Bay Area Shade Stunners

6 years ago

Sometimes it’s sometimes the shady corners of the garden that can be the most striking, thanks to the remarkable variety of plants that prefer less direct light. One of our favorite ways to bring excitement to the shade is with plants that feature white leaves or flowers. Variegation, or foliage that is marked with white, is particularly common among shade-loving plants because it helps the plant to receive more filtered sunlight. In this garden, Fatsia “Spiderweb” is a show-stopper with its deeply lobed green-and-white leaves. Despite its tropical appearance, this plant is hardy in all parts of the Bay Area, though in some spots it will lose leaves for winter. Got favorite “stunner” plants for shade? Please share them with us in the comments!

Featured Answer

Christopher CNC

6 years ago

Shade is a relative term. I have shade so thick you can cut it with a knife. So thinking more along the lines of dappled light kind shade, I have a number of big bold foliage plants I like. Darmera peltata is a west coast native. Aralia cordata 'Sun King' has great golden yellow foliage in lower light. Rodgersia is another big foliage plant with astilbe like blooms.

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Comments (6)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
I've seen this plant before and can't say I like it. The name seems appropriate because to me it looks like a green Fatsia with an infestation of spider mites or chrorosis. I have to confess I feel the same way about many chartreuse and variegated cultivars.
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PRO
Montgomery Robbins, Inc.
Original Author
6 years ago
@floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

We have to agree that plants are very personal! Each of our planting plans is completely unique because each of our clients likes different things, so we understand the sentiment. It's fun because we get to create different landscapes every time. Thanks for sharing your opinion with us!
PRO
Montgomery Robbins, Inc.
Original Author
6 years ago
@Christopher CNC This is the ultimate truth, and light shade is so much easier! Hopefully you've found some deep-shade solutions for your site. We always forget about Darmera. What fantastic texture to bring to the landscape. As for the Aralia "Sun King", we love that plant! Such incredible contrast in the garden. The Rodgersia is very exciting and new to us. Maybe we will incorporate them into a future landscape. Thanks so much!
Christopher CNC
6 years ago
Another nice foliage plant for shadier sites is Syneilesis aconitifolia, Shredded Umbrella Leaf. Looks like Cousin Itt when it comes up in the spring. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277676
PRO
Montgomery Robbins, Inc.
Original Author
6 years ago
We love it! Like a giant Helleborus foetidus, but more elegant. Thanks again @Christopher CNC