If you’re a new gardener in New England looking for some beautiful, low-maintenance perennials to brighten up your full-shade garden, you may want to consider these top favorites! Gardening in shady areas requires extra consideration and knowledge of the plants, pests, and environmental conditions that are specific to the area. We’ve rounded up the top five perennials for shade gardens in New England – so all you need to do is pick your favorite ones and get planting. From Lady Fern and hostas to bleeding hearts, these five perennial beauties are sure to liven up any shady landscape. So grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!
Introduction
New England gardens can benefit greatly from the addition of perennial flowers, which will come back year after year and provide colorful blooms from spring to fall. A perennial flower is defined as a flower that lives for more than two years. As opposed to annuals, which germinate, bloom, and only last one season.
What are the benefits of perennial flowers for shade gardens in New England gardens?
Perennial flowers in New England gardens provide color and beauty for many seasons, from spring to fall. They require less maintenance than annuals, as they come back year after year without needing to be replanted. Lastly, perennials that are native to the region, are more likely to thrive in New England’s climate with minimal care and creating a unique look that will last for years.
Top five perennials for full shade gardens in New England
Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
Lady Fern is a fabulous perennial for shade gardens! It grows fast and has lacy, lance-shaped, fresh green fronds. Perfect for the New England climate, the Lady Fern is one of the most popular and widely used ferns for landscaping. It is the perfect plant to add vertical interest to shady spots in the garden and fill gaps between shrubs or flowers.
Gardening Facts
Hardiness: 4-9
Exposure: Partial Sun, Shade
Season: Spring (early, mid-late), Summer, Fall, Winter
Height: 5″-6″
Planting Tips For Lady Fern:
- Plant in moist well-drained soil and a shady location
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Can be divided every few years
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum)
This is a pretty fern with strikingly refined, lance-shaped, bipinnate fronds in soft blue-green with a silvery overlay and dark burgundy midribs; We like it because this plant not only is low maintenance but pest and disease free. Slowly spreading by underground stems, these ornamental ferns are perfect for creating a lush backdrop in the garden. The japanese painted fern is a great addition as a perennial for any shade gardens in New England!
Gardening Facts:
Hardiness: 3-8
Exposure: Partial Sun, Shade
Season: Spring (early, mid-late), Summer, Fall
Height: 20”
Planting Tips For Japanese Fern:
- Plant in moist well-drained soil and a shady location
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Can be divided every few years
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
One of the most desirable perennials for shade gardens in New England, bleeding heart has gracefully arching stems filled with pink flowers whose petals protrude and have white hearts; it blooms for 4-6 weeks in late spring to early summer but may decline or disappear in midsummer if not kept well watered. The hang-down of the flower stalks is a unique feature that adds beauty to any garden.
Gardening Facts:
Hardiness: 4-9
Exposure: Partial Sun, Shade
Season: Spring (early, mid-late), Summer
Height: 24”-36”
Planting Tips For Bleeding Heart:
- Plant in humus-rich soil and a shady location
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Can be divided every few years
Hosta (Plantain Lilies)
Hostas is every gardener’s favorite perennial for shade gardens in New England! Hostas are shade-loving perennials with thousands of cultivars available; they will grow from 6 inches to 3 feet tall and bear funnel or flared shaped flowers in shades of white, lavender, or purple, often fragrant. Hosta foliage can be smooth or ruffled and is available in many different colors and sizes, from blue to yellow to green or even variegated. They are reliable and come back year after year with no extra effort from the gardener.
Gardening Facts
Hardiness: 3-9
Exposure: Partial Sun, Shade
Season: Spring (early, mid-late), Summer, Fall
Height: 8”-36”
Planting Tips For Hosta:
- Plant in humus-rich soil and a shady location
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Mulch in early spring to protect from the winter cold
- Can be divided every few years
True Geranium (cranesbill)
Geraniums aren’t really geraniums. The geranium most gardeners refer to is actually Pelargonium, an annual flower. Here we are referring to the true geranium, known as cranesbill. A native of Europe and the British Isles (a climate similar to New England), this perennial features five-petaled flowers of lavender, pink, or white in mid to late spring. The leaves are dark green, deeply divided, and often streaked with silver or white. These plants require little care once they’re established, making them a good choice for beginning gardeners. The long-lasting flowers attract butterflies and bees to the garden, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty.
Gardening Facts:
Hardiness: 4-9
Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season: Spring (early, mid-late), Summer, Fall
Height: 8”-15”
Planting Tips For True Geraniums:
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
- Water regularly during the first growing season
- Remove spent flowers and trim plants as needed
- Can be divided every few years. Deadheading is necessary for continual blooms.
What are some common problems with gardening in New England’s full-shade gardens
Gardening in New England’s and choosing the right perennial for shade gardens can be a challenge, especially during the warmer months. Shade can limit the types of plants available to the gardener, and some varieties may require more maintenance than others. Common problems can include:
- Inadequate sunlight for photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth and poor flowering.
- High humidity levels which can encourage the spread of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
- Soil structure issues such as poor water retention or excessive drainage.
- Pests such as snails can cause damage to plants.
- Shade-loving weeds that tend to outcompete other plants for resources.
- Lack of winter protection, such as snow or evergreen trees and shrubs to insulate the soil.
5 Tips to choose plants that suit New England’s climate and soil type?
1. When planting in New England, it is important to consider the hardiness and exposure of plants according to the climate and soil type. Bleeding hearts, hostas, and true geraniums are some of the best choices as they are all hardy and resilient in milder climates.
2. Planting in humus-rich soil is best for most plants. It retains moisture, which helps to protect the roots from drought and provides the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
3. Choose plants that can tolerate cold temperatures during New England winters, as well as hot and humid summers.
4. Look for plants that are labeled as hardy to your region. New England is generally divided into two zones, Zone 5 and 6.
5. Pay attention to the soil type and choose plants that can thrive in the soil texture. Clay soils, for example, do not hold moisture well and are best suited to drought.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, gardening in New England’s full shade gardens can be challenging. However, by choosing plants that are hardy and resilient to the region’s climate and soil type such as bleeding heart, hostas, and true geraniums, your garden will flourish with minimal effort from the gardener. By following these five tips for selecting suitable plants, you can ensure success when it comes to growing beautiful blooms in your own backyard! So good luck, and get planting!
Traprock Landscaping can help you transform your New England garden into an oasis. Contact us for a FREE quote!