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What plants do well for you in shade and clay

11 years ago

I have a small bed at the edge of my back yard just at the edge of woods. I am in zone 7 and have clay soil. I am wondering what does well for other gardeners with similar growing conditions. I have quite a few ferns that do really well. I also have hydrangeas, hostas, 2 types of geraniums, coral bells, daffodils and irises. Any suggestions for what to add?

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Comments (12)

woodyoak zone 5 southern Ont., Canada
11 years ago
Solomon's Seal looks good with all of those and does well in the same conditions.
Karolina11
11 years ago
I have Columbines and Bergenia as well. Astillbe would also be great as long as the area is not dry, such as near a tree, as that plant will not survive dry soil.
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I have the same type of soil. CLAY! What I did, that worked well for me, was to loosen up the soil with a shovel. Then I dumped compost and bags of garden soil over top of the area. I used the shovel to mix it up a bit. Every fall I cover the area with leaves that decompose and really improve the texture. Whenever I plant now, I toss in more compost if I have it or Garden Soil from a bag. It keeps getting better and better. I don't think you'll need to haul away any soil. Just bring add some good stuff to what you have. Kim Here is a link that might be useful: My gardens
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Hmmmm...that sounds like a great spot for Australian sword ferns. They do really well under those conditions and while they want plenty of moisture like your spot provides, they are very tolerant of our dry air, so if you like their look they would be a good option. You could also underplant them with something like vinca vine (Vinca minor) or Algerian ivy (Hedera, especially a variegated-leaf type) or just plant the vinca or ivy alone instead of the ferns, though I like the idea of the ferns underplanted with something. I've had an Australian sword fern for a long time outside and it does great as long as I keep it wet (I just leave it in a small saucer of water usually) and as long as I keep it out of direct sun. I'm sure other folks will have suggestions too. You can always add some containers as well--a few large pots with the ferns in them surrounded by vinca would be nice (as long as you water the pots of course). It sounds like it's got some nice potential. If I planted Algerian ivy or vinca, I'd be sure to keep it from climbing up my house, but otherwise they're very low maintenance. Let us know what you do and how it works out. I'm sure other folks will have some great suggestions. Take care, Grant Here is a link that might be useful: Australian sword fern link
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Here I thought I was going to help you out. Then, I saw the date of your posting. Undoubtedly, since it's been 6 years, you've found what you were looking for. I'm on alkaline soil, but no shade. Xtal Here is a link that might be useful: Plants, Flowers and Trees that will Grow in Alkaline Soil
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Thank you for the suggestions everyone. I love those little Lily of the Valleys, I have to get me some of those. I guess it is too late in the season to have them bloom THIS year, but I can always get ready for next year. Derek... I did check out your valley nursery and it was very nice. They had some 'all blue' seed potatoes, so I am going to try those and see what happens. I did plant some Jacob's Ladder, Lupine and Foxglove, but I planted those on the east side of the house. I hope that they will do well there. They get a few hours of sun in the morning, but none in the afternoon. My house sits on a quarter acre, but there is another quarter acre that is kitty-corner behind my house with NOTHING planted in it yet. We are talking about putting in a sprinkling system back there, but so far there is nothing. It gets mostly full sun and I'm not sure what to do with all that space! It's a little overwhelming, so I'm just sticking to the front 1/4 acre for now! I need to look up some of these plants that were mentioned since I'm not familiar with all of them, but I'll do my homework and start planting! Thanks all! =] any other ideas?
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april_wine
Original Author
11 years ago
I have been reading about bergenia. Also Lamium "White Nancy" and lungworts. I am thinking about buyin a few of these plants to try. It is dry soil but I water as needed. Moss grows in these area so may not be as dry as I think.
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
11 years ago
In addition to those already listed, Actea (Cimicifuga or bugbane), Veronica 'Georgia Blue', Tiarella, Heucherella (Tiarella x Heuchera), Siberian iris, and Jacob's ladder. There are also shrubs and annuals if you want to consider those.
flora_uk
11 years ago
In a small bed there is a lot to be said for repeating plants rather than dotting lots of individuals about. That said - Japanese Anemones, Dicentra (now Lamprocapnos) spectabilis, white Digitalis purpurea and ferns. White flowers or variegated foliage look good in shade.
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
11 years ago
Epimedium could be added to the list. My Lamium of choice would be Herman's Pride. Variegated Solomon's Seal, to be sure. If your geraniums and iris are doing well, daylily may also do well.

tj
april_wine
Original Author
11 years ago
I like the look of cimifuga but afraid it will not do well in our hot & humid summers here.But I think tiarella will do good. Flora...thanks for the heads up regarding bed looking better with repeating plants. You are so right and maybe that is what I need to focus more on. I am definitely looking at more variegated foliage. Tsugajunkie...I like your suggestion of epimedium too! I had to move the daylilies from this bed due to not receiving enough sun. Thanks everyone for your suggestions! You all have been most helpful!
prairiemoon2 z6b MA
11 years ago
I would agree with Solomon's Seal, Tiarellas, Dicentra spectabilis, and the Lamium that is my favorite is 'Purple Dragon' which has been a very good performer and has larger flowers than some of the others. My favorite is Epimedium though. I have been adding those to the garden for many years. They have been fool proof and indestructible and you can buy those that clump, rather than 'run', which I appreciate. And although they are not flashy and are out of bloom most of the season, they earn their keep for their freedom from problems and their ability to grow in any situation in my garden.

One that you might not think of, is Lunaria, a biennial, If you like reseeding. Mine will reseed under the canopy of large maples to my surprise. The Lunaria blooms at the same time as Dicentra and I love combining it with the white dicentra.
prairiemoon2 z6b MA
11 years ago
Oh, I meant to add, Hellebore, is a very easy, and trouble free plant here too.
april_wine
Original Author
11 years ago
I ordered Lamium "purple Dragon", Solomon's seal, and Hellebores this morning from Santa Rosa Gardens. Excited for Spring to get here! I am not familiar with Lunaria, prairie moon, but if it reseeds, I need to read up on it. Thanks for all your help.
april_wine
Original Author
11 years ago
Prairie moon, I just read about Lunaria. I had heard of money wort but didn't know they had such beautiful blooms! I am going to try to find me some Lunaria! Thanks!
prairiemoon2 z6b MA
11 years ago
Your welcome, April, good luck! I don't have time right now, but tomorrow I will try to post a photo of the Lunaria I have in the garden.

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