Art Knapp Articles
The Shady Side of Gardening - Plants that Thrive in Darker Nooks
in InformationalNot all gardens are made equal. As Spring continues on, you may be looking to revamp that drab looking garden or small nook. If you are considering what types of plants to choose this year, one important factor about the space to consider is the sun.
Many factors such as which direction a spot faces, proximity to buildings, and proximity to tall trees can drastically affect the amount of sunlight that is able to trickle through. Many varieties of plants require full sunlight to thrive. If the space you are gardening in does not have full sun, and remains shady or darker, fear not. There are some perennials that can still thrive in part shade.
Boxwoods
Boxwoods are an excellent option for a darker area which only gets partial sunlight. These hardy perennials are woody plants who persist over winter. Boxwoods are fairly low maintenance, and can be easily shaped into shrubs or even as a hedge wall. Boxwoods grow well in partial shade and certain varieties will even tolerate heavy shade.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These are also woody perennial plants that are able to persist in partial shade. Perfect for areas with trees that cast a shadow, these plants are available in a number of different varieties with different colours of blooms. These plants can be kept small, or be allowed to grow quite large. Both are fairly low maintenance and easy to care for.
Bigroot Geranium
Another excellent plant option for that shady nook is the Bigroot Geranium. These beautiful plants are resistant to heat and drought, thrive in shady conditions, and bloom with colourful white or pink flowers.
These are just some of the many perennial plants that are available that are not only able to grow, but thrive in shady environments. This spring, make sure before you pick up new plants that you assess the space in which they are going and choose the right varieties.