With the high temperatures we have been experiencing lately, many people have been reluctant to install plants. Consider planting in the shady areas of your landscape since these areas usually do not dry out as fast as the sunny areas. When planting always add quality soil amendments to the existing soil. There are many good plants to choose from which grow well in shade. If you need to add trees, try Dogwoods or Red Buds. Magnolias are also good to use in semi-shade areas. If shrubs are needed to enhance shady areas, try Azaleas, which are available in different colors, growth habits and blooming periods. Camellias are good in these areas too. Some other good shrub choices are Rhododendrons, Yews, Aucuba, Hydrangeas, Daphne, Fatsia and some Viburnum. Also, consider Mahonia that has great winter interest and Pieris, which has bell-shaped blooms in the spring.

Perennials are also great in shady areas. Ferns come in several varieties. Hosta Lilies have great foliage colors. Heuchera is available with different foliage colors and bloom colors. Leopard Plant has yellow blooms and spotted foliage. Solomon’s Seal has variegated foliage. Others to consider are Cast Iron Plant and Hardy Begonias.

There are many great ground covers for use in shaded areas as well. Vinca Minor, Variegated Vinca Major, Asiatic Jasmine, Liriope, Mondo and Dwarf Mondo Grass, Ajuga and Acorus Grass are all good, shade-loving ground covers.

Visit the nursery and explore the shade-loving plants that are available for planting now. Ask the garden professionals for suggestions to increase the visual appeal of your shaded landscape areas.

Happy Gardening!