| I have a lot of shady areas in my backyard because of tall trees, house position and evening sun. I want to grow some flowery plants and shrubs all along the side of the gardens where there are tree roots too (to beautify my garden). Which plants should I grow? |
| There are lots of shade loving plants to include in your landscape. Try some of these: Columbine - I had to mention this one first because it is Colorado's state flower. Hosta - Great foliage plant some have real nice flowers to, some have flowers that you don't notice much. Use the darker leaf Hosta in heavy shade. Use the lighter greens, golds and variegated in lighter shade, part sun and a few can even go in the Sun. Euonymus - some of these have evergreen leaves, great for winter interest. Many varieties from tall shrubs to ground covers. Lilac - the big old fashioned - Common Lilac to the dwarf Korean Lilac. Great Spring color in the shade. Viburnum - some of these are leafy evergreens. Some are partial evergreen, they hold leaves into the Winter but drop them at some point. Common Viburnums include Snowball Bush, both American&European Cranberry Bush, Nannyberry and Wayfaring Tree. Many sizes and leaf textures to chose from. They bloom on old wood like Lilacs (prune lightly after bloom.) Kinnikinnick - I love this ground cover plant because it reminds me of camping in the Colorado mountains. Leafy Evergreen ground cover. Native of Colorado Mountains. Oregon Grape Holly - leafy evergreen shrub also, Creeping Oregon Grape Holly is a ground cover. Looks similar to Holly but not a true Holly at all. Its actually a Mahonia, it has other commonly used names - Mahonia or Mahony. Arborvitae - many varieties and colors to chose from, ranging from blue needles to dark green. These are the softer version of an upright juniper. They are not junipers they just resemble them. Others to consider: Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis), Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia), Coralbells (Heuchera sanguinea), Hardy Geranium (Geranium pheum), Hermann's Pride (Lamiastrum galeobdolon), Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus, English Ivy ( Hedra helix), Periwinkle (Vinca minor), Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum), and Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum ). |
