What kinds of plants can I plant in a shady spot besides a hosta? I'd like something that blooms and is perennial. I live in NE Ohio.
2006-08-02 12:29:41 · 12 answers · asked by JL's Mom 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
The spot is under an old oak tree.
2006-08-02 12:40:41 · update #1
Hi. I live in NE Ohio, too. I've had good luck with ferns, pachysandra (sp?), and ivies. Hydrangea are good for filtered sunlight/partial shade.
But my favorite thing to do in a shady area is to start a moss garden. It takes a year or two to mature, but it is fun to cultivate and it is very forgiving. If you have some moss growing in your shady spot already then you know the soil is good for it. You can grow moss on rocks, logs, statuary, etc. as well as on the ground. Google moss gardens to get great ideas.
Good luck.
2006-08-02 12:37:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 38⤊ 6⤋
Azaleas and rhododendrons do well in shady spots (need acidic soil, though). In NE Ohio and western PA rhododenrons grow to amazing sizes and bloom profusely. Both are perennial. I suggest that you do a search for the Missouri Botanical Garden - I know you're in Ohio, but this is a great site about plants, preferred locations, etc. (I'm from Cleveland but now live in Missouri). Impatience does very well in shade and blooms all summer, but it's an annual.
2006-08-02 12:36:09 · answer #2 · answered by Catalina 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
SInce you like blooming perennials, I would plant: coral bell, astilbe, lily of the valley, foxglove, sweet woodruff, & daylily. These plants are all dry shade tolerant.
Dry shade describes areas under shade trees where tree roots compete for water. These are areas that receive very little water and areas where soil amendment is difficult. Example: under maple and pine trees.
Note that some of these plants will tolerate dry shade, but do not expect lush growth or appearance; some will also flower more sparingly. Some of these perennials will need regular watering until they establish themselves. Many of these perennials will become drought tolerant usually in two year’s time.
Before planting, the addition of compost and mulch to these areas will improve the soil’s moisture holding ability. If pockets of tree roots are involved, compost should be added to the planting hole before planting perennials. Likewise, these plants may need more frequent applications of a low nitrogen fertilizer since they are in competition with the trees for nutrients . The addition of a light layer of mulch (1-2 inches) will also aid in the survivability of these plants in dry shade. Care should be taken not to mulch or apply topsoil over the tree roots as this interferes with the water/O2/CO2 transpiration from the tree to the air and vice versa. Mulch applied directly next to the tree trunks will also eventually compromise the life of the tree.
Happy Planting!
Sheila
2006-08-02 14:55:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My favorite shade blooming plant is real geraniums. They come in a lot of beautiful shades of purple pink blue and white,Mine are mixed in with hostas it looks great.But make sure you get a real geranium which is a perennial and not the mislabeled geranium that is an annual and needs a lot of sun.
2006-08-02 13:55:44 · answer #4 · answered by tom b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many Evergreens can take some shade so as that they are continuously super for shape. There are tropical flowers like Fatsia Japonica and non invasive bamboo or you may decide for the greater classic planting like Buxus Sempervirens(container) and Heuchera. there are a number of innovations obtainable so in simple terms decide for some all year around interest, regardless of if it quite is green, and you're stable to circulate!
2016-12-11 05:28:36 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can plant hostas which bloom in midsummer. I have planted lungwort or aka pulmonaria which blooms in early spring, is perennial and quite pretty. I love foxgloves and they love shade...they are biennials. Columbine is fabulous and will reseed themselves. Bleeding heart is a winner.
2006-08-02 12:40:17 · answer #6 · answered by juncogirl3 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A great design combination for shade or light shade:
Hydrangea, Astilbe, Variegated Hosta, and Hibiscus.
2006-08-02 13:12:20 · answer #7 · answered by Dan S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hostas, google and see what you can find, there's a lot to choose from
2006-08-02 13:53:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Andromeda, annabelle hydrangea, dwarf burning bush, yellow twig dog wood, Aaron's beard, littleleaf periwinkle.
2006-08-02 12:39:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Impatiens, (the large newguiney impations are nice)
Also Azaleas are nice
2006-08-02 12:48:09 · answer #10 · answered by Maureen K 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
blue bells grow well in woodland conditions,
hellebores (christmas rose) like shade too
2006-08-02 23:45:57 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