What are common shade gardening myths?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Shade gardening comes attached to a load of myths that keep many of us from creating gorgeous gardens. Believing there are few flowering options and that plants will resist pot culture stifles the development of perfect gardens. Taking the time to discover what is truly true about your landscaping opens up a new world of shade.
A more common fallacy is that showy flowers cannot develop in the shade. The fuchsia and begonia, for example, bear gorgeous blossoms throughout the summer in shaded nooks. Probably, they have learned to make large leaves and avoid wasteful photosynthesis, thus succeeding to perfection in places where sunshine seldom penetrates.
No Colorful Blooms Possible
- Fuchsia produces teardrop blooms all summer in hanging baskets
- Begonia varieties offer nonstop color from spring to frost
- Toad Lily creates exotic speckled flowers in deep shade
Containers Won't Work in Shade
- Caladium thrives in pots with patterned heart shaped leaves
- Polka Dot Plant flourishes in containers with speckled foliage
- Thriller filler spiller arrangements succeed with Fuchsia Begonia combinations
All Shade Plants Need Wet Soil
- Bigroot Geranium survives weeks without water once established
- Brunnera adapts to drier conditions with moisture storing roots
- Ajuga forms drought tolerant mats under trees
Foliage Can't Replace Flowers
- Heuchera provides year round purple foliage impact
- Coleus offers lime to burgundy patterns for continuous color
- Japanese Painted Fern creates silver purple texture without blooms
Drought-tolerant myths continue undeterred. Many people believe that all shade plants require consistently moist soil. Bigroot Geranium derives its tenacity to survive through dry spells from its deep roots. To survive, Brunnera relies on the humidity trapped in the hairs covering its foliage. Correctly preparing the soil usually results in a beautiful garden of perennials that are forever crying out for less water.
Foliage plants produce effects comparable to flowers when they make a positive contribution to colour. Heuchera's purple leaves contrast well with light-coloured flowers. For variegated colours, coleus are unsurpassed, and they can be grown for their display of colour alone without the aid of any blossom; these, all, mixed with ferns of varied texture, will give a completely fabulous effect in any shady spot.
Container gardening succeeds through light optimization. Choose paler colour pots to reflect light. Place pots in places where they will be backed by trees that only lightly filter the early morning light. Use "thriller filler spiller" pots to ensure a balanced pot, even where the available light is limited.
Read the full article: 10 Best Flowers for Shade Gardens
