Perennials for the shaded corners of your garden: here's 7 of the most suitable plants you can consider cultivating
The majority of the most popular plants found in gardens are all sun-loving, and perennial plants can tend to "take a back seat". Perennial plants are defined as living for more than two years, regrowing from the same roots each year. That said, you can still create a wonderful garden with perennials that thrive in partial shade. Read on to find out more:
Barrenwort (Epimedium)
There are many varieties and species of Epimedium (aka barrenwort) you can choose from. Barrenwort can have pink, yellow and white flowers that look like lanterns, stars or even miniature birds with outstretched wings. Barrenworts are typically undergrowth plants and they do not like acidic soil (so be careful if you have pines and conifers in your garden). Barrenwort grows in low bushes that are perfect for filling spaces under tall trees or in shaded flowerbeds.
Carpetweed (Ajuga reptans)
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Carpetweed (ajuga reptans) is a plant that has returned to being popular recently. There are many varities of this plants too, with leaves ranging in color from dark green to purplish-brown! Carpetweed's flowers are varied to, ranging from white to pink to viloet. Wild carpetweed is a highly robust plant (if a less showy variety), but even the more "colorful" varities can tolerate climatic conditions all year round (and blooming in the spring). Carpetweed is ground cover plant, but its flowers can reach up to 30-40 cm in height.
Heuchera
Heuchera (aka coral bells) has colorful leaves all year round, and produces very elegant flowers, being the perfect plant to grow in a shaded corner of the garden. Coral bells do not grow expansively, but it's best to leave some space between them (at least 50 - 60 cm between each coral bell plant). Now, you just need to choose your favourite coral bell varitie/s!
Brunnera
Brunneras resemble "forget-me-nots" (Myosotis), but this is another plant. It comes from Japan and Korea, and has tiny, colorful flowers. These umbrella-shaped flowers are supported by very thin stems, creating a very elegant form. At the base of this plant, two-tone leaves grow that have a truly beautiful, silver patina. The flowers bloom spring and last for several weeks!
Saxifrage (Saxifraga stolonifera)
Looking for a self-sufficient and robust plant? Then the Saxifraga stolonifera (aka saxifrage), is for you, The leaves of this plant have beautiful, silvery designs on upper surfaces (and sometimes also develop reddish edges) - similar to cyclamen leaves, but hairier! Even without its flowers showing, it is a very decorative ground cover plant. But when the flowers bloom, they create a "cloud" that is truly beautiful to behold. And the saxifrage needs very little care, adding to its popularity with gardeners!
Hydrangeas
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Hydrangeas are another popular, decorative garden plant. In Korea, China and Japan (from where hydrangeas originate), you find them growing wild on the slopes of the mountains (where it can also get quite cold). However, hydrangeas also love humidity, and can be found growing happily around lakes. Some varities have black stems, others have purple leaves (as with the Hydrangea aspera or “Hot Chocolate” variety). In fact, the common macrophylla hydrangea, can change the color of its flowers depending on the acidity levels of the soil!
Columbine
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Finally, here's a plant with delicate leaves and flowers that resemble orchids. We are talking about columbines which love partially shaded spots. The plant produces flowers which range from white to yellow to purple and more: an online search will show you how many varieties of columbines you can chose from!
Which of these plants would you like to grow at home?
