Shade Perennials Ohio: Top Picks for Your Garden

Shady or partly shady areas can be a challenge for growing plants, but there are many shade perennials that thrive in Ohio. These plants are hardy, attractive, and can bring color to your garden year after year. Some of the top picks for shade perennials in Ohio include bigroot geranium, toad lily, ajuga, bleeding heart, and hostas.

Key Takeaways:

• Shade perennials are a great choice for Ohio gardens, adding color and interest.
• Top picks for shade perennials in Ohio include bigroot geranium, toad lily, ajuga, bleeding heart, and hostas.
• These plants are hardy and attractive, making them great additions to any garden.
• Shade perennials thrive in shady or partly shady areas, bringing life to previously difficult-to-grow spots.
• Consider planting a variety of shade perennials to create a diverse and visually appealing garden.

Bigroot Geranium: A Tough and Colorful Shade Perennial

If you’re looking for a shade perennial that can withstand tough conditions while adding a vibrant splash of color to your garden, look no further than the Bigroot Geranium. Unlike its annual counterpart, the Bigroot Geranium is a hardy plant that thrives in partial shade to full sun, making it an excellent choice for Ohio gardens.

These shade-tolerant perennials can grow up to 2 feet tall and are known for their beautiful pink, purple, or white flowers. Some varieties of Bigroot Geranium even offer stunning fall foliage, adding another layer of visual interest to your garden. With their ability to tolerate heat and drought, these plants are truly tough and resilient.

Not only are Bigroot Geraniums well-suited to Ohio’s climate, but they also have the added advantage of being deer and rabbit resistant. This means you can enjoy their colorful blooms without having to worry about unwanted visitors nibbling on your plants. So go ahead, plant some Bigroot Geraniums in your shade garden and enjoy their toughness and beauty year after year.

Elevate Your Garden with Bigroot Geraniums

If you’re looking to create a visually striking garden, consider pairing Bigroot Geraniums with other shade-loving plants. Their colorful flowers and attractive foliage can serve as the perfect backdrop for other plants, creating a dynamic and captivating garden design.

Here are a few companion plants that pair well with Bigroot Geraniums:

• Astilbe: Known for its feathery plumes of flowers, Astilbe adds texture and height to the garden.
• Foamflower: With its delicate white or pink flowers, Foamflower adds a touch of elegance to any shady area.
• Coral Bells: Known for their vibrant foliage colors, Coral Bells provide contrast and interest in the garden.

By incorporating these plants alongside your Bigroot Geraniums, you can create a garden that showcases a stunning array of colors, textures, and heights. So let your creativity flow and create a garden that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

“Bigroot Geraniums are not only tough and resilient, but they also bring a burst of color to any shade garden. Their unique flowers and stunning fall foliage make them a standout choice for Ohio gardeners.” – Gardening Enthusiast

Growing Tips for Bigroot Geraniums

To ensure the success of your Bigroot Geraniums, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Plant in well-drained soil: Bigroot Geraniums prefer evenly moist soil that drains well. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
2. Provide partial shade to full sun: While Bigroot Geraniums can tolerate full sun, they perform best in partially shaded areas, especially in hot climates.
3. Prune regularly: Regular pruning will help promote healthy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Trim back any dead or damaged foliage.
4. Fertilize sparingly: Bigroot Geraniums are not heavy feeders. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring to provide nutrients for the growing season.

Common Name	Scientific Name	Height	Light Requirements	Soil Conditions
Bigroot Geranium	Geranium macrorrhizum	Up to 2 feet	Partial shade to full sun	Evenly moist, well-drained

Toad Lily: An Elegant Addition to Your Shade Garden

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your shade garden, look no further than the beautiful toad lily. With its unique orchid-like flowers and attractive foliage, this shade perennial is sure to make a statement in your outdoor space.

The toad lily, also known as Tricyrtis, is an easy-to-grow flowering plant that thrives in shady areas. Its flowers come in shades of purple, blue, and white, often with eye-catching spots. One popular variety is ‘Tojen,’ which features large lavender flowers that stand out in any garden.

Toad lilies can grow up to 2 feet tall and prefer full to part shade. They also require evenly moist, well-drained soil to thrive. With their ability to brighten up shady corners and add a touch of elegance to any landscape, toad lilies are a must-have for shade garden enthusiasts.

Benefits of Toad Lilies

Toad lilies offer several benefits that make them a popular choice for shade gardens. Here are a few reasons why you should consider adding them to your outdoor space:

• Attractive foliage: Toad lilies have distinctive foliage with interesting patterns and textures, making them visually appealing even when not in bloom.
• Long blooming period: These perennials provide weeks of colorful flowers, adding beauty to your garden from late summer to fall.
• Low maintenance: Toad lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care once established. They are also deer and rabbit resistant, making them a great choice for wildlife-rich areas.

