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Arizona Gardening

Shade/water loving plant that will do well?

15 years ago

On the North side of my house, I have an area that tends to collect water any time it rains, and is almost always in the shade (if not from the house, then from the fence). It hasn't rained in what, a week or more?, and it is still soaked. I'm thinking that instead of just covering the corner of this area with crushed granite, like I had planned, it might be best to plant something that would use up some of the water.

Any ideas on what would do well in Phoenix, that would like both the water and shade? I'm open to shrubs, flowers, pretty much anything except a tree.

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Comments (2)

grant_in_arizona
15 years ago
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
phoenixryan
15 years ago
Try Japanese Aralia. It does very well in complete shade, and prefers soil that never dries out. Just keep it well mulched. I've seen this offered at Home Depot on occasion, or look for it online.

Here is a link that might be useful: Japanese Aralia
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