by Elizabeth Carreker

Created on: October 22, 2009

When considering plants for a shady garden, you must first determine the type of shade of your location. Is it full shade, filtered shade or partial shade? Full shade gets no direct sunlight all day, while partial shade receives some sun. Filtered shade is direct sunlight diffused through tree branches or the slats of an overhead lattice or arbor, and is therefore less intense.

Shade also means different things in different parts of the country. In the South, for example, some 'sun-loving plants' will actually grow and flower better in partial shade. Southern shade translates into more moisture and cooler temperatures for the plant, facilitating better growth. In a northern climate however, the same plant may fail to thrive in partial shade and will need full sun.

Also, there are wet and dry shady locations. Some plants desire dryer shade, while some prefer their feet to be constantly wet. Water can be a huge plus in shady spots. Astilbe, for example, will not grow well without shade and abundant moisture. Cannas, known to be a sun lover, will grow lush and bloom abundantly in wet locations with filtered shade.

Finding plants to grow well in your particular shady location may require some experimentation. You never know how a plant will perform in your location unless you try it out. Even if a plant grows well in your neighbor's yard, it isn't a certainty that same plant will thrive in yours as well. However, if a 'shade' plant performs poorly in one part of your garden, don't be afraid to move it to another. Just make sure you do this on a cloudy, rainy day and preferably when the plant is dormant, such as during the winter months. Also, give the transplant adequate water as well.

Perennials that enjoy full shade are hellebores, ajuga and ferns. Astilbe, foxgloves, money plants, and Siberian iris prefer a more filtered shade, rather than full shade. It is also curious to note some sun-loving plants will actually grow larger in filtered shade, such as sedums, iris and daylilies. However, for all their shade-induced luxuriant foliage, their blooms will be sparse or nonexistent.

It has been my experience that hostas need more filtered shade than full shade or they will not bloom. If you grow hostas for their wonderful foliage and don't care about their pale lavender blooms, then by all means plant them in full shade.

Four o'clocks (mirabilis jalapa) is a fragrant perennial that grows well in partial shade and has a wonderful scent when it blooms

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