Shady Garden Spaces
We're often asked about what to plant in the shade that will provide color. Break away from the traditional standbys for your shade garden—utilize the many varieties of plants that offer interesting foliage to mix with bloomers.
Leaf Color and Texture
There's no need to rely solely on flowers to provide color. Create year-round interest with a mix of blue-grey leaves next to dark green, add a pop of red and splashes of bright green—a feast for your eyes.
Go bold with large leaves next to small and fuzzy leaves that cozy up to smooth. The addition of texture to a variety of color will complete the picture.
Here's a short list of suggestions that can be planted together, require regular water, and like shade (especially afternoon shade).
Note: We carry all of the plants listed, although we are growing our online catalog. More links coming soon.
Blue-Grey:
Go bold with large leaves next to small and fuzzy leaves that cozy up to smooth. The addition of texture to a variety of color will complete the picture.
Here's a short list of suggestions that can be planted together, require regular water, and like shade (especially afternoon shade).
Note: We carry all of the plants listed, although we are growing our online catalog. More links coming soon.
Blue-Grey:
Dark Green:
- Bear's Breeches
- Fern varieties
- Japanese Aralia
Red:
- Coprosma 'Pacific Sunset'
- Heavenly Bamboo varieties
Bright Green:
- Japanese Rock Fern
- Japanese Forest Grass
- Sweet Flag (Acorus)
Shade-Loving Blooms
Admittedly, it is hard to resist adding a few flowers in the mix. And we have some beauties. For areas with shade, light colors stand out. Use darker blooms with bright green or light colored foliage for contrast.
Here's a short list of suggestions that can be planted together, require regular water, and like shade (especially afternoon shade). And many of them come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Here's a short list of suggestions that can be planted together, require regular water, and like shade (especially afternoon shade). And many of them come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Stop in and talk with any of our plant gurus to get answers for your specific garden situation.
