Shade Gardening: What grows in the dark, practically?, 1 by doss

doss wrote:
I do have ferns in no-sun areas. Japanese painted fern for instance. Mondo grass is a fabulous ground cover for a big shady area - especially since you have a dog. And you don't have to mow it. It's practically indestructible. Also, creeping mint - now don't go weird on me. It's not invasive. But if you're having trouble growing things back there, runner violets are great. You might be able to go for something a little invasive - easily controlled, but "vigorous". Can you grow Camellias in your zone? Some of them can grow in what seem like black holes. Hellebores are great, but if your dog is a plant muncher, not a good idea. Heavenly bamboo can grow basically in the dark and it comes in a lot of beautiful colors. And Nandina Domestica would take care of some of that fence. (you may not like it but it has great berries in the fall, and it's not bare fence :-) )Ligularia, particularly the "spotted leopard" variety can grow there and Yesterday today and tomorrow. Brunnera "Jack Frost" can brighten up any corner. Correa comes in pink and white. It loves to grow in the dark. And what about fuschia and begonia?

And don't give up on Japanese Maples (see photo). This is a small threadleaf - and yes, with ferns. This area gets no sun. It's bordered by Redwood trees on two sides and a gazebo on the other, leaving it's northern side exposed. I also have a "Bloodgood that is doing fine. Another thing that I've had success with is flowering maple. I know, it's not supposed to but......You're right though, the hydrangeas won't bloom if there isn't enough sun. I think that Chinese Mayapple likes the shade - they have huge leaves, and the gingers. If you're worried about a hosta that might grow in total shade, ask a hosta specialist. ( Some cultivars tolerate shade better than others. If fact, some want it.) There are lots in the Watch Dog. And then buy the hosta from them.

A stroll through Plant Delights web site is always a pleasure. They are full of shade loving plants, and they are very helpful. Expensive, but you do get what you pay for.

http://www.plantdelights.com/

Two suggestions are high up. Go ahead and get the soil tested. Everything I've suggested likes acid soil. And then go to the pet shop and get urine neutralizing pills for your dog. You might as well take care of that before you invest in a lot of new plants. (LOL)

So now you have Camellias instead of Heavenly Bamboo. They're blooming in the nurserys here now. Hope it's a help.