Perennial Shade Gardens

What is a perennial? A perennial is a plant that lives and flowers from the same roots year after year. They grow and bloom during the spring and summer months and die back every autumn and winter. This cycle repeats itself and the plant returns in the spring from their root-stock, rather than seeding themselves as an annual does. Most perennials flower over many seasons in their lifetime.

Perennials have different requirements for light, some for sun and some for shade. Have you ever wanted to bring interest to a shade area of your yard? Shade perennials will bring color, texture and enjoyment to your garden. Here are things to consider that will help you get started.

Light Levels

Light shade is an area that is shaded but bright. It may be completely shaded for only several hours
each day. It may also be found in areas that receive filtered or dappled sunlight for longer periods.

Partial or medium shade is present when direct sun rays are blocked from an area for most of the day. Sections of the yard can be shaded by mature trees for much of the day, but receive some direct sun early or late in the day.

Full shade lasts all day. That is, little or no direct sunlight reaches the ground at any time during the day. Dense shade refers to full shade under thick tree canopies or in dense groves of trees.

Light patterns change with the seasons. Study your garden throughout the various seasons to accurately determine what type of shade is present.

Soil Preparation
Adding organic matter to shade gardens will help your soil. Organic matter loosens heavy clay soils, improving drainage. In sandy soils, organic matter will increase the water-holding capacity.

Water Requirements
Roots competing for limited surface water may cause shade gardens to dry out more quickly during
extended dry periods. Some shade-tolerant plants are adapted to low moisture situations, while others require moist shade. Provide water according to the plants needs. Many information tags supplied with the plant will give you their watering needs.

Texture
Large-leaved plants, such as Hostas, have a course texture, while finely divided fern fronds create a fine texture. Strong contrasts in texture accentuate their differences. Glossy leaves have more impact than velvety ones.

Color
Variegated foliage pops against solid green or blue-green foliage. Set off deep red, blue and purple colors with a contrasting lighter color of flower or foliage. Besides attracting pollinators, color contributes to the mood of your garden. Many shade perennials bring color with foliage as well as their bloom.

In the garden design that follows, we have provided an example of plants that can be used in a light shade area.