Are you looking for the best perennials for full shade anytime of the year? Perennial flowers are an easy way to bring color and beauty to any type of garden. They will grow even in areas that are not naturally planted with them, such as urban backyards or a beach front lawn.
Sun-loving plants are perfect in any area where there is shade to be had. You can plant them in groups of three to five and make your own private spot in your garden. As long as they get enough sun, they will bloom beautifully all season long. The following are some ideas for where and how to plant these lovely plants:
Plant the flowers close together to create a layered look and cover up the low spots on your flower garden beds. Since the flowers come up and go down in the summer, it is nice to make sure that there is plenty of sun for them. This will allow them to bloom well all season long.
In early spring, there will still be warm days but nighttime temperatures will be cooler so the shade will not be as noticeable. The trick is to make sure you are planting spaces are large enough to accommodate your shade loving plants. Also remember that planting too close together can create shade balls. These can become a big hassle and a serious safety hazard to have around.
In late summer to early fall, daytime temperatures will warm up and your flower garden will once again get adequate sunlight. Shrubs and bushes should be planted at the base of the tree or shrub nearest the flower bed. Then in the early spring, the ground will begin to warm up and blossom. It will be a bit cooler during this time since nighttime temperatures will be cooler.
Perennial flower garden plants will usually bloom from one to four weeks each year. Some varieties only bloom for one week each year. One of the best is the bluebell, which bloom seasonally between March and November. The blooms come in the colors of purple, orange and white. This is a perennial flower that grows easily.
Most perennials are fairly easy to maintain, though there are some that do require special care. Full sun, cool days and moisture are all it takes to get these plants to bloom, but then you have to give them certain things to encourage their growth. If you want to choose the best flowering plants for full-sun shade, look for those that require little or no fertilizer, thrive in full sun and can tolerate shade and can tolerate drought.
It’s always best to place perennials in a well-drained, slightly acidic soil that has been watered regularly. The best locations are along a sloping hillside, in old-growth forests and in sunny spots on your property. Perennial flowers for full-sun shade will also flourish in well drained soil that is not fertilized, but have plenty of light. Choosing the right kind of plant will help ensure that your garden blooms from season to season, year after year.
Busy shrubs and trees are an obvious choice for a garden full of colour. Busy plants do not flower and die from the winter bloom, but they do slow down the growth of your other plants. This is great if you like to watch your perennials develop and bloom, but can’t stand the slow growth. Choose annuals that will bloom all season. If you’re not sure, consult a nursery to find out what types of perennials work best in your climate. You may also want to use a border of perennial plants to bring colour into your garden on sunny days.
Perennials don’t need much attention, if any, to develop and bloom. Most flowers will do well under minimal maintenance, unless you’re trying to replicate a particular species. For instance, true forget-me-nots will bloom all year, but won’t last long if you water it excessively or try to pinch off the petals at the base. All other plants in full shade will be better managed with less watering, pruning, or other forms of light control.
The best bloom times for many perennials is in full sun. Spring bulbs and daffodils bloom best in full sun. Tulips, hydrangeas, and most variegated flowers can do well in the shade as well. Many annuals are best planted in the middle of a lawn, but if you have enough room, consider planting them in the shade of a tree or fence.
Full-bloom perennials are great in full shade, because the fullness of their blooms makes them attractive year after year. Cut flowers back to blossom in late summer or early fall. Keep mulch in the ground around plants to conserve energy, but remove it in the spring. Sunflowers should be dug up in the fall, because they don’t have a deep root system, so they don’t do well in shade. If you are planting perennials for shady growing conditions, keep the soil moist, but take care not to keep it wet through the summer.