From the metallic trill of the Cardinal to the rapid, cherry whistle of the Robin; to the hum and drone of the bee, to the rhythmic patter of rain; nature perfects her overture, each day adding a new sound, another layer until her melody is as diverse and lovely as she.

Mother’s Day weekend brought some tumultuous weather, and a renewed respect for Nature’s prowess.  As the Oaks and Maples leafed out, It also managed to shine a light on shady areas in our yard where grass may be thin, and incorrectly sited plants failing.  But fear not.  Shade loving plants do exist, and they are nothing short of exhilarating.

White Snake Root

Clusters of white, tuft-like flowers bloom atop upright stems and dark green foliage August – October. Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-36” tall and 18-24” wide.  Attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators.  Deer and rabbit resistant.

Maggie Daley Astilbe

Plumes of fragrant, pinkish-lavender flowers bloom above glossy, dark green foliage June – August.  Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-26″ tall and 12-18″ wide.  Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.  Deer and rabbit resistant.

Foamy Bells 

Mounds of deeply lobed, amber-orange foliage with cinnamon star pattern emerges in Spring then deepens to a russet-copper in Summer.  Sprays of small white, honey-scented flowers bloom in Spring.   Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 24-“36” wide.  A hybrid between Coral Bells and Foam Flower.

Hosta Curly Fries

Slender, ruffled chartreuse leaves grow in a dense mound.  Lavender colored flowers bloom in mid-Summer.  Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 6-8″ tall and 12-18″ wide.  Attracts hummingbirds.

Luxuriant Bleeding Heart

Aptly named, delicate, pink heart-shaped blooms dangle from elegant stems amongst fern-like foliage.  Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 12-18″ tall and 12-18″ wide.  Deer and rabbit resistant.

Big Leaved Aster

Pale lavender-blue flowers with yellow centers bloom amongst heart-shaped leaves July – September.  Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 3-4′ wide.  Attracts butterflies, bees and other wildlife.  Salt tolerant.  Deer resistant.

Narrow Leaved Loosestrife

Buttery-yellow, star-shaped flowers bloom amongst delicate, airy foliage June – August.  Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 24-36″ tall and 24-36″ wide.  Attracts butterflies, bees and other wildlife.  Deer resistant.

Rose Sensation False Hydrangea Vine

Deciduous, climbing vine with fragrant, creamy, pinkish-white flowers, similar to Lacecap Hydrangea, bloom amongst heart-shaped leaves June – August.  Prefers shade to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 30-60′ tall and 8-12′ wide.  Attracts butterflies.

So as you begin to plant up your containers, pots or beds, don’t shy away from the shade.  Embrace it with illuminating, colorful, and exciting plants, and let Sweeney’s light the way!  You’ll never be afraid of the dark again…

Plant of the Week

Hosta Liberty

Leathery, dark green leaves emerge with bright yellow margins that eventually fade to a creamy white.  Grows in a lovely mounded form.  Prefers full shade and moist, well-drained soil.  Grows 12-18″ tall and 24-36″ wide.

“To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.”

-Jane Austen

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney