🧵 1/5 Looking for size-appropriate, long-lived perennials for shady container gardens? Combine several “horticulturally appropriate” plants so you have evergreen foliage and flower interest year-round that is also low maintenance. Most of the plants I mention are not difficult to find and grow in a wide range of climate zones. The idea is to create interest with foliage plants, but keep an option open to add seasonal color. Photo ID’s -> Alt Text.
2/5 Heuchera - an evergreen perennial with scalloped leaves, small bloom stalks in early summer, and an enormous foliage range to choose from: red, caramel or green, many with variegation and contrasting veins. They tolerate part-sun to full shade and can live in container gardens for years. This plant combines beautifully with some of the plants I mention next.
#gardening #GardenDesign #ContainerGardens #heuchera #plants
3/5 Lenten Rose (Hellebore) - winter blooms in pink, maroon, or white, sometimes yellow and black. The foliage is evergreen, tolerates full shade and some have stunning foliage.
Depending on the cultivar, Lenten Roses start blooming in December, while others bloom in February - but the flowers last for weeks and WEEKS in the dead of winter. Pest and disease free.
Photo ID’s -> Alt Text.
#gardening #GardenDesign #ContainerGardens #plants #hellebore #LentenRose
4/5 If you have larger planters, consider a permanent feature plant like a dwarf conifer, boxwood, or a Camellia japonica. Add ferns to complement other plants and perennials: either tassel or holly ferns - both are evergreen, work well in containers, and will grow to become substantial plants.
Photo ID’s -> Alt Text.
5/5 Add some additional interest with texture and/or seasonal color: golden acorus grass or creeping jenny. Leave a space in your container garden to tuck in winter or summer annuals if you need a little color. Browallia, begonias AND houseplants work beautifully in the summer, and violas do well in the winter, tolerating more shade than pansies.
Photo ID’s -> Alt Text.
#gardening #GardenDesign #ContainerGardens #ferns #SummerPlanters
NancyWallaceGA