If you’re a gardening enthusiast, landscaping your own garden can be a great way to add some natural beauty to your backyard. But if you don’t have the time to maintain a garden, it can become difficult to keep your plants alive without much effort. That’s why having low maintenance perennials for shade is a great way to keep your garden growing with very little effort.
There is something truly special about having your own garden in your back yard. You get to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature among the many vibrant colors of your plants and flowers. But, let’s face it – with the busy lives that we lead, it can be hard to commit to the upkeep needed to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden.
The good news is, there are some ideal plants that require very little effort and can still provide a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere for your outdoor space. Low maintenance perennials for shade make for a great garden addition, as they continue to grow for multiple seasons and require less upkeep than other plants.
They are also great for conserving garden space, as they are typically smaller than some other flower varieties. These types of plants can add color and flair to any garden and make it a little easier on the gardener.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best low maintenance perennials for shade, so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy your garden without stressing about the maintenance.
Considerations for Planting in Shade
When gardening in the shade, you may have fewer options than if you were gardening in the sun. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your garden’s beauty. There are many low maintenance perennials for shade that can add color, texture, and interest to even the darkest corner of your yard. Here are some tips for choosing the best perennials for shade and making sure your plants get a good start.
It’s important to consider the amount of light your plants will receive. Some shade-loving perennials require more light than others, and some can tolerate even deep shade. Other considerations include soil type and drainage, as well as the size and shape of the space you have to work with.
Make sure to prepare the soil well. Shade-loving plants need soil that is high in organic matter and well-draining. Incorporate plenty of compost or aged manure into the soil to provide essential nutrients. Most shade plants prefer moist, but not soggy, soil. Consider adding a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
When planting low maintenance perennials for shade, it’s important to create a plan. Think about the colors, shapes, and sizes of the plants you’d like to use and lay out the design on paper before you begin planting. It’s also important to space perennials at least 12 inches apart to give them enough room to grow. Finally, make sure you water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
With a little planning and the right selection of low maintenance perennials for shade, you can have a beautiful garden even in the darkest corner of your yard. With the right care and attention, these plants will thrive and reward you with years of beauty.
Hosta
Hosta is a low maintenance perennial that thrives in the shade. It works great for shaded areas in gardens, patios, and walkways. Its mounded foliage is a great contrast to other low-growing plants and adds texture and color to any garden.
Hostas come in various sizes and shapes, from miniature to giant, and in a wide range of colors. Their flowers are also a beautiful addition to any landscape. Hostas are generally very hardy and tolerant of many different soil types and conditions, and need only minimal care.
They prefer moist soil and do well with a good supply of organic matter. They are also relatively drought tolerant, making them easy to care for in even the driest of climates. They are relatively pest and disease free, although they can be attacked by slugs and snails.
Fortunately, these pests can be easily controlled with regular applications of an appropriate pesticide. With its beautiful foliage, easy care requirements, and pest resistance, Hosta is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a low maintenance perennial for the shade.
Lamium
Lamium is a popular choice as a low maintenance perennial for shade gardens. This plant is an evergreen groundcover with attractive leaves and delicate flowers. It’s an ideal choice for any gardener looking to add texture and interest to their shady areas.
Lamium can tolerate a range of soil conditions and prefers light to partial shade. It can spread quickly, so it’s important to keep it trimmed and under control. To maximize its beauty, use soil amendments and fertilizers to help it thrive.
Once established, Lamium requires very little upkeep. It’s drought tolerant and generally pest and disease resistant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who don’t have the time for extensive maintenance.
Lamium is available in a range of colors, from white and pale pink to purple and deep red. It also has a variety of leaf shapes and textures, from flat round to wrinkled heart-shaped. Mix and match these options to create an eye-catching display for your outdoor space.
Heuchera
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is a great way to bring color to a shaded garden. This low maintenance perennial is hardy enough to survive cold winters and is easy to care for. Its evergreen foliage and colorful blooms will bring beauty and life to your garden, making it one of the best low maintenance perennials for shade.
Heuchera is a great choice for shade gardens because it requires very little care. It rarely needs to be watered, and it can handle cold temperatures. The only maintenance it needs is an occasional trimming of the dead foliage.
