What are you choices for foliage interest, in both sun and shade?
Bag of Bees
5 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (23)
dreamr
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoVulture61
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Privacy screens for both full sun and part shade areas
Comments (1)as to the immediacy of the window.. look into window films... i put one of the classic wisteria stained glass ... in the center of a rather large window ... so i can get more light by more fully opening the drapes ... but more privacy with them half shut ... in doing this.. then you can work with more time.. as to planting something in the yard.. to eventually grow to do the same thing ... a pic of your area.. would help peeps like me.. who cant work on words alone ... especially if you took one pic from upstairs.. down into the area ... ken Here is a link that might be useful: link...See MoreFoliage Texture for Interest Out of Bloom
Comments (27)Tee-hee … my casual comment inspired this thread, yet it's only this weekend I have the time and bandwidth to catch up with all the thoughtful comments and inspiring photos. Thanks Nell! I still want to know the botanical name of your gorgeous 'Purple Heart'. I no longer feel compelled to acquire the latest and greatest. But sure want to try it if it survives or can over-winter indoors. A coleus? Inky has a variegated cousin here. We did kinda lose track of the zones as Nancy suggested, but there's lots to be learned from associations which work elsewhere. I'm definitely going to look into Brunnera. My first experiments with perennials were based upon eye-candy in books, mags, and catalogs. Made the mistake of transplanting some native ferns which provide great contrast, but invade. Since then, I've moved to mixed borders of shrubs, perens, bulbs and filling in with annuals. Alas, my yard is large enough that the beds are mostly seen from afar. Jkom's beautiful details and Annette's variegation would get lost in the distance. I do include a few "Easter eggs" for those who look closely. Zone 5a, formerly 4b, I like peonies, iris (German and Siberian) and daylilies to anchor the bed. Artemesia and Ruta provide different tones of green throughout the growing season. Favorite low-grower this year is Ajuga 'Caitlin's Giant' with bronze leaves. Love my hostas, but can't depend upon them: deer candy in harsh winters. The nubbins survive, but look ratty in the process. Thank-you Christin for the great summary! Ana...See MoreNeed privacy screen for both full sun and part shade areas
Comments (1)It sounds like your options are pretty limited. Fast growing trees are going to get really big. Most fast growing trees also end up being weak-wooded and short lived. 'Green Giant' thujas grow quickly and have far few problems than Leyland cypresses (which I would definitely NOT recommend), but the Green Giants are going to get pretty large eventually (and very possibly much larger than you'd want). You may want to consider a vine-covered fence or even a hardy type of bamboo with a root barrier....See MoreWhat's your favorite part sun/part shade bush/shrub?
Comments (6)Thanks to all. As for placement, I have several places, ranging from part sun to part shade to full shade, but I'm not looking at any deep shade areas right now. Some of my full shade areas are along the driveway and behave as a woodland edge, but the trees on the other side of the area make it dappled sun most of the day so it is shady. But, having some under canopy things right along that edge would be beautiful. Before this year shade=hosta. This summer the world of shade opened up and I'm so excited about all the options. I think I've also become very content with the "un-catalogue" appearance of plants. Before, the lusher and more prolific a plant/tree bloomed the better. Now I'm really seeing beauty in a tree that has more "zen" to it--branches reaching towards the light with fewer blooms, but with a beauty in the sparseness that adds shape, color, and variety to shadier areas. Add to that woodland edge plants here and there, like all those wonderful asters along the roadsides, and it gets even better. NH Babs, I have four Aralia 'Sun Kings' that I planted in August in strategic areas. I'm hoping that the way I've placed them creates both repetition and bright color. Can't wait for next year to see how they do! I'll be reporting on how tall they get given thymetodig's experiences in NH. One of mine is in full shade all day, meaning I don't think the sun hits it directly although it does good dappled shade. The other three are opposite each other with different sun exposure, so a comparison of those three will be enlightening. I'll respond more fully to all the suggestions later. Extremely busy couple of weeks right now!...See MoreIrving Ragweed (Austin 8b)
5 years agoMiz_G
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agobostedo: 8a tx-bp-dfw
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoIrving Ragweed (Austin 8b)
5 years agobostedo: 8a tx-bp-dfw
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoIrving Ragweed (Austin 8b)
5 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoblakrab Centex
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agobostedo: 8a tx-bp-dfw
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoIrving Ragweed (Austin 8b)
5 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
5 years agobuttoni_8b
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoIrving Ragweed (Austin 8b)
5 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoMiz_G
5 years agobuttoni_8b
5 years agobuttoni_8b
5 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agowantonamara Z8 CenTex
5 years agobuttoni_8b
5 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Axminster Gold Comfrey for Sun or Shade
Plant this perennial for bold color that will light up shady spots, sparkle in the sun and add interest from spring until fall
Full StoryEXTERIORSSteer the Sun and Shade With Louvers
See how louvers on home exteriors and patios help you control the light both indoors and out
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESPackera Aurea Puts On a Springtime Show in Sun or Shade
This vigorous native ground cover welcomes bees with its early-blooming flowers and makes an attractive lawn alternative
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES15 Shade-Loving Plants With Showy Flowers or Foliage
These all-star perennials bring bright colors and bold textures to beds ranging from partial shade to full shade
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIESGreat Design Plant: Columbine Grows Happily in Shade and Sun
Its ethereal beauty comes from complex forms and wide-ranging colors, but columbine’s benefits are highly attractive too
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESShades of Vegetable Gardens: Growing Edibles in Less Sun
See how one gardener produces a veritable feast of vegetables and herbs under a canopy of shade
Full StoryPLANTING IDEASColorful Plant Combos for Shade Gardens
Bring interest and color to beds ranging from full shade to dappled light with these stunning compositions
Full StoryFOLIAGEEasy-Care Evergreen Plants and Combos for Stunning Shade Gardens
Here’s what to plant for year-round interest and minimal maintenance in full-shade to dappled-light garden beds
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESAn All-Star List of 10 Shade Trees to Plant This Fall
These tried-and-true varieties offer good-sized canopies, seasonal interest, wildlife benefits and more
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNGreat Design Plant: Sun-Loving Ninebark Puts on a Color Show
This tall, dark and handsome native shrub is equally at home in jeans and boots or in a suit and tie
Full Story
blakrab Centex