ones you gravitate towards or which you’d add.
When we bought our home 7 years ago, I loved the front yard and the marvelous old oak trees scattered throughout our neighborhood. I did not, however, care for the lack of sunlight. That is, until I learned that I could in fact grow many things! It actually all started with a shade flower seed mix my sister gifted me from Botanical Interests. I dedicated a 3’ x 12’ mounded bed of compost to this display. As each plant continued to bloom, it really opened my eyes to varieties I had never heard of. I knew I needed to explore more and lean into this shade garden theme. So, the next year I started foxgloves from seed, china asters, crimson clover and more all with great success. My neighbors began to compliment each flush of blooms, and I enjoyed providing something lovely for them to look at. I also loved being able to use many of these said varieties in flower bouquets and arrangements. Well, without further ado, here they are!
astilbe azalea coleus columbine dogwood fatsia ferns foxglove hellebore heuchera hosta hydrangea japanese anemone japanese maple ninebark rhododendron sarcococca solomon’s seal
Just about all of these are best found at your local nursery or plant sale. I have ordered bare root hydrangeas(ruby slipper and annabelle), just know that these take much longer to establish. The few I have and would recommend giving a go from seed are Coleus, Columbine and Foxglove. What about you? Would you add anything else to this list? Do you have any of these in your shady garden spaces?
