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Hardy Geraniums

11 Hardy Geraniums for Shade: Bring Color and Style to Your Shady Spots

by Donna May 29, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Hardy Geraniums for Shady Areas

Introduction

Geraniums are beautiful and easy-to-grow plants that add color and style to any garden. Many varieties of hardy geraniums thrive in shady areas, making them a great choice for gardeners with limited sunlight.

Benefits of Hardy Geraniums

Vibrant and beautiful flowers
Easy to grow and propagate
Adaptable to various soil conditions

Choosing Geraniums for Shade

When selecting geraniums for shady areas, consider the following factors:

Soil: Geraniums prefer well-drained soil that is not waterlogged.
Sun exposure: Hardy geraniums can tolerate partial shade to full shade.
Size: Choose varieties that will fit the available space in your garden.

11 Gorgeous Hardy Geraniums for Shade

Here are 11 stunning hardy geraniums that thrive in shady conditions:

Geranium clarkei ‘Kashmir Purple’ (Purple flowers, spreading plant)
Geranium ‘Patricia’ (Magenta flowers with a burgundy center)
Geranium himalayense ‘Gravetye’ (Lavender-blue flowers with a reddish-purple center)
Geranium nodosum (Adaptable, good for dry shade, pale-centered mauve-pink flowers)
Geranium phaeum ‘Raven’ (Smoky purple flowers, happy in dry shade)
Geranium ‘Nimbus’ (Distinctive bluish-violet flowers, finely dissected foliage)
Geranium ‘Orion’ (Large lavender-blue flowers with red-purple veins, spreading mounds of leaves)
Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (Clear blue flowers with white eyes, cascading shoots)
Geranium ‘Anne Thomson’ (Golden spring foliage, magenta flowers)
Geranium x oxonianum ‘Wargrave Pink’ (Pink flowers with a bluish caste)
Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Ingwersen’s Variety’ (Pale pink flowers, attractive green foliage)

Tips for Growing Geraniums in Shade

Provide well-drained soil.
Water regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Cut back after flowering to encourage new growth and blooms.

Gardening

Types of Garden Shade and the Best Plants for Each: A Comprehensive Guide

by Donna May 27, 2024

written by Donna 4 minutes read

Types of Garden Shade and the Best Plants for Each

Understanding Garden Shade

Before you start planting your garden, it’s important to understand the type of shade you have. This will help you choose the right plants that will thrive in your conditions.

There are three main types of garden shade:

Deep shade: This type of shade is found under evergreen trees, on the north side of walls, or in the shadow of buildings. It tends to be cold and dry, so you’ll need to choose plants that can tolerate these conditions.
Dappled shade: This type of shade is common under deciduous trees. It’s a patchwork of shade in the summer, but full sun from autumn to spring. This type of shade is ideal for woodland plants that flower in the spring sun before the trees come into leaf.
Partial shade: Most gardens have areas that get sun for only part of the day – between three and six hours in summer – depending on their aspect. This type of shade is ideal for plants that can tolerate both sun and shade.

Aspect: The Direction Your Garden Faces

The aspect of your garden is the direction it faces – north, south, east, or west. This affects which areas get plenty of sun and which ones are in shadow for all or part of the day.

South-facing gardens: These gardens get the most sun, so they’re ideal for heat-loving plants.
North-facing gardens: These gardens get the least sun, so they’re best suited for shade-loving plants.
West-facing gardens: These gardens get sun in the afternoon and evening, so they’re ideal for plants that can tolerate both sun and shade.
East-facing gardens: These gardens get sun in the morning, so they’re ideal for plants that prefer morning sun and cool conditions.

Best Plants for Different Types of Garden Shade

Now that you know the type of shade you have in your garden, you can start choosing the right plants. Here are some suggestions:

Deep shade:

Ferns
Hostas
Ivy
Daphne
Lily of the valley

Dappled shade:

Anemones
Primulas
Woodland plants

Partial shade:

Alchemilla
Hardy geraniums
Shade-loving shrubs
Shade-loving flowers
Shade-loving groundcovers

South-facing gardens:

Heat-loving plants
Sun-loving plants
Mediterranean plants

North-facing gardens:

Shade-loving plants
Woodland plants
Plants that flower early in the spring

West-facing gardens:

Plants that can tolerate both sun and shade
Camellias
Magnolias
Sedums
Fuchsias

East-facing gardens:

Plants that prefer morning sun and cool conditions
White-flowered plants
Plants that attract pollinating moths

Tips for Growing Plants in Shade

Here are a few tips for growing plants in shade:

Choose the right plants for the amount of shade you have.
Amend the soil with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Water your plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
Protect your plants from pests and diseases.
Be patient! It may take some time for your plants to adjust to growing in shade.

With a little planning and care, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden in even the shadiest of spaces.

Gardening

Perennial Plants for Zone 8: A Comprehensive Guide for Gardeners

by Donna January 9, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Perennial Plants for Zone 8: A Guide for Gardeners

Introduction

If you’re looking for plants that will add beauty to your garden for years to come, perennials are a great choice. Perennials are plants that live for three or more growing seasons, unlike annuals which complete their life cycle in one season. Zone 8 is a gardening zone that covers much of the southeastern United States, and there are many beautiful perennials that thrive in this climate.

Types of Perennials

There are two main types of perennials: herbaceous perennials and evergreen perennials. Herbaceous perennials die back to the ground in the fall, but their roots survive the winter and send up new shoots in the spring. Evergreen perennials keep their leaves throughout the winter, providing year-round interest in your garden.

Choosing Perennials for Zone 8

When choosing perennials for zone 8, you’ll need to consider whether you want plants with ornamental leaves or flowers. Some perennials, like ornamental grasses and ferns, are grown primarily for their foliage. Others, like hardy geraniums and lilies, are grown for their beautiful blooms.

Perennials with Ornamental Leaves

If you’re looking for perennials with striking foliage, consider ornamental grasses and ferns. Ornamental grasses are common in zone 8, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Hakone grass is a popular choice because it thrives in partial shade. Ferns are another great option for adding texture and interest to your garden. Ostrich fern is a tall, stately fern that can grow up to 6 feet tall.

Perennials with Flowers

If you prefer perennials with flowers, there are many great options to choose from in zone 8. Hardy geraniums are a popular choice because they’re easy to grow and produce a profusion of blue flowers. Phlox is another popular perennial, known for its fragrant, star-shaped flowers. Lilies are a classic choice for gardeners, and they come in a wide range of colors and sizes.

Other Popular Perennials for Zone 8

In addition to the perennials mentioned above, there are many other popular choices for zone 8 gardens. Some of these include:

Daisies
Mexican petunia
Mexican oregano
Pink autumn sage
Rosemary

Tips for Growing Perennials in Zone 8

Here are a few tips for growing perennials in zone 8:

Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions.
Plant your perennials in a location where they will receive the right amount of sunlight and water.
Fertilize your perennials regularly to help them grow and bloom their best.
Deadhead your perennials to encourage new blooms.
Divide your perennials every few years to keep them healthy and vigorous.

By following these tips, you can enjoy beautiful perennials in your zone 8 garden for years to come.