Full Shade Plants: Choosing the Best for Your Garden

Full Shade Plants

Are you struggling to find the right plants for your shady garden? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the best full shade plants that will thrive in your garden. Whether you’re looking for colorful flowers or lush greenery, there’s a full shade plant out there for you. Let’s get ed!

The Benefits of Full Shade Plants

There are many benefits of having full shade plants in your garden. First and foremost, they can add color and interest to an otherwise dull area. Additionally, full shade plants are often more tolerant of cooler temperatures and require less water than their sun-loving counterparts. They can also provide a natural habitat for wildlife, such as birds and insects, which can help to create a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Full Shade Plants

When choosing full shade plants, it’s important to consider a few factors. The first is the amount of sunlight your garden receives. Full shade plants typically need less than two hours of direct sunlight per day, so if your garden gets more than that, you may want to consider partial shade plants instead. You should also consider the soil conditions in your garden, as some full shade plants prefer acidic soil while others prefer alkaline soil. Other factors to consider include the size and shape of the plants, as well as their growth rate.

The Best Full Shade Plants

Now that you know what to look for when choosing full shade plants, let’s take a look at some of the best options out there:

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart plants are known for their heart-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, white, and red. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to three feet tall.

Hosta

Hostas are a popular choice for full shade gardens due to their large, lush leaves and ability to thrive in low-light conditions. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, from small and compact to large and sprawling.

Impatiens

Impatiens are an excellent option for adding color to your garden. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, and white, and can bloom all summer long. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to two feet tall.

Ferns

Ferns are a classic choice for full shade gardens. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from delicate fronds to large, sprawling plants. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to six feet tall.

Astilbe

Astilbe plants are known for their feathery plumes of flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer moist soil and can grow up to four feet tall.

Lungwort

Lungwort plants are known for their unique, spotted leaves and bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, blue, and purple. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to 12 inches tall.

Heuchera

Heuchera plants, also known as coral bells, are known for their colorful foliage and delicate flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to two feet tall.

Caladium

Caladium plants are known for their large, heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors, from pink and red to green and white. They prefer moist soil and can grow up to two feet tall.

Japanese Painted Fern

Japanese painted ferns are known for their unique foliage, which comes in shades of silver, green, and purple. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to 18 inches tall.

Heucherella

Heucherella plants, also known as foamy bells, are a cross between heuchera and tiarella plants. They come in a wide range of colors and can bloom all summer long. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to two feet tall.

Brunnera

Brunnera plants are known for their heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers that bloom in the spring. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to 18 inches tall.

Primrose

Primrose plants are known for their colorful flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and yellow. They prefer moist soil and can grow up to six inches tall.

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit plants are known for their unique flowers, which resemble a tiny preacher standing in a pulpit. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to two feet tall.

Toad Lily

Toad lily plants are known for their unusual flowers that resemble orchids. They bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white and prefer moist, well-drained soil. They can grow up to three feet tall.

Solomon’s Seal

Solomon’s seal plants are known for their arching stems and delicate white flowers that bloom in the spring. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and can grow up to three feet tall.

Caring for Full Shade Plants

Now that you’ve chosen your full shade plants, it’s important to know how to care for them. Here are a few tips:

Watering

Most full shade plants prefer moist soil, so be sure to water them regularly. However, be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot.

Fertilizing

Full shade plants typically require less fertilizer than their sun-loving counterparts. Use a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year, following the instructions on the package.

Mulching

Mulch can help to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing. Apply a layer of mulch around your full shade plants, being careful not to cover the stems or leaves.

Pruning

Regular pruning can help to keep your full shade plants healthy and looking their best. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other.

FAQs

1. What is considered full shade?

Full shade is defined as an area that receives less than two hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Can full shade plants grow in partial shade?

Yes, many full shade plants can also grow in partial shade. However, they may not bloom as well or grow as tall as they would in full shade.

3. Do full shade plants need fertilizer?

Yes, full shade plants do need fertilizer, but they typically require less than sun-loving plants. Use a slow-release fertilizer once or twice a year, following the instructions on the package.

4. Can full shade plants grow in containers?

Yes, many full shade plants can be grown in containers. Just be sure to choose a container that is large enough for the plant’s roots and use a high-quality potting soil.

5. Do full shade plants attract wildlife?

Yes, full shade plants can provide a natural habitat for wildlife, such as birds and insects. This can help to create a healthy ecosystem in your garden.

Full shade plants are an excellent choice for adding color and interest to your shady garden. With so many options out there, it’s easy to find the perfect plant for your space. Just be sure to choose plants that are well-suited to your garden’s conditions and provide them with the care they need to thrive.