Tell us your Favorite Shade Plants

By dave
January 20, 2016

We're putting together a list of the ATP members' favorite shade plants! Come on in and read how to nominate your favorites! We will later publish a final article on the top picks.

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Jan 21, 2016 8:23 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Deb
Planet Earth (Zone 8b)
Region: Pacific Northwest Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level
This is kind of a jurassic park plant to me. In early spring, the knobby 'elephant toe' roots send up tall sturdy flower stalks with pink clusters that dance in the wind. About midway through the bloom, the leaves start to emerge and unfold into giant umbrellas. For me, an added bonus is this plant is native so I can freely introduce it into my wild areas.
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
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Jan 21, 2016 12:47 PM CST
Name: Debbie
Manitoba, Canada (Zone 3a)
Amaryllis Dog Lover Dragonflies Foliage Fan Hostas Houseplants
Native Plants and Wildflowers Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Enjoys or suffers hot summers Daylilies Critters Allowed Annuals
I agree, it's a very cool looking plant! Wish I had a damp spot for it; it is very hardy as well.
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Jan 21, 2016 1:49 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Deb
Planet Earth (Zone 8b)
Region: Pacific Northwest Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level
Yes, it does well in damp soil. I moved some to my very soggy lower field as an understory to a mixed area of alders, salmonberry, hazelnuts, and dogwood. They rooted just fine and are busily expanding their presence. I plan to continue adding them here and there as they bulk up and become divisable.
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
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Jan 21, 2016 3:12 PM CST
Name: Julie Hyde
Ocean Springs, MS (coastal) (Zone 8b)
Birds Butterflies Cactus and Succulents Daylilies Frogs and Toads Hibiscus
Hummingbirder Region: Mississippi Roses
Absolutely love it! My yard has many wet spots and I'd love to have it. Problem: I live in zone 9a! Do you think it would survive? Thanks, Julie
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding . In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
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Jan 21, 2016 3:44 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Deb
Planet Earth (Zone 8b)
Region: Pacific Northwest Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level
Per info on web, it is hardy to zones 5-7, but it does fine in my zone 8. I would give it a try and try to keep it away from drying winds and in full shade with moist feet and see how it does. It is a very impressive plant.
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
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Jan 21, 2016 4:02 PM CST
Name: Debbie
Manitoba, Canada (Zone 3a)
Amaryllis Dog Lover Dragonflies Foliage Fan Hostas Houseplants
Native Plants and Wildflowers Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Enjoys or suffers hot summers Daylilies Critters Allowed Annuals
My source says hardy zone 4-9; I know gardeners here in zone 3 have good luck with it.
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Jan 21, 2016 4:24 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Deb
Planet Earth (Zone 8b)
Region: Pacific Northwest Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level
I got my start from my sister who is in zone 4/5 and it does well for her too. My concern with zone 9 would be how much 'cold' exposure it might need over the winter. I don't know the answer to that.
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
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Jan 22, 2016 4:57 AM CST
Name: Myriam Vandenberghe
Ghent, Belgium (Zone 8a)
Bee Lover Organic Gardener Native Plants and Wildflowers Frogs and Toads Ferns I was one of the first 300 contributors to the plant database!
Charter ATP Member Cat Lover Birds Plant Identifier
This plant is also one of my most favorite shade plants. I started mine many years ago on the border of my pond. It took off immediately eager to grow and to expand, careless, pretty flowers early in the season, and the leaves are absolutely stunning, they give that lush tropical look I like so much! Lovey dubby It actually also grows in shallow water, it expands in the shallow parts of the pond. When it is freezing, the new buds under the water surface come out unharmed from these icy conditions!
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