A shaded yard or garden space might seem like a challenge. However, there are many plants like Solomon's seal that prefer partial to full shade. If you're searching for plants to fill your shaded garden, here are some suggestions to consider:
Solomon's seal plants have long, arching vines with rows of hanging flowers resembling tiny lanterns. This shade-loving plant also loves plenty of moisture and will thrive in cool, damp gardens. There are over 60 different varieties of the plant with different foliage and flower colors to fit your specific taste.
Periwinkle, also called "creeping myrtle," is an excellent ground cover for shady areas. It's a popular choice of plant for underneath large trees where lawn grasses wouldn't get enough sunlight. Periwinkle vines spread rapidly across the ground and produce purple star-shaped flowers. One important thing to note is that this shade-loving plant is considered invasive in certain regions, so take measures to keep it contained to your own property.
Hostas are a staple for shaded gardens and yards. While they don't bloom, there are dozens of species with an entire rainbow of foliage colors. You can find hostas in bold colors like chartreuse and deep blue. There is also a wide range of leaf sizes among the many types of hosta, from coin-sized leaves to foliage more than a foot across.
If you're searching for trees to plant in your shaded garden, consider hemlock. These trees can grow anywhere from 40 to 70 feet tall, but can be contained to smaller sizes if pruned regularly. Hemlock requires some specific conditions to flourish. Particularly, the plant needs well-draining soil and the lack of drought or heavy winds. Hemlock are a great choice for regions with temperate, wet weather.
While most thing of hydrangea as a full-sun flower, the climbing variety loves the shade. You can use it as a flowering ground cover, or train the vines to climb walls or trellises. Climbing hydrangea vines can reach over 60 feet long and become very heavy, so providing a sturdy structure is key if you want the plant to climb.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
