Shade Perennials: A Palette of Beauty for Every Garden

Virginia Bluebells

Virginia Bluebells are a perennial herbal plant that grows 1 to 2 feet tall. The foliage of these plants is a smooth grayish-green color with small clusters of pink buds. The buds open up into bell-shaped flowers that are blue and lavender. The oval grayish-green leaves grow along each stem of the plant. These conspicuous flowers have a high water usage. They are a dependable, hardy flower that begins to bloom in early spring. It likes moist soils and will do well even in deep, shady landscapes. These flowers will continue to grow in size each year with little to no care.  Advantages Of Planting Virginia Bluebells  Virginia Bluebells have many advantages. These one-inch flowers attract butterflies and are bee-friendly. They are a great addition to woodland landscapes as they are deer-resistant. They also provide good ground cover without growing aggressively and make excellent cut flower arrangements. The Seeds Of Virginia Bluebells   Seeds should be collected between late May and early June. After 3 to 4 weeks of the plant flowering, the fruit will ripen into a brownish-yellow color. At this point, the stem has most likely collapsed. The seeds must be dried, stored in a sealed container, and refrigerated.  If the Virginia Bluebell seeds have been stored, they should be planted six weeks before the last predicted frost date. Another option is to sow the seeds as soon as they are collected. If they are stored throughout winter, the seeds must be cold-moist stratified for six weeks before planting in the spring. Attributes Of Virginia Bluebells Virginia Bluebell Hardy Planting Zone: 3 to 8 Bloom Season: March, April, May, June Bloom Color: Pink, Blue, Purple Height of Maturity: 1 to 2 feet Soil Type of Preferred: Rich, moist, sometimes rocky soils Sun or Shade: Part shade, shade

Lily Of The Valley Plant

The beautiful Lily of the Valley thrives in many kinds of climates. Those who want to plant it find it best in zones three through nine. One of the most delightful things about the plant is its relatively long bloom season. Gardeners can expect to see it start to bloom early in the spring for about three to four weeks. This period begins later and extends longer for those who live in more northern climates. Lily Of The Valley's Bloom Color The standard plant color is a soft white. It's more off-white with hints of darker shades. However, some versions have a hint of pink, while others are completely pink. The Rosea variant comes in either a hint of purple or entirely mauve.  The Lily Of The Valley Plants Height at Maturity A Lily Of The Valley Plant typically grows to about a foot in height. This flower likes rich soil with plenty of nutrients. It also prefers lots of moisture to grow to its full height and show off its attractive blooms. When planting, look for spaces with at least partial shade. The plant doesn't do well in full sun. It is a good choice for ground cover next to a fully-grown tree. Dappled sunlight will help it thrive and add beauty to any yard. Lily Of The Valley Plant Isn't A Lily A Lily of the Valley isn't even a lily. It's a member of the asparagus plant family. This is something people like in many parts of the world. The small leaves surround delicate flowers with an understated scent. Gardeners appreciate the plant because it is rare and can thrive under varied conditions. Begin planting in early spring and watch flowers bloom a short time later.

Bloodroot

Bloodroot, known explicitly as Sanguinaria canadensis, is a paradoxical little flower. It is also called redroot, bloodwort, red puccoon, Indian red paint, sang-dragon, snakebite, and a dozen others based on minute region variations. It is found in eastern North America and is the only species in its genus. Is it the closest relative? Snow poppies are found only in China. The species appears with a wide variety of shapes in its leaves and white, yellow-centered flowers, but its juice is always bright scarlet, hence its name. Alternative Properties of the Bloodroot  Yet this same property means sanguinaria is being investigated as a cancer treatment. Investigations are inconclusive, but it's been used in alternative medicine for a long history. Red juice means it can be used as a paint or dye, and even today, it's a commercially used food additive. Bloodroot's Seeds The bloodroot is also prized in specific capacities by gardeners. Double-flowered mutations are especially showy and last longer than the few days average for sanguinaria flowers. They're considered lovely shade plants blooming in spring and look at home in woodland-like gardens and landscapes. Though their bloom time is short, the plants are relatively easy to collect seeds from, making them fun and easy to propagate, and they'll flower for years with little care. However, it needs to be handled carefully in the garden due to the properties of the juice of its leaves and roots. Uses Of The Bloodroot  Bloodroot is surprisingly renowned as an experimental homeopathic cancer treatment despite microscopic studies having been applied to its efficacy. It's most commonly associated with treating skin tumors, harkening back to its history of being used to treat skin conditions. However, when it comes to treating severe conditions, this plant is likely best left off the table in favor of proven remedies. As an odd treatment for moles and skin tags, it seems unlikely to vacate the pages of herbalists' books soon.

Dutchman Breeches

Dutchman’s Breeches, also known as Dicentra cucullate, is a perennial wildflower native to the Eastern portion of the United States. It can also be found in the wooded areas of the Pacific Northwest, though more rarely. It blooms from March to April and goes dormant by mid-summer. The delicate-looking flowers on this plant range in color from white to a very light pink and are light yellow at the tip. Dutchman's Breeches Flower The flowers resemble a pair of pants hanging upside down, with the ankle on top. The small flowers, about ¾ in., appear in rows of leafless stems that protrude through the foliage. The leaves on them are roughly 4 inches long and resemble those on a fern, are deeply cut, and are greyish-green. These plants are smaller, just one foot tall and one foot wide. They thrive best with an average amount of moisture in well-drained and humus soil and, in part, fully shaded areas. Pollinators Love The Dutchman's Breeches Typically, Dutchman's Breeches are pollinated by bumblebees, which can tap the nectar with their long proboscis. Honeybees can also pollinate them, but not as easily, as they can only collect the pollen with their front feet. Information Regarding The Dutchman's Breeches Dutchman’s Breeches are best left in nature. However, they aren't typically used as a border if they are found in a garden because they go dormant by summer. If these plants are used in a garden, they should be planted in October or early spring. It should be noted that they grow from underground tubers; therefore, if they are planted in the right conditions, they spread rapidly. They can be tamed by digging up, removing, or replanting the tubers.