Filed under: Gardening, Flowers, How-To
If you thought that the answer was "none", read on. We're spotlighting four plants that prefer to stay out of the sun.Whether you've got a plot that's shaded by trees or tall buildings, there are a surprising number of perennials that can thrive in the area and bring grace and beauty to places that seem doomed to be barren.
Here are four of my go-to plants for deep shade situations.
Smilacia racemosa. Photo: Marie Viljoen
1. Smilacina racemosa, known as smilax. This is a native of Eastern woods and grows happily under full leaf cover. The green buds open to fluffy white plumes around late spring, and by fall have turned into attractive berries. Hardy to USDA Zone 3.
Polygonatum biflorum. Photo: Marie Viljoen
2. Polygonatum biflorum -- Solomon's seal. This woodland native forms lush colonies over time. These tall, arched stems drip with little green bell flowers in mid-spring. Hardy to USDA Zone 5.
Speirantha convallarioides. Photo: Marie Viljoen
3. Speirantha convallarioides -- false lily of the valley. An unusual plant with strappy, orchid-like leaves (which are semi-evergreen), its pretty bottle brush flowers bloom in full shade. Hardy to USDA Zone 5.
Convallaria majalis. Photo: Marie Viljoen
4. Convallaria majalis -- real lily of the valley! Now, some may disapprove, because lily of the valley can be invasive, but I find it hard to resist their deep scent and gorgeous flowers. Plant within a sunken barrier to prevent their spread, and they will flower in deep shade. Hardy USDA Zone 2.
For more plants that will flourish in shade read my previous article about shade-loving native plants.