| |
Top 10 Shade Plants
1. Arthropodium cirratum
Native to New Zealand and also known as the ‘New Zealand Rock Lily', Arthropodium cirratum was found there on the rocky, coastal areas form the North Cape to the South. Maikaika is a Maori name for this plant and has been documented as having food, medicinal and spiritual significance in the Maori culture.
Arthropodium cirratum is a beautiful plant with it's silver-green, broad, strappy foliage and large sprays of white, small, lily-like flowers with lilac and yellow stamens. A hardy, showy and compact plant that performs well in both shade and sun, but requires protection from snails and slugs. Arthropodium cirratum grows up to 1 metre with flower sprays of up to 30cm long.
2. Azalea
Azaleas are a very popular shrub from the Rhododendron family for use in shaded areas, whether it be under trees or man-made shade structures. They are primarily native to Japan , yet there are deciduous species which are native to North Carolina . There are over 10,000 different cultivars of Azaleas due to human modification over hundreds of years, resulting in new flower colours which range from white to deep purples, growth height, flowering periods and growing conditions. Best grown in acidic soils with good drainage and plenty of shade from the elements, although some varieties do tolerate full sun. Azaleas are prolific during their flowering period, mainly during Spring, with blooms covering the bush so much so that it is difficult to see any foliage. Height at maturity depends on variety with some species growing to only 1 foot while others can grow well over 10 feet tall.
3. Camellia
A beautiful flowering shrub or small tree native to eastern and southern Asia with at least 250 species and approximately 3000 cultivars and hybrids recorded. Although largely grown as an evergreen, ornamental plant for their showy flowers in shades of white, pinks and reds, Camellia sinensis is grown commercially for its leaves for the making of tea. Tea oil is also produced by pressing the seeds of Camellia sinensis and is used as a sweet seasoning and cooking oil. The most common varieties are Camellia Japonica, which thrives in shaded areas with adequate water, and Camellia sasanqua which will tolerate both shade and full sun. All varieties of Camellia do best in moist, acidic soil with good drainage, although they are not drought tolerant and can suffer burn from frosts. The leaves are generally large, deep green and glossy with their flowers being either single or double and depending on variety, can be up to 12cm in diameter and appear predominately in Winter. Variety determines the height, anywhere between 2-20 metres tall and there are now also groundcover cultivars. Camellia japonica is also the state flower of Alabama and also the city flower of the Chinese municipality of Chongqing .
4. Daphne odora
Native to Western China and used in gardens for its gorgeous scent in the Sung period 960-1279 AD, Daphne odora has a reputation for its heavenly flowers. Daphne odora is a small, evergreen shrub with glossy foliage and clusters of small, white and pink tinged flowers mainly in Winter, growing 1 metre by 1 metre, preferring rich, well-drained soil either in a full-sun or shaded position. Quite a hardy plant requiring only light tip pruning to encourage bushiness and some protection from cold winds, Daphne odora is a must for anyone who enjoys heavy, sweet fragrances in their garden.
5. Ferns
First appearing in the fossil record in the early-Carboniferous epoch, Ferns have traditionally been grouped in the Class Filices, but modern classifications assign them their own division in the plant kingdom, called Pteridophyta. There are over 10,000 species of Fern and over 400 of those are native to Australia . Ferns come in many forms, they can be very large with woody stems like Tree Ferns, medium growing and clumping like Blechnum or small and dainty such as the Maidenhair Fern. Using Ferns creates a lush effect in the garden and when mass planting different varieties makes an impressive sight either in a patio situation or under trees. To grow Ferns to their best potential they need to have protection from direct sun and strong wind as well as rich, moisture retentive, well-draining soil. Some varieties can be grown in pots indoors as long as water is kept up to them and they are not placed near heat sources such as heaters.
6. Fuchsia
There are thousands of cultivars of Fuchsia. The majority are native to South America, but a few occur through Central America to Mexico , and also New Zealand and Tahiti . Most fuchsias are shrubs from 0.2-4 m tall, but one New Zealand species, Kotukutuku (Fuchsia excorticata), grows up to 12-15 m tall. Fuchsia's can be either evergreen or deciduous depending on species. The decorative flowers, either sinle or double, are pendulous and in profusion during Summer and Autumn with flower colour varying from white, dark red, pinks, purples, blues and orange. To grow Fuchsia's well, it is best to plant them in dappled light in well-drained, rich soil that is water retentive and prune back hard in Winter to encourage dense growth.
7. Gardenia
Native to tropical and sub-tropical areas of Africa, southern Asia, Australasia and Oceania , Gardenia is one of the world's most fragrant flowering plant. There are approximately 250 species of Gardenia, all are evergreen and depending on variety, growing anywhere between .5 of a metre to 15 metres tall. The broad, dark green, glossy foliage perfectly compliments the generally large showy flowers which begin appearing in Spring and can be white, cream or yellow. Gardenias make a fantastic feature plant in a pot and can also be used as a small hedge although protection from frost is necessary. To grow beautiful Gardenias, plant in slightly acidic soil in a cool, moist position and fertilise in early Spring in time for their first flush of flowers.
8. Helleborus
Hellebores, also known as the Lenten Rose, have long been a favourite for many gardeners due to their tough characteristics and impressive Winter and Spring flower display. A small, evergreen shrub up to 1 metre in height, Helleborus have a long history being native to much of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Majorca, Corsica, Greece, Romania, Turkey and Russia. Legend also surrounds Hellebores such as, Helleborus niger, commonly called the Christmas rose because of the old legend that says it sprouted in the snow from the tears of a young girl who had no gift to give the Christ child in Bethlehem. There is also the legend in witchcraft that it is believed to have ties to summoning demons. Helleborus is a unique plant with many fingered leaves and intricate cup-shaped flowers generally in greens, whites, pinks and purples. They perform well in rich, well-draining soil in shaded areas such as beneath the canopy of trees.
9. Impatiens
Impatiens have a wide distribution throughout the northern hemisphere and tropics. Producing flowers from early Summer until the first frost of Winter. They can survive in both shaded or sunny areas, as long as water supply is frequent, they are however in their element when planted in dappled light with moist, rich soil. Impatiens, also known as Busy Lizzy, provide growers with an intense display of colour and grow between 20 and 50cm tall and wide. They are fantastic mass planted in shaded areas, as an under-planting in feature pots or as a hanging basket display. It is ideal to prune Impatiens back to approximately 10cm when they turn ‘leggy' to encourage fresh, bushy growth. Regular liquid feeding is also beneficial.
10. Liriope
Liriope is a grass-like, flowering plant from East Asia and known as Lilyturf in North America . They are however, not a true grass, but are in the lily family Lilaceae. There are many varieties of Liriope, some only growing to 30cm, while others grow up to 90cm tall. They form neat clumps which make them ideal as a garden border or as feature foliage in the garden. Named after the nymph Liriope, it can have deep green, pale green or variegated green and white foliage. Flowers are produced on upright spikes which mingle gently with their glossy, grassy foliage which has a fountain-like effect. The flowers come in purple, lilac, blue, pink and white dependin on variety. Liriope thrives in free draining soil, requiring little maintenance and is fairly resistant to pest and disease. |
|
