I'm planning to plant a perennial garden in an island in our front yard. The island currently several perennials all of the same type (don't currently know what they are). I want to keep a couple of these perennials, but replace the rest a variety that bloom at various times through out the year to create interest.
My dilemma is this: the island is almost completely shaded by two very large crape myrtles from late spring to early fall. Therefore, I assume I need to seek out shade-tolerant perennials to plant in the island. However, I'm confused because once the crape myrtle leaves fall, the island will be in parial to full sun for the remainder of fall & winter. How do I plan for this? Do I need to find sun-tolerant varieties for the winter? Any help or suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated!
Perennial Garden in Island - shade question
does it get high filtered light? meaning with the leaves on the crapes does the ground still get some bright light but not direct sun? If so go with part sun plants such as begonias, impatients, vinca, gardenias (low growing dwarf radicans is awesome), cannas, alyssum, hostas, caladiums, ajuga...that list should get ya started LOL
It does get some high filtered light, not a lot. (we probably need to thin out the crape myrtle). thanks for the suggestions - it will definitely get me pointed in the right direction!
Here is a pic of how the island currently looks. I plan to remove several of these Indian Hawthornes and replace with other, more diverse, items. I'm curious if there's something I can plant from seed/bulb now that will give me fall color?
check this site out...never tried them...I am just sending the link along as it has some information about fall shade bulbs so that way you can source locally if something catches your eye or search Daves for someone who may be willing to share....
http://www.dutchbulbs.com/search/light?light=shade
Thanks rednyr! I wish I knew more about the right time to put different bulbs in the ground. Off to do some more research on that.... :)
well I try not to put too much stock in what the big box stores put on their bulbs...I think you are on the right track searching a forum that really gardens LOL I know I put my spring bloomers in late in some spots this last year cause lowes clearanced them big time...they were in the ground nearly 14 weeks and bloomed just fine...even some iris's that I didn'lt put in the ground until January...lady luck was with me on those LOL
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