Perennials for Shade to Semi-Shade

When we first started our Nursery off in Anmore back in the mid 1980s we grew exclusively shade growing perennials.  Our passion for Hosta, Ferns, Geraniums, Astilbe and other companion plants has really not diminished.  Our listing is extensive from woodland ephemerals to structural accents and here are just a few  to consider. Most of our perennials are offered in 9 and 11cm pots with some in 15cm.

Aconitum are structural focal points in our garden providing height and bloom in the summer and fall.  They do go dormant after bloom, but they are easy to grow bloom at a time we enjoy our gardens most and are deer resistant.

Anemones again are a staple with the fall blooming ones forming large clumps that bloom right until the frost knocks them down.  The spring ephemeral ones of Anemone nemorosa are important filler plants in the early spring before all the larger perennials emerge providing groundcover and colour, going dormant by mid summer.  No garden should be with out these in our mild west coast climate.

Aquilegias are the epitome of cottage gardens filling in gaps between larger perennials and blooming in early summer with their exquisite flowers.  Some have foliage that is outstanding also , gold or flecked gold on green adding a bit of brightness to the garden.

For sheer bloom power Astilbes can't be beat.  Given adequate moisture especially in mid to late summer and fertile soils in semi-shade these plant will smother themselves in large feathery blossoms in the summer.  The range of colours is brilliant from frosty white through pinks, mauves, cerise and reds.  There is also a size that will fit into any garden from minis reaching only 15cm in height to tall elegant ones with flower spikes reaching 2M in height.  Remember to divide every 4 to 5 years for best bloom.

Astrantia are essentials for long bloom season and are excellent cut flowers.  The red flowered Astrantia do need some sun to colour the flowers well.  Easy to grow in most garden situations thrown at them.

Brunnera and Omphalodes resemble Forget Me Nots but are very perennial and not as invasive.  They have a long bloom season starting in early spring often going into early summer.  Brunnera tend to be clumping in habit and Omphalodes used as groundcovers.  Easy, tough plants.

Convallaria or Lily of Valley are excellent groundcovers noted for their fragrant flowers.  We offer several forms besides the classic, some with variegated foliage or double flowers.

Corydalis are the filler plants of the shade garden providing flower colour right through the summer.  Flowers range from blue to white and creamy yellow.  Easy to grow and very adaptable group of plants.

Epimedium are noted for their drought tolerance and dense groundcovering abilities.  Here again our range is comprehensive with dwarf ones suitable for containers or small garden spaces to larger more robust groundcovers. 

Geraniums have been part of our collection since day one with over 100 species and cultivars represented in our garden.  They are what connects the garden together with their mounding habits and long bloom periods.  Their blooms are not large but they produce them in abundance.  They are extremely adaptable some growing in hot full sun and poor soils to some in deep shade.  The best for shade are the Geranium phaeum but many others can grow well in shade to semi-shade.

It goes with out saying that Hosta are king of the shade and we offer one of the largest listings in western Canada.  We offer then in several sizes depending on the mature size of the plants with minis that are under 10cm in height in 9cm pots, edgers that reach 15-20cm in height in 11cm pots and standard Hosta in 15cm pots.

For great groundcovers in difficult locations try Oxalis.  Either Oxalis magellanica which is very short, perfect between paving stones or Oxalis oregana or acetosella. 

Solomons Seal is a classic shade plant with various types to fill different niches in the garden.  Polygonatum falcatum and hookeri are dwarf ones reaching only 10cm in height, excellent small groundcovers or mini garden plants.  Polygonatum Silver Wings, and odoratum are great with mid size Hosta as accent plants.

Primula or Primroses are another one of our favourites, no Grocery Store primroses here!  We carry Asian species that tolerate damp conditions even some flooding.  These types tend to carry the flowers well above the foliage some in balls and some tiered or candelabra type.  The European species are more adaptable to varying soils conditions tolerating some drying out.  These are more cushion like with shorter stems.  Many Primroses have fragrant flowers too!

Pulmonaria or Lungwort is an essential in the shade garden providing dense groundcover with interest for a long period of time.  They really only rest for two months in the winter.  As long as they do not dry out in the summer months, powdery mildew should not be a problem. These plants bloom in early spring through early summer with flower colours ranging from coral to deep blue.

The Ranunculus ficaria or Celandines are spring ephemerals that come out of dormancy mid winter and bloom in early spring.  Low groundcover type plants they come in a range of foliage colours from chocolate brown to deep green splashed silver or black.  The flowers buttercup yellow, parchment white or gold with a hint of orange and they come in very unique flower shapes from single to button to ruffled doubles.  Moisture lovers they love our wet springs and are great planted under Hostas and other late to emerge perennials.

For sheer size and tropical effect Rodgersia should be planted.  Slow to mature the plants can reach 2M wide and 1M in height with elegant creamy white flower panicles in mid summer.  Fortunately slugs don't like these plants!

There are a number of Saxifraga that make perfect evergreen groundcover in the shade or woodland garden.  Look for Saxifraga manschuriensis, stolonifera or veitchiana for ones that spread like strawberry plants.  For more leathery slower growing groundovers look for Saxifraga spathularis, X urbium 'Variegata' or 'Parker's Pink Pride'.

For vertical accent no plant does it better than Thalictrum or Meadowrue.  These plants grown in fertile soils can easily reach over 2M in height and don't need any staking.  Delicate looking foliage of sea green colouring and fine textured flowers are produced in mid summer, they don't need a lot of space as they are the high rises of the garden.

For perfect evergreen groundcover in the shade try Tiarella 'Running Tapestry' which spreads with runners on the surface (easy to control in small spaces) and Tolmiea menziesii 'Taffs's Gold' the variegated version of our native Piggy Back Plant.

Toadlilies or Tricyrtis are great accent plants for late summer and fall bloom.  Almost orchid like in their appearance they prefer the shady woodland forming slowly spreading clumps over time that are 1M in height and spread.