With Mother’s Day fast approaching, our “safe” planting date has finally arrived! This generally marks the beginning of warming temperatures, which in turn means my outside exposure gradually begins to decrease as temperatures and humidity rise. When I do find myself outside, I tend to seek out the cool, reassuring comfort of shade. And I am not the only one.
Much like myself, there are certain plants that not only prefer shade but thrive in its cool, dark bliss. I know what you’re probably thinking – Hosta, Hosta, Fern, Hosta. Alas, no! There are so many viable, interesting options that offer not only color, but texture, contrast, scent, and all around interest and intrigue. Let’s explore some of these options that will brighten and liven any shady area of your landscape.
Carnival Watermelon Alumroot
Artfully textured, peachy-pink foliage matures to a bronzy-green with silver markings. Dainty, white bell-shaped flowers bloom atop long stems in mid-Spring. Prefers shade to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 8-12” wide and 12-18” wide. Attracts pollinators. Salt tolerant.
Raspberry Splash Pulmonaria
Lovely, mounded plant that produces clusters of bright, raspberry-colored blooms in early to mid-Spring amongst white speckled foliage. Prefers shade to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 8-12″ tall and 12-18″ wide. Attracts hummingbirds and bees. Deer resistant
Burgundy Glow Bugleweed
Vibrant, spreading groundcover with lovely purplish-blue flower spikes that bloom above glossy, multi-colored foliage early Spring – early Summer. Prefers shade to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 6-8″ tall and 8-12″ wide. Attracts butterflies and pollinators. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Visions Astible
Fluffy lavender-mauve plumes bloom atop sturdy stems and dark green foliage July – August. Prefers shade to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 12-18” tall and 12-18” wide. Deer and rabbit resistant. Drought tolerant.
Looking Glass Siberian Bugloss
Showy, blue flowers bloom in early Spring above silvery, heart-shaped leaves with striking green veining. Prefers shade to partial shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 12-18″ tall and 12-18″ wide. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Japanese Painted Fern
Finely textured, bluish-gray fronds with hints of silver, white and burgundy grow in a lovely mound. Prefers shade to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Grows 12-18” tall and 12-18” wide.
Bring some life, color, texture and contrast into the shade with these unique and stunning plants. Reach out to Sweeney’s today, and be afraid of the dark no more! We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!
Sweeney’s: A Plant Based Company
Plant of the Week
The Rocket Ligularia
Clump forming perennial produces masses of buttery-yellow flower plumes on striking black stems above serrated, heart-shaped foliage mid-Summer through late-Summer. Prefers shade and moist soil. Grows 3-4′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Deer resistant.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
– Greek Proverb
Best wishes,
Kim Sweeney
Love the log picture!
I don’t know about the rest of you, but we are seeing an explosion of rabbits. On one hand kind of cool on the other-they are eating lots of my plants.
Does any one have any tips on keeping them out of my garden?
Thank you! Yes, so many rabbits this year! I would love to learn some tips and tricks for discouraging their presence in the garden. They are voracious eaters and becoming more brazen.