ABOUT SHADE PERENNIALS

Basic Care

Shade perennials are easy to maintain, even in full-shade sites, so long as a few basic rules are kept:

• determine the density of shade in your garden
• select "light-shade", "partial- or semi-shade" or "full-shade" plants according to site conditions
• choose plants with bold foliage
• transplant new perennials into a well-prepared and well-aired bed or container with a nutritious growing medium
• ensure an adequate supply of water throughout the growing season
• feed each new plant with the correct fertilizer

Types of Shade

When selecting perennials, it is important to determine the degree of shade that currently exists in the garden.

Full-shade generally occurs under thick canopies of evergreens or on the north side of a building where there is no sun. Plant choice is limited. Conditions are often dry as tree roots are shallow and tend to compete for available water and nutrients.

Partial- or semi-shade generally occurs in areas that receive half a day of shade.

Light-shade areas generally receive no more than four hours of shade. This is the easiest condition to grow perennials as most light-shade areas receive indirect light and filtered sun. Most sun-loving plants can be grown in a light-shade site.

See PARTIAL SHADE PERENNIALS and FULL SHADE PERENNIALS for lists of shade perennials generally available at Pasquesi Home and Farm Suppliers.

Soil Conditions for Shade

The most effective and easily maintained shade garden is one that imitates nature - a rich and slightly acidic soil with natural mulch. As with sun perennials it is important to create a nutritious growing medium with good drainage. With shade, it is important to encourage air movement to prevent mold and fungal diseases.

The best shade growing conditions are created by incorporating organic matter such as peat moss or mushroom compost into the soil when planting. Organic mixes contain rich, fibrous materials that break down the clay and add nutrients to the soil.

To increase air circulation, keep plants pruned back and the crowns of trees and shrubs open. Avoid planting perennials close together and periodically cut back the branches of tall trees.

Shade gardens can dry out and require regular watering, particularly during dry spells.

Planting in a Shady Areas

Once the type of shade has been identified, ensure correct selection of plants. Shade-loving perennials are marked with a symbol similar to this for semi- or light- shade, and with a symbol similar to this for full-shade. To gain an overall picture of the garden, set the plants out on the beds, or containers. Identify light patterns, dry and moist areas, and allow for growth, height differences, space and foliage variation.

The best time to plant perennials is spring and fall, while the weather is cool and rain is more frequent. A mulch of organic matter during the spring, when plants begin growing, will help keep weeds down. This should be applied 1-2" deep. Applying mulch during late fall, after the first frost, will help prevent soil from fluctuating during the winter freeze.

A general purpose fertilizer with an analysis of 13-13-13 should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions, to perennial beds during spring.

Remove, or deadhead, faded flowers before they set seed. This improves the appearance of the garden, and helps prolong flowering by preventing the plant from completing its lifecycle.

Also, Pasquesi Home & Gardens is a complete resource for gardening, home and pet supplies. There are hundreds of beautiful accents for the home and out-of-doors, and Pasquesi Home & Gardens has an unrivaled collection of containers for indoors and outdoors in many different styles, materials and shapes. Both stores carry a wide range of quality garden tools and outdoor furniture.