Not More Mulch, Please!
Many of us have spots under trees or areas of our gardens where the soil is lean and dry and it seems like nothing will take root and grow there. Finding plants to grow in dry shade is one of the most difficult challenges facing many gardeners because you have to contend with low levels of both sunlight and moisture.
It seems like most of the plants commonly listed for shady spots are really plants that thrive in a woodland setting which typically means they prefer moist locations. Rather than give up and just put a ring of mulch around your trees, try one of these tried and true shady characters for dry sites.
- Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger ): 8″ x 36″, zones 5 – 8 . A native plant that grows in part – full shade locations and spreads quickly.
- Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge): 8″ x 8″, zones 4 – 8. Many carex thrive in moist conditions but this carex actually prefers dry soils. A good choice for a lawn-alternative plant.
- Chrysogonum virginianum (Goldenstar ): 6″ x 36″, zones 5 – 9. Grows in full sun – full shade with a heavy bloom of yellow flowers in spring and sporadic rebloom thoughout the summer.
- Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart): 36″ x 30″, zones 3 – 9. I have this beauty growing under some hemlocks in my shade garden and not only is it thriving, the deer do not browse it at all.
- Kirengeshoma (Wax Bells): 48″ x 36″, zones 5 – 8. If you’re looking for a large plant to grow in full shade this could be the one for you. Wax Bells bloom in late summer but the maple- shaped foliage is a welcome addition to the woodland garden for months before that.
- Lathyrus vernus (Spring Vetchling): 12″ x 12″, zones 5 – 7. A member of the pea family, Spring Vetchling is sure to be an attention getter in your shade garden.
So remember, having dry shade does not doom you to a garden filled with mulch, pachysandra or vinca. There are tons of beautiful plants out there just waiting for you to discover them. If you have other plants that are thriving in dry shade in your garden I’d love to hear all about them.
