Good color in deeper shade? Is there a list somewhere?

8 years ago

Looking at the shade under my ash trees, I realize that my 5 Guacamoles (12+ years old) and the Junes I planted in front, hardly show any color contrast on their leaves at all. Guacamoles are a dull medium green, and Junes are a dull dark blue green. You have to look close to see the variegation.

Whereas the Gold Standards, while not really GOLD, still show good color.

I don’t like white edges, or more accurately, should have I have enough of them, as I have a number of Sagae, Regal Splendor, etc, in the same bed. But something all-gold or gold centers or edges would be good, that can stand up to shade and ash tree roots.

If there is a list somewhere of good performers in heavy shade, I'll bookmark it. I am not contemplating future purchases (not really, LOL). But would keep it in my folder that I take with when I do buy.

Thanks!

Featured Answer

lindalana 5b Chicago

8 years ago

You can check my pics by using search under thread Trip to Fox Farm hosta. The hosta beds in decent shade under pines so it was very visual to see which ones hold their color best. Out of yellow those were Rosedale Knox and Rosedale Golden Goose, Centerfold, Lakeside Contender, Lakeside Foaming sea, Butter Yellow, LS waterfall for small and Rich Uncle. Lakeside Symphony is variegated but was also a standout in shade.

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Comments (18)

mikgag Z5b NS Canada
8 years ago
Dance With Me

Wide Brim

Lakeside Spellbinder

Diva

El Dorado

Krugerrand

St Paul
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago) thanked mikgag Z5b NS Canada
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Laura z4b / Helsinki, Finland
8 years ago
Orange Marmalade has nice coloring even in deep shade
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago) thanked Laura z4b / Helsinki, Finland
sherrygirl zone5 N il
8 years ago
How about Dancing Queen?
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago) thanked sherrygirl zone5 N il
bragu_DSM 5
8 years ago
Sagae has a yellower look in deep shade than in the sun ... give it a try
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago) thanked bragu_DSM 5
lindalana 5b Chicago
8 years ago
Sherry, my DQ looks pretty green even in decent light. Does it change in deeper shade?
sherrygirl zone5 N il
8 years ago
Mine is lighter green than the hosta near it. I just had another thought, Dawns Early Light is much lighter, I found out it doesn’t like much sun, had to move mine.
Sherry
gardencool
8 years ago
"5 Guacamoles (12+ years old) and the Junes I planted in front, hardly show any color contrast on their leaves at all. Guacamoles are a dull medium green"

My Guac gets full pm sun and shows no/none/nada color contrast and is limey green. Some people have good looking color contrasting Guacs; and some people don't have good looking Guacs. My opinion is there are 2 different kind of Guacs.
lecorps4fun
8 years ago
My Guac gets morning sun and that’s about it
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Mine were good the first few years after I bought them ( maybe 2004 ?) Then the tree shade got more dense. They are not reverted or anything, I can see some variegation: it's just hard to see the difference between very very dark green, and very dark green. :(

Even at their very lightest, though, they never looked like lecorps picture above.
gardencool
8 years ago
Good looking Guac, lecorps. I wish I had one.

linnea, I was planning on splitting my Guac in half planting half in shade hoping for better variagation. Your post indicates that won't make much difference.

Biggest 'dud' hosta I have.
Pieter zone 7/8 B.C.
8 years ago
GC, that doesn't look like 'Guacamole' at all, I cannot see ANY variegation. If indeed it has fragrant flowers you likely have 'Fried Green Tomatoes'.

Pieter
StevePA6a
8 years ago
My experience has been the same as gardencool and linnea. I sooo wish they all looked like yours, lecorps!
ConnieMay ON Z6a
8 years ago
Stained Glass and Atlantis look great in deeper shade.

I agree with Pieter, doesn’t look like Guacamole in that pic...
whitewatervol (Z 8a/7b Upstate SC)
8 years ago
Stained Glass is one that pops in deep shade for me.
gardencool
8 years ago
Mu Guacamole is a Guacamole. MANY guacs DO NOT show much variegation. Some do.

Google it! Hosta Library shows it. AGAIN, my opinion is there are 2 different Guacs.
gardencool
8 years ago
Stained glass looks good everywhere. Haven't tried in full sun. Very fast grower. Started with one 4 -5 years ago and have split it many times and now have 6-7 of them.
djacob68z5sewi
8 years ago

Here's a couple of shots of my G. Gets morning sun then shade.The flower is very fragrant.