Growing Tips for Toad Lilies

If you’re ready to incorporate toad lilies into your shade garden, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose a location with partial to full shade, as toad lilies thrive in these conditions.
2. Provide well-drained soil that is evenly moist. Adding organic matter, such as compost, can help improve the soil’s texture and fertility.
3. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure the soil remains consistently moist.
4. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
5. Divide mature clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and promote healthier growth.

With their elegant flowers and attractive foliage, toad lilies are a standout choice for any shade garden. So, why not add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space with these stunning shade perennials?

Ajuga: A Tough Groundcover for Shady Areas

Ajuga is a versatile and resilient shade perennial that serves as an excellent groundcover for shady areas in your garden. With its low-growing habit and ability to spread quickly, Ajuga can fill in bare spots and create a lush carpet of foliage in no time. Its adaptability to different light conditions makes it a popular choice for both full shade and partial shade areas.

One of the key features of Ajuga is its attractive foliage. The leaves come in various shades of green, burgundy, bronze, and variegated patterns, adding visual interest to your garden. The dense foliage also helps to suppress weeds, making maintenance easier for you.

“Ajuga is a real workhorse in the garden, providing not only beauty but also functionality as a groundcover. It can quickly establish itself and create a thick, weed-resistant mat of foliage, making it an ideal choice for shady areas.”

In addition to its foliage, Ajuga produces small spikes of flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white, depending on the variety. These blooms not only attract pollinators but also add a pop of color to your garden in the spring. When planted en masse, Ajuga creates a stunning display of flowers that is sure to catch the eye.

Table: Ajuga Varieties

Variety	Foliage Color	Flower Color	Height
Burgundy Glow	Green and Burgundy	Purple	6-8 inches
Chocolate Chip	Bronze	Blue	2-4 inches
Black Scallop	Bronze to Black	Blue	4-6 inches

Ajuga is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, provided it is well-drained. It thrives in moist soil but can also withstand periods of drought once established. Regular watering and occasional fertilization will ensure healthy growth and vibrant colors.

Whether you’re looking to cover the ground under trees, fill in shady spots, or create a striking border, Ajuga can be a valuable addition to your garden. Its toughness, adaptability, and visual appeal make it a top choice for shady areas. Enjoy the beauty and functionality of Ajuga as it transforms your garden into a stunning oasis.

Bleeding Heart: A Favorite Shade Perennial

If you’re looking for a favorite shade perennial to add beauty and charm to your garden, look no further than the bleeding heart. With its delicate fern-like foliage and unique heart-shaped flowers, the bleeding heart is a beloved plant that thrives in shady areas.

The bleeding heart, scientifically known as Dicentra spectabilis, is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Its arching stems are adorned with pink or white flowers that hang gracefully, creating a stunning visual display. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, adding a pop of color to your shade garden.

This shade perennial can reach heights of up to 3 feet, making it an eye-catching focal point in any garden. However, it’s important to note that the bleeding heart tends to go dormant and loses its foliage by midsummer. To avoid bare spots in your garden, it’s recommended to plant the bleeding heart alongside other shade-loving plants like astilbe or hosta.

Characteristics	Details
Type	Perennial
Height	Up to 3 feet
Flower Colors	Pink, White
Sun Exposure	Full to Part Shade
Soil Requirements	Evenly Moist, Well-Drained

“The bleeding heart is like a hidden gem in the shade garden. Its unique flowers and delicate foliage bring a touch of elegance and beauty to any space.” – Gardening Enthusiast

To ensure the success of your bleeding heart, provide it with a shaded environment and well-drained soil. It thrives in full to part shade, although a bit of morning sun can benefit its growth. Remember to keep the soil evenly moist, as the bleeding heart prefers a consistently moist environment.

With its captivating flowers and graceful presence, the bleeding heart remains a favorite shade perennial among gardeners. Its ability to thrive in shady areas makes it an excellent choice for adding color and interest to your garden. So, why not bring the enchanting beauty of the bleeding heart into your own outdoor space?

Hostas: Showy and Easy-to-Grow Shade Perennials

Hostas are a popular choice for shade gardens due to their showy and attractive foliage. With their wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors, hostas can add depth and visual interest to any garden. They are also known for their ease of care, making them a favorite among both beginner and experienced gardeners.

One of the key features of hostas is their showy leaves. They come in various shades of green, blue, white, chartreuse, and gold, with many cultivars boasting beautiful variegation. The leaves can be heart-shaped, round, elongated, or lance-shaped, adding texture and dimension to the garden. Some hostas even have fragrant flowers, adding another layer of appeal to these already stunning plants.

In addition to their aesthetic value, hostas are incredibly easy to grow. They are adaptable to different soil types and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full shade to full sun (depending on the variety). Hostas prefer evenly moist, well-drained soil, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry periods. With minimal maintenance, these shade perennials can thrive and continue to beautify your garden year after year.

