By Bodie V. Pennisi
University of Georgia
Most gardens have at least one spot where sunlight doesn’t seem
to reach. So many a spring garden center trip poses the question,
“What should I plant in the shade?”
Garden center workers promptly point to the old tried-and-true
hostas, impatiens and caladiums. And in recent years, various
ferns have joined that short list.
Now, however, you can add a splash of colorful foliage and
blooms, too, with some interesting shade-loving annuals and
perennials.
Here are a few of these beauties.
Annuals
Polka dot plant (Hypoestes
phyllostachia) has been a favorite in dish gardens for its
colorful foliage. Its small leaves, splashed with white, pink or
red, are its main attraction. It grows fast, forming a mound 12
to 18 inches tall. Polka dot plant prefers moist, well-drained
soil and moderate fertility.
Persian shield (Strobilanthes
dyeranus) has elongated oval, purple and silver leaves. It
grows to a 24- to 36-inch-high mound. It, too, prefers moist,
well-drained soil and moderate fertility.
Native impatiens (Impatiens
capensis) will fit nicely in any native plants garden,
growing up to 50 inches tall. It has small, nectar-bearing orange
and red blooms in the summer. Native impatiens will feel at home
in a moist, well-drained soil with low fertility. The plant
reseeds freely.
Perennials
Blackberry lily (Bellamcanda
chinensis) grows to 2 feet tall and has the typically long,
linear leaves of a lily. Besides providing nectar, the blooms are
beautiful, spotted dark lavender and purple with a golden yellow
center. The fruits give the plant its name, as they resemble
blackberries.
Blackberry lilies grow well with a bit more light, so a spot with
some morning sun is best. As it reseeds easily, make sure you
keep an eye on where the seedlings come up. The plant blooms from
July to August and prefers moist, well-drained soil with medium
fertility.
Fragrant Solomon’s seals
(Polygonatum odorata variegata) boast wonderful,
cream-variegated foliage and fragrant, dainty, white blooms. They
bloom from June until August and attract all kinds of flying
visitors. Solomon’s seals grow to about 2 feet tall. They prefer
moist, well-drained soil with medium fertility.
Coral bells (Heuchera spp.)
have enjoyed tremendous interest in recent years. Many species
are native to North America. The leaves are purple, close to the
base of the plant. In June, they hold miniature blooms on spikes
above the foliage.
Lungwort, or
saccharata), is one of the hottest genera in the perennial
trade. Silver-spotted leaves gave it the “lungwort” name. It’s a
spring bloomer, with blue flowers opening before the foliage
emerges. Lungwort prefers moist, cool soils and does best in the
spring.
Toad lily (Tricyrtus spp.)
has interesting blossoms, white or pink and sprinkled with
crimson. The flowers develop at the leaf axils’ arching stems.
The leaves often have hairs on the underside. Its blooms appear
in late summer and into the fall. Toad lilies prefer moist soil
with moderate fertility.
(Bodie Pennisi is an Extension Service horticulturist with the
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences.)
