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When I think of shade tolerant plants, I think of small flowers, delicate leaves and low growing ground covers. In reality, shade tolerant plants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. The following lists some taller shade tolerant plants that you can use as privacy screens or along shaded fence lines. They also work well in combination with the more traditional, low growing shade plants to produce a colorful, multi-tiered effect in your shade gardens.
Tall Shade Plants Ornamental Grasses
Most ornamental grasses need sun a lot of sun. However, there are some varieties that do well in light or partial shade. My personal favorite is Northern Sea Oats. This is a mid-size ornamental grass that starts out green and matures to a bronze-copper color in late summer and fall. It grows to heights of 2-3 and the coppery foliage adds color to your winter garden. It does best in well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought conditions. If you require a shade plant that can tolerate moister conditions, check out Joe Pye Weed. It is not really a weed, but is characterized as an herb or perennial grass. It grows 3-6 tall, produces lavender blooms in midsummer and requires constantly moist soil. This plant also attracts butterflies and birds to your garden.
Tall Shade Plants - Shrubs
If youre looking for something taller to use as a privacy screen, there are a number of shade tolerant shrubs available. Rhododendrons are a broadleaf evergreen that produce early to midsummer flowers in shades of pink, purple or white. The different species range in size from 5 shrubs to 30 small trees. Once established, they are extremely hardy, tolerate shade well, and
grow throughout the United States. A more colorful alternative to the Rhododendron is the Hydrangea. Hydrangea is a tall, shade tolerant shrub, with the most common US species ranging in size from 3 8. The most interesting thing about hydrangeas is that the flowers of the plant will change colors depending on your soils acidity. Colors range from white to pink to blue and can be altered from year to year by using additives in the soil.
Tall Shade Plants Large Plants
If youre looking to go taller yet, there are a number of plants that bridge the gap from shrub to tree. These shade tolerant plants are typically in the 15 25 range and can be grown as multi-stemmed shrubs or pruned to a single trunked tree. The Eastern Redbud tree generally grows to around 20 and produces pinky-purple flowers in mid to late spring. The mature tree has a round crown with a flattened top. The Pagoda Dogwood also grows to around 20, produces white or yellow flowers in late spring and displays beautiful burgundy foliage in the fall. Both of these trees require moist, well-drained soil and do well in eastern or northern exposures.
Many of us have at least one or two shady areas in our yard to contend with. You dont have to settle for ground covers and delicate little flowers. With a little research, you can select tall shade tolerant plants in bold colors to add layers of impact and wake up those shady areas.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about horticulture and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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