Variety	Size	Leaf Color	Light Requirements
Halcyon	Medium	Blue	Part Shade to Full Shade
Sum and Substance	Large	Chartreuse	Part Shade to Full Shade
June	Medium	Gold	Part Shade to Full Shade
Patriot	Medium	Green with White Variegation	Part Shade to Full Shade

As seen in the table above, hostas come in various sizes, making them suitable for different areas of the garden. Whether you have a small corner or a wide open space, there is a hosta variety that will fit perfectly. Consider mixing different types of hostas to create a visually captivating display.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for showy and easy-to-grow shade perennials, hostas are an excellent choice. With their stunning foliage and low maintenance requirements, they can bring beauty and vibrancy to any shady area of your garden. So, why not consider adding some hostas to your outdoor space and enjoy their charm year after year?

Lungwort: An Attractive Accent for Shade Gardens

When it comes to adding charm and visual interest to your shade garden, lungwort is a must-have plant. With its unique foliage and delicate flowers, lungwort serves as an attractive accent that can breathe life into any shady corner.

Lungwort Characteristics	Lungwort Care Tips
Lungwort leaves have silvery, lung-shaped spots that add a touch of elegance to the garden.	Lungwort thrives in full shade to full sun, making it a versatile choice for different garden conditions.
The clusters of pink, white, or blue flowers that bloom in spring create a charming display.	Ensure that the soil is evenly moist and well-drained for optimal lungwort growth.
Lungwort can reach a height of up to 12 inches, making it suitable for various garden compositions.	Consider planting lungwort alongside other shade-loving perennials to create a harmonious and diverse garden bed.

Whether you’re looking to fill a shady spot in your garden or add a pop of color to your outdoor space, lungwort is a fantastic choice. Its distinct foliage and lovely flowers make it an eye-catching addition to any shade garden. Plus, with its easy-care nature, lungwort is perfect for both experienced gardeners and beginners alike. So go ahead and incorporate this attractive accent into your shade gardens, and enjoy the beauty it brings year after year.

With lungwort, you can effortlessly enhance the aesthetics of your shade garden. Its silver-spotted leaves and vibrant flowers create a visually striking contrast that will captivate your attention. From the shady corners to the sun-soaked areas, lungwort’s adaptability allows it to thrive in various light conditions. Whether you plant it in full shade or full sun, lungwort will continue to impress with its beauty and resilience.

Deadnettle: A Colorful Shade Perennial for Summer Blooms

When it comes to adding vibrant color to your shade garden, look no further than deadnettle. This colorful shade perennial is a true showstopper with its clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom from mid-spring to frost. Not only does deadnettle provide months of beautiful blooms, but its silver-infused foliage also brightens up shady corners even when the plant is not in bloom.

Deadnettle, also known as Lamium, is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of up to 8 inches. It thrives in full to part shade and prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Whether you have a shady corner, a woodland garden, or a fully shaded area, deadnettle is a perfect choice to add color and interest to your outdoor space.

Benefits of Deadnettle in Your Shade Garden

Deadnettle offers several benefits that make it an attractive addition to any shade garden. Here are a few reasons why you should consider including this colorful shade perennial in your landscaping:

• Long-lasting blooms: Deadnettle blooms from mid-spring to frost, providing continuous color and beauty throughout the summer months.
• Tolerant of shade: This plant thrives in shady areas where other flowers may struggle, making it an ideal choice for gardens with limited sunlight.
• Low-maintenance: Deadnettle is an easy-to-grow perennial that requires minimal care once established. It is relatively pest and disease resistant, and it can tolerate a range of soil conditions.
• Groundcover option: Due to its low-growing habit and spreading nature, deadnettle can also be used as a groundcover to fill in empty spaces and suppress weed growth.

Overall, deadnettle is a versatile and visually appealing shade perennial that adds both color and texture to your garden. Its long-lasting blooms and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice among gardeners looking to jazz up their shady areas with bursts of summer color.

Characteristics	Deadnettle
Common Name	Deadnettle
Scientific Name	Lamium
Height	Up to 8 inches
Flower Color	Pink, purple, white
Blooming Season	Mid-spring to frost
Light Requirements	Full to part shade
Soil Type	Evenly moist, well-drained
Uses	Shade gardens, borders, groundcover

Conclusion

Shade perennials are the perfect choice for your Ohio garden, where shade can be abundant. These top picks for shade perennials in Ohio, including bigroot geranium, toad lily, ajuga, bleeding heart, and hostas, will bring color and interest to your outdoor space year after year.

With their hardy nature and attractive foliage, these shade perennials are sure to thrive in your garden. Whether you have a shady corner or a full shade garden, there is a shade perennial that will brighten up your space and create a beautiful oasis.

Planting shade perennials in your Ohio garden is a great way to add variety and beauty. These top picks are the perfect addition to any garden, and they will make your space truly stand out. So, get ready to transform your garden with these top shade perennials and enjoy the beauty they bring to your Ohio garden.

Source Links

• https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g24882877/shade-perennials/
• https://www.bhg.com/gardening/flowers/perennials/the-best-perennials-for-shade/
• https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/great-plants-for-shade/8201.html