What are the best flowers for shade gardens?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Shade gardens can be a riot of color when we select the right blooms. Toad Lily grows in profound shade, offering exotic speckled blooms. Fuchsia tumbles from your hanging baskets. Begonias from spring to frost! And more.
Knowing a garden's light requirements allows you to succeed with plants and avoid the itchy fingers syndrome. Specifically, full shade refers to less than four hours of sunlight daily, while part shade receives between four and six hours. Gauge your garden's patterns before picking plants so you won't be left scratching your head at failed results.
Toad Lily
- Blooms late summer to fall with orchid-like white and purple flowers
- Thrives in deep shade with less than 4 hours of direct sunlight
- Toxic to cats requiring careful placement in pet-accessible areas
Fuchsia
- Produces teardrop blooms in pink and purple all summer long
- Ideal for hanging baskets with trailing 18-36 inch stems
- Attracts hummingbirds with nectar-rich flowers in shaded locations
Heuchera
- Offers year-round rosy-purple foliage in zones 4-9
- Deer-resistant due to fuzzy leaves with natural deterrents
- Produces airy pink flower spikes reaching 18-20 inches tall
Design methods to enhance the effect in shady spots include colour contrast (light blooms against dark foliage), vertical variety (by placing tall bloomers at the back of medium-sized things), and reflective features, such as light-colored pebbles in dark corners.
For busy gardeners, here's a selection of low-maintenance spreaders: Ajuga make weed-suppressing mats that require very little care, Vinca Minor spreads steadily without much fuss, and even during dry spells Bigroot Geranium will hang on if established.
Read the full article: 10 Best Flowers for Shade Gardens
