Shade Plants for Problem Landscape

Home improvement is a never ending process, especially the yard and landscaping. There always seems to be something added to the to-do list. Recently we started a Curb Side Appeal project, that began as a weekend project, and quickly became a little longer. Today we are sharing the first of the landscape plantings in our problem landscape with shade plants.

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Having a husband who knows how to create gorgeous landscape is definitely a blessing. We first shared our plans for our Curb Side Appeal with you a few weeks back when we still had snow on  the ground.  The area closest to the street has always been a bit of an eye sore. There are two large trees that keep the area very shaded, so it’s been difficult to grow grass and plants. So we decided to take a step back, start all over and do it the right way, from the beginning.

First, all the grass and weeds were removed, then Doug put it the Stone Walkway. Next it was time for the plants and mulch, but not just any plants would work, we needed to find shade loving plants. Later this week, we have sod coming not only for around the new landscape beds, but also the whole front yard. I can hardly wait to run around in beautiful, soft grass for a change. We will be sharing the whole process with you, and giving you tips on what we do, but for now, let’s get these plants in the ground.

Choosing the plants that will go into your landscape is all about location, location, location. In general all plants fit into three basic categories when you consider the most influential characteristic. These are broken down by the amount of sun a plant needs to produce it’s food (i.e. photosynthesis) and thrive. The categories are full sun, part sun/part shade and shade or to give you a better understanding let’s break it down using the amount of sun your location will receive in hours during the day.

• Full Sun – 8+ hours
• Part Sun/Part Shade – 3 to 6 hours
• Full Shade – less than 3 hours

As you can imagine a landscape that is situated in full shade can limit the choices you have, and as a result you should use other means such as selective pruning or thinning of the upper branches of any trees that interfere to provide at least 3 hours of daily sunlight, even if the result is filtered sunlight. At least you’ll have more choices to choose from.

There are plants that are suited to every landscape and while sunlight is the most important characteristic to consider another characteristic to take into account for a shade garden are the tree roots. I know most people would not consider this but there are two reasons to take this into account. First the ease at which you can plant and  second, limiting the damage and stress on the trees you are planting around. Perennials are the best and most abundant choice for this, their relatively shallow roots work well in these situations.

 Perennials to Plant in the Shade

1. Hostas – There are 100’s of Hostas to choose from and very well may be the most common perennials planted in shaded landscapes. There is surely one for every concievable situation and personal taste. From the tiniest that grows no larger than 4 inches to the mammoth ones that can stand three to four feet tall and cover an area larger than you can spread your arms when mature. We found two at Walmart that work well in our landscape, Gold Standard (pictured) and Fortunei Aureo Marginata, they were less than $3.50.
2. Sedges –  While not normally the first plant to add to a shade garden it works well if you have the right conditions. It likes wetter soil and should be placed where you get the longest amount of daylight. It is especially well suited for areas that get midday sun. Our choice for this project was Carex Evergold.
3. Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Another plant choice that does well in areas of your landscape that may get more than 3 hours of sunlight. Their airy flower stems work well to highlight the large leaves of the Hostas. Your choices are as numerous as Hostas, I prefer using varieties that have burgundy foiliage, we were able to find Stormy Seas at our local Walmart.
4. Shade Garden Mix Consisting of a Hosta, Ajuga and Lamium – If you’re just starting out, this combination of plants that are suited to shade gardens is something you must try. These were sold in a pack of 3 making them a perfect combination at less than $11.00.
5. Corkscrew Rush – Grasses are the one species that are the least suited to be planted in shade, and while rush is not a grass it can work in your landscape to provide the texture and appearance of grass. There are very few choices of Rush that get much taller than 12 inches so when I was able to find this Big Twister variety I knew it was destine for our landscape.

• First Steps to Landscaping
• How to Install a Stone Walkway
• Shade Plants for Problem Landscaping
• The Reveal – 10 Rules Every Homeowner Should Follow When Landscaping
• Tips for Laying Sod Yourself
• Time to Lay Mulch
• Basics of Fertilizing your Lawn