When we think about drought-tolerant plants, shade perennials rarely come to mind. In fact, we tend to think of shade plants as being especially reliant on water since many are native to moist woodlands, but although these plants certainly appreciate regular rainfall, they can survive long periods without it.
Typically, the well-watered areas where these plants thrive in spring become exceedingly dry by late summer. To make matters worse, where plants grow under the shade of large trees or shrubs, light rain showers are unable to penetrate the canopy of leaves, making some shaded areas the driest in our gardens.
Despite these harsh growing conditions, many shade perennials cope with hot and dry summers as well as their sun-loving cousins, so let’s take a closer look at a few of these remarkable plants and learn how we can help them beat the heat!
HOSTA
Hostas, also known as Plaintain Lilies, are stunningly beautiful foliage plants with broad leaves in varying shades of green, blue and gold, as well as many with contrasting borders and other variegations. Because of their bold appearance, they make excellent landscape plants for large areas, but what makes hostas really stand out amongst other shade plants is that they bloom abundantly in summer!
Hosta flowers are as different in size and appearance as the plants themselves! Some gardeners cut the flower stalks off, preferring their hostas purely as foliage plants, but many hosta flowers are quite beautiful and even fragrant, and the bloom season stretches over the summer months into early fall. With enough different hostas, you can potentially have blooms all season long.
The hosta known as August Lily blooms in late summer with large white flowers that are both striking and sweetly fragrant. One such variety is ‘Aphrodite’ which is just another plain green-leaved hosta until those flowers emerge, turning it into a ‘scentsational’ exotic beauty. If you’re considering this variety, be sure to plant it where you can appreciate its perfume whenever you pass by.
One of my favorites, old-fashioned Hosta Lancifolia is another fragrant late summer bloomer with abundant lavender bell flowers of delicate appearance. One in full bloom is a sight to behold!
BRUNNERA
Brunnera, Siberian Bugloss or False Forget-Me-Not is one of the most useful plants for lighting up dark shade. It blooms with tiny blue flowers reminiscent of Forget-Me-Nots in early spring but it’s the striking silvery foliage that makes this plant a season-long stunner.
Brunnera is enchanting with tulips and late-season daffodils in the spring and makes a stellar companion for other shade plants which are only enhanced by its glowing leaves. In the photo above, you can see how Brunnera combines beautifully with a Blue Angel hosta and variegated Solomon’s Seal.
By late summer, when there is little flowering in the shade garden, silver and gold-foliaged plants such as Brunnera add glamor and much-needed contrast to what can be a sea of green. Light Up Your Garden with Silver and Gold Foliage has more about using these plants in your garden design.
Over time, Brunnera can spread to fill vacant spaces which also makes it valuable as a groundcover. Some popular varieties include ‘Jack Frost,’ ‘Silver Charm,’ and ‘Diane’s Gold.’
SOLOMON’S SEAL
Polygonatum or Solomon’s Seal is an extremely versatile plant that every gardener should get to know. With arching stems reaching two to three feet, this tall beauty makes a strong architectural statement whether used as a companion plant in garden beds or planted by itself en mass as a groundcover.
In spring, Solomon’s Seal is covered with tiny white bell-shaped flowers on the underside of the stems which are sometimes followed by small dark berries that are a treat for birds. The foliage remains fresh looking all season long, and is especially striking with white variegation. Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ is one such variety with the added bonus of fragrance.
Although Solomon’s Seal is typically used in shade gardens, it can also be grown in full sun as a vertical accent. In addition, these plants turn a lovely shade of gold come fall, providing us with three seasons of interest to enjoy.
AJUGA
Ajuga, also known as carpetweed or bugleweed, is one of the best mat-forming groundcovers for sun and shade gardens alike. A vigorous spreader via stolons or horizontal roots, ajuga quickly forms colonies of close-packed rosettes, making it nearly impervious to weeds. Here in New England, escaped plants from long ago often appear in lawns and are only noticed because of their lovely blue or white flower spikes in May.
Although ajuga will grow in full shade, half a day of sun intensifies the colorful foliage, especially in those varieties with purple shading. The spring flowers are quite showy but not very long-lasting, so ajuga is best planted for its eye-catching foliage which stays colorful through fall.
Ajuga grows well just about anywhere including dry shade under trees, on slopes, in containers and between stepping stones. Some newer varieties to try are ‘Chocolate Chip,’ ‘Burgundy Glow’ and ‘Black Scallop,’ all with stunning blue flowers in spring.
FERNS
Ferns add elegance and airy movement to any garden and, since they’re non-flowering, it’s all about those graceful, and sometimes colorful, fronds. Although ferns in general tend to be moisture lovers, our native Lady Fern, Eastern Wood Fern and Hayscented Fern tolerate hot and dry conditions better than most. In the photo above, Hay-scented Ferns grows in full sun!
Additionally, I’ve found that Japanese Painted Ferns hold up well through hot dry summers, especially when planted closely with companions that shade the soil and help hold in any moisture. These unusual ferns add striking color to any shade garden and I highly recommend giving them a try!
The key to success with keeping shade perennials happy through the dry summer months begins with planting. Always amend your soil with plenty of organic matter such as compost or leaf mold before you add any plants. In this way you’re mimicking their natural woodland habitats where leaves accumulate and slowly break down over years, continuously feeding and enriching the soil.
Keep in mind that most shade plants enjoy some morning sun with afternoon shade. Also, as I mentioned above, placing plants fairly close to one another helps shade the soil and retain valuable moisture. Once planting is completed, mulch your plants each spring with a layer of fine shredded bark.
By following these tips, you can be assured that your shade perennials will thank you with beauty and vigor for many years to come!
