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Plants that thrive with little sun

Jessica Damiano | Garden Detective

February 21, 2008

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What is hardy that grows in full shade? My hostas don't grow like my neighbor's. I like color and variety.

Kathy, Little Neck

Hostas are pretty well represented in shade gardens across the New York-metropolitan area. Since you don't say what sort of difficulty you're experiencing with them, I'll just quickly go over a few common problems.

If you're noticing round holes in the leaves, slugs are likely the culprits. If you kiss your plants goodnight in the evening and wake up to find them missing from the garden, then you can blame deer or rabbits, though I don't think that's a likely problem in Little Neck. If you're noticing mottled foliage, yellow rings or dots on the leaves, that would indicate a virus, in which case it's best to dig them up and throw them out.

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Other problems can be caused by chemicals, frost damage or insufficient shade.

No matter. Since you've decided to move on, I can tell you about some beautiful and hardy shade plants that thrive here, but first I want to tell you about one plant that will not grow well - grass. If your garden is very shady, don't even bother trying to plant a lawn. Sure, nurseries sell seed mixes labeled for shade. But I don't care what the bag says: They won't produce a lush lawn.

Having said that, you'll still need a ground cover. Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese spurge) is a reliable player. It fills in nicely yet isn't invasive, remains evergreen in this area and does a tremendous job anchoring the soil. Vinca minor (periwinkle) will serve a similar purpose and flower nicely in midspring.

It's important to note where your shade is coming from. If it's caused by deciduous trees like dogwoods, maples or oaks, then shade is a concern for only the part of the year when the tree has leaves. You can take advantage of the sun exposure before the tree leafs out and grow some sun-loving early-season perennials there. Try tulips and daffodils to brighten up the spot.

Before beginning any garden project, you should always test your soil's pH. The results will tell you which plants are suited to the site as well as guide you in amending the soil, if necessary. Test kits are widely available online and at local nurseries, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension will test your soil and make amendment recommendations for a nominal fee. (Call 516-228-0426 in Nassau; 631-727-7850 in Suffolk) for information.

If your soil is on the acidic side, consider shrubs like Pieris (Andromeda), any of the Ilex species (hollies), and Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Skimmia japonica also loves shade and acid soil, and isn't used nearly as much as it should be. Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) would make a nice foundation planting. All of these are broadleaf evergreens.

For neutral soils, I love Hypericum 'Albury Purple' (St. Johnswort), which sports bright yellow flowers and red berries on a low-growing shrub with purple-tipped green leaves. It's indicated for sun to part shade, but I've had success with it in a mostly shady spot. I'm also fond of hydrangeas, which do very well in the shade.

Some varieties, such as the aptly named 'Endless Summer,' offer a full season of blooms. Abelia x grandiflora (glossy abelia) will serve you well, too. Boxwoods, both common and Japanese, will thrive, as will any of the yews and Prunus laurocerasus (cherry laurel).

If you're looking for annuals, you can't go wrong with impatiens or wax begonias. Coleus is a shade-loving foliage plant that's available in many different colors, and flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata), which tolerates partial shade well, grows up to 4 feet tall and gives off a delicious jasmine scent.

As far as perennials go, you can't go wrong with Phlox divaricata (woodland phlox). Its blue, lavender or white blooms sit atop small green leaves in late spring, and it's a generous reseeder.

Heuchera (coral bells) blooms in summer with tall spikes of tube-like flowers rising above a mound of colorful foliage. Both perform well in partial shade, as do Echinacea Purpureas (purple coneflower), Aquilegias, Digitalis (foxglove), Astilbes, Campanulas, Lobelias and many lupines. Hellebores will flower in the winter, and Ajugas and ferns both have it made in the (deep) shade.