skip to main content

Gardening in Shade

Starting a shade garden in 7a (VA)

11 years ago

I want to start a shade garden to the east of my house. And it will be my first one, except for a little bed of astilbes I have. It is not a huge area, and it is heavily shaded. Trees in the area include old (and huge) magnolia, sweet gum, and willow oak. There is also a large shrub of holly that is growing there. Other than that, I divided a hosta and planted there last year. North part of this area get more sun than south.

I was thinking of trying some the following this year:

More hostas, astilbes, ferns, and maybe heucheras?

If I want a groundcover in some areas, would sweet woodruff and lamiums do well here?

Another concern is that this area gets lots of leaves comes fall.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

sue_b
11 years ago
I live in your zone and have success with all you list except my heuchera and astilbe have not come back. Favorites are maidenhair fern (for height), Japanese painted ferns. Autumn ferns and tassel ferns. Sweet woodruff does come back and looks good . Lamium we were gifted is too invasive.

Nice flowering plants in our shade in your zone

Hydrangea

Hellebore

Bleeding heart

Foam flower

Strawberry begonia

Bloodroot

Epimedium

I am not a pro with the genus names like some really good posts on here today but I have experience in your zone. Have fun! Leaves we pretty much leave and rake up in early spring.
geoforce
10 years ago
As said above:

Helebore

Epimedium

Bloodroot

also:

Brunnera

Stylophorum

Many of the Trilliums

Asiatic and the American Mayapples (Podophyllum)

Exceptionally lovely the many forms of Pulmonaria
Related Professionals
Kansas City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Killeen Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Oneonta Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · DeRidder Accessory Dwelling Units · Aiken Accessory Dwelling Units · Merced Accessory Dwelling Units · Albuquerque Accessory Dwelling Units · Longview Accessory Dwelling Units · California Architects & Building Designers · Columbus Architects & Building Designers · Clarksville Architects & Building Designers · Jackson Architects & Building Designers · Waterbury Architects & Building Designers · Bloomington Architects & Building Designers · Honolulu Architects & Building Designers

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR How to Start a Cool-Season Vegetable Garden

By Marianne Lipanovich

Late summer and late winter are good times to plan and plant cool-season crops like salad greens, spinach, beets, carrots and peas

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Steps to Get a Garden Off to a Glowing Start

Grow a lush, balanced garden from an empty patch of yard or neglected landscape spot with these easy-to-follow guidelines

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Tips to Start a Garden — Can-Do Ideas for Beginners

By Alison Hodgson

Green up your landscape even if you're short on time, money and knowledge, with these manageable steps for first-time gardeners

GARDENING GUIDES Get a Head Start on Planning Your Garden Even if It’s Snowing

By Marianne Lipanovich

Reviewing what you grew last year now will pay off when it’s time to head outside

VINTAGE STYLE My Houzz: A Fresh Start in a Welcoming 1950s Home

By Kate Hansen Photography

Family and friends help a Melbourne homeowner create a comfortable space that beautifully reflects her personality

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Create a Beautiful Shade Garden

By Falon Mihalic

Turn the cool, shady spot in your garden into your own quiet oasis

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Great Trees for Summer Shade and Fall Color

By Tiffany Carboni

These landscape-pro faves straddle the seasons beautifully. Could one enhance your own yard?

REMODELING GUIDES Follow a Ranch House Renovation From Start to Finish

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Renovation Diary, Part 1: Join us on a home project in Florida for lessons for your own remodel — starting with finding the right house

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Tropical Bulbs for a Summer Garden That Wows

By Steve Asbell

Try these stunners in summer's powerful heat for garden thrills with an exotic flair

Sponsored

Custom Home Works

10 Reviews

Franklin County's Award-Winning Design, Build and Remodeling Expert