Heuchera comes in a variety of colors, ranging from bright pink to bold purple. The blooms are small but vibrant and make for a great addition to any shaded garden. Heuchera also works great as a ground cover, helping to keep weeds away.
When planting heuchera, make sure to select a spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. The soil should be well-drained, and it helps to mulch around the plant to help it retain moisture. Heuchera is tolerant of a variety of soil types, but it does best in slightly acidic soil.
Heuchera is a great choice for a low maintenance perennial for shade. With its evergreen foliage and colorful blooms, it adds beauty and life to your garden. It requires very little care, making it a great choice for those who want to keep their garden looking its best with minimal effort.
Japanese Painted Fern
The Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’) is a low maintenance perennial that is perfect for shady gardens. This fern is a hardy, vigorous, clump-forming perennial with delicate silvery-blue fronds and purple stems. Its fronds are ideal for adding texture and interest to the garden, and its foliage turns a deep red-purple in the fall for added season-long interest.
This beautiful fern is also very easy to grow and maintain. It does best in partial to full shade, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is also very tolerant of drought, making it a great choice for low maintenance gardens. Keep in mind, however, that too much sun will cause the foliage to scorch, so it is important to avoid direct sunlight.
The Japanese Painted Fern is a great choice for those looking for a low maintenance, yet colorful and interesting perennial for the shade garden. Its fronds provide texture and color throughout the season, and it is very easy to grow and maintain. Plus, it can be a great addition to containers as well, making it a versatile option for any garden.
Brunnera
Brunnera is an excellent option for gardeners looking for low-maintenance perennials for shade. This hardy perennial is known for its round, heart-shaped foliage with silvery veins. It blooms in the early spring and may return year after year.
Brunnera is easy to care for, requiring nothing more than light pruning and regular watering to keep it looking its best. It can tolerate dry soil, making it an ideal choice for areas that don’t get much rainfall. It also thrives in shady areas, making it a great choice for gardeners who want to add a bit of color to their shady spots.
Additionally, it can act as a ground cover, preventing weeds from taking over. Not only is Brunnera a great low-maintenance option for shade, it also adds beauty and texture to the garden. Its subtle colors and foliage make it a perfect choice for a variety of garden styles, from the formal to the wild and natural.
It’s also deer-resistant, making it an ideal choice for those in deer-populated areas. With its low-maintenance requirements and its dainty beauty, Brunnera is sure to be a welcome addition to your garden.
Astilbe
Astilbe is a low maintenance perennial that is perfect for adding color and texture to shady gardens. Astilbe is native to mountainous and wooded areas of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is also known as False Goats Beard, owing to its feathery blooms that resemble a beard.
It is a hardworking perennial, as it can tolerate shade and dryness. The joy and beauty of Astilbe is that it will come back year after year, with minimal maintenance, and will provide your garden with color and texture.
Astilbe plants are quite low-maintenance, as they require minimal care. They thrive in moist, shade-filled environments, so they are perfect for areas of your garden that don’t get a lot of sun. They don’t need to be fertilized often and are resistant to most pests and diseases. They can also be divided every few years to help them stay healthy, which is a great way to get more plants for free!
When selecting astilbe, you’ll want to choose a location that has good drainage and plenty of shade. Astilbe does best in soil that is rich in organic matter, so you may need to amend your soil before planting. Astilbe plants are also quite easy to care for, as they require minimal watering, and do not need to be fertilized often.
Astilbe is a great choice for low maintenance gardens, as they will provide long-lasting color and texture in your garden without needing a lot of work. With a bit of careful consideration when planting, Astilbe will come back year after year, providing a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to your garden.
Conclusion
Perennials are a great way to enjoy your garden without having to worry about replanting each year. Low maintenance perennials for shade can be a great choice for those who want to keep their garden looking great without too much effort or maintenance. With careful consideration, you can create an attractive and easy to care for garden with perennials.
Whether you’re looking for perennials for shade, or any other plants you want for your landscaping, Glover Landscapes is the team for you!
Our landscaping services are designed to guarantee a wonderful landscape that is both visually pleasing and useful for your property. If you’re interested in taking your landscaping in your hands, give us a call at (404) 510-6437 or request a free estimate through our website form. Choose Glover Landscapes to bring your landscape and lawn to life!