Planting Perennials – Lovely Choices You Can Grow In The Shade (Part 1)

Just because your gardening area is covered with shade, that doesn't mean that you cannot plant beautiful perennials. There are hundreds of these shade-loving flowers that you can grow to beautify your landscape. In fact, many of these plants absolutely thrive on shade. And even if you live in an area where the summers are long, you can still enjoy your perennials so long as the weather stays in generally cool temperatures.

There is a very large list of perennials that you can choose from to grow in your shade garden. Some of these plants can grow with little sunlight, others may need a bit more. And some perennials must thrive in total shade, with almost zero sunlight. Although there are recommendations as to what atmosphere is best to grow them in, please use the following list to perennials as a guide only. You must experiment for yourself by trying out different plants in your garden areas.

1. Pigsqueak: This plant is known as "Bergenia Cordifolia" and is more abundant in the state of Colorado than anywhere else. If you have not heard of the term pigsqueak, it is probably because this plant is typically referred to as "bergenia", which is its botanical name. The term pigsqueak is used because when you pinch one of the moistened leaves from this plant between your fingertips, it will create a squeal-like sound that mimics the same yelp an actual pig makes.

Pigsqueak plants have extremely thick, shining leaves. During the early parts of spring, they display flower spikes that are pink in color. During the wintertime, the evergreen foliage becomes red in color. Although pigsqueak can grow with some sunlight, it definitely prefers shady areas and temperatures.

You may use most any soil when planting this perennial, but be careful not to overdo the fertilizer. If you use too much fertilizer than the plant becomes flimsy. And as far as what insect dangers to look out for and protecting the Pigsqueak, do your best ward off slugs, as they are attracted to this plant and can do a lot of damage.

2. Lady's Mantle: This plant is known as "Alchemilla Mollis" and thrives in overcast weather. Although it can grow in direct sunlight, the leaves are extremely sensitive to scorching from over-exposure of sun. It was named Lady's Mantle because each leaf from this plant has the look of a pleated cape.

The Lady's Mantle has a yellow color to it and will bloom between spring and towards the end of the summer. They also make a great bouquet when cut. The lowest temperature that this plant can exist in and still survive is approximately -30 degrees Fahrenheit. You will find that the Lady's Mantle does well in wetland areas with moist soil.

Planting a beautiful garden in the shaded areas of your property can be a lot of fun as well as display a beautiful variety of perennials. Below is a list of perennials that thrive in shade and are among the prettiest of flowers:

1. Japanese Painted Fern: also known as "Athyrium Niponicum", this plant is extremely colorful for a fern and displays the colors green and silver. If that color combination wasn't intriguing enough, then imagine adding a dash of burgundy red to the mid-rib area. Although the appearance may seem a bit on the delicate side, this plant is actually very rugged in texture and heavily cut.

The Japanese painted fern grows best in soil that is enriched with humus in full or partial shaded areas. It will show itself during the early part of spring but will go dormant if you keep this fern too dry when in the growing season. It is advisable to preserve as much moisture is possible by having a few inches of organic mulch tossed in. The Japanese painted fern does well in most any climate, and can live in temperatures that go down to approximately -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. The Bleeding Heart: Also known as the "Dicentra Hybrids", this perennial will stay beautifully bloomed for at least six months of the year. They're one of the easiest flowers to take care of, are adaptable to the atmosphere, and live for a long time. They can be grown in colors deep pink, white, and even rosy red. These perennials can live in temperatures down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Although they prefer to thrive in shaded areas, these perennials can grow nicely and cooler climates that have full sunlight during most of the period. They also prefer moist soil, but not overly damp. And be sure that the soil is enriched with humus.

Warning: Bleeding hearts are extremely toxic and can cause a child or pet to become violently ill if eaten. Most of the poison is highly concentrated in the roots, therefore be very careful when removing these plants from the ground.