Ask a Master Gardener: Enjoy the Benefits of Shade Gardening

Caladium

By: Margaret Henderson, Mobile County Master Gardener | www.mobilecountymastergardeners.org 

"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." — Warren Buffett.

If you live through at least one summer in our Southeast climate, you come to appreciate the benefits of shade.  Our live oaks and magnolias are treasures, not just for their beauty, but for the relief from the brutal heat of our summers.  Moving into shade from blazing sun can almost feel like taking a long cool drink; indeed, temperatures can drop as much as 15 degrees under the shade of a large tree.

 Creating a shade garden can provide a more enjoyable gardening experience in the heat, particularly as shade can reduce maintenance requirements.   Shaded areas reduce the need for water, as the soil better retains moisture and often has fewer weeds, which tend to prefer sunnier areas.   While most plants in direct sun may go dormant in high heat, plants in shade may continue to flourish and provide an opportunity for creative blending of textures and colors.  Shaded areas can also provide relief for birds and other animals, especially if a water feature is incorporated in the design.

Even without large trees, most homeowners have a shaded area, if only from the shade of the house, or a porch, awning or outbuilding.  Many gardeners struggle with planting in the shade due to the low light and often dry conditions under trees, where roots compete for water and nutrients, or excessive moisture may cause fungal issues or root rot. However, shade can be an opportunity to explore the many plants which prefer low light conditions. Natives such as oakleaf hydrangeas with their creamy blooms can light up a dark area, and many plants with beautiful foliage such as caladiums, coleus, Heuchera (coral bells) and Hosta, thrive in shade.

Moist shade is the easiest to plant. Many low-light plants will thrive in this environment and a naturalized woodland garden with blue Phlox, native columbine, toad lily, ferns and mosses can be easily maintained.  A nice ground cover for shade is bugleweed or ajuga: there are many varieties and it spreads easily, quickly filling in an area.  If a more formal look is desired, a background of variegated Hosta, with annuals such as Impatiens and/or begonias can make a bright statement in a shadowed area.  Even on a shady porch, hanging ferns or a large mixed planter can provide a welcoming retreat. 

Dry shade (such as under a large tree) is more difficult but some plants prefer these conditions. The cast iron plant or Aspidistra is a traditional planting around the base of large trees. The spear-like leaves, as their name suggests, survive almost all conditions, but look best in shade.  There are some new variegated Aspidistra with either white stripes on the leaves or creamy spots which provide a nice contrast to the green leaves.  While variegated plants, in general, look best in dark areas, using too many differently variegated plants close together can create a “hodgepodge” effect, so be selective. 

Many gingers, variegated shell ginger (Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata'), hidden ginger (Curcuma petiolata) and native Wind Ginger (Asarum canadense) prefer shade (although shell ginger tolerates full sun with afternoon shade). 

If planting in and around tree roots is too difficult, consider creating a garden using large containers. The use of larger pots reduces the need to water as frequently, especially if the pot is fitted with a water reservoir at the bottom. 

So, whether your garden consists of a few pots of begonias and hanging ferns on a porch, a narrow strip along a wall, or a large woodland retreat, enjoy the summer with the benefits of shade.

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hosta

Lamb's Ear