In my previous post I discussed perennial flowers suitable for light shade conditions, and in this post I will now discuss medium shade perennial flowers. This post is part of a three part series, and the next post will deal with perennial flowers for full shade. If you are not acquainted with the definition of shade categories, you may also refer to my post "How Shady is Your Garden? Defining Shade Categories."
Medium Shade (also referred to as partial shade, half shade, semi-shade and dappled shade) loving perennial flowers and plants can tolerate four to five hours a day without direct sunlight. Often this may be the shade situation you find under a mature tree. Whereas there are many perennial flowers that prefer light shade, finding medium shade loving perennial flowers can be a bit more of a challenge, but below you will find some excellent suggestions.
Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum) - Native to the woodlands, these plants have beautiful arching stems that reach up to two feet in length from which white or cream bell-shaped very fragrant flowers hang. They prefer medium shade locations and moist soil.
Begonia grandis (Hardy Begonia). Although there are over 1,500 species of Begonias, only the hardy variety is of interest to northern gardeners. This variety can often survive into zone six and grow well in medium shade. Like their tropical cousins, they need a moist environment to thrive. Because Hardy Begonias generally bloom in fall, they can help extend the flowering period of your shade perennial flower garden.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)- As the popular name suggests, these are a bit reminiscent of sea coral. The tall flower stems bloom from early June through August, and come in a wide variety of colors.
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) - has beautiful, heart shaped flowers bloom in May and June. Plants range in height from just over a foot to nearly three feet tall (D. spectabilis is the tall variety), and they are tolerant of partial or filtered shade.
Daylily (Hemerocallis) - Bright orange flowers that propagate well. In fact, in some areas they are classified as a noxious weed, because they can quickly spread and need to be carefully maintained. But these beautiful medium shade loving perennial flowers are sure to brighten up any garden!
Be sure to check back to read the final part of the series, "Full Shade Perennial Flowers."
