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Shade Gardens in Cold Climates

Shade gardens are not created equal. Plant light needs are conveniently designated on plant labels, but plants that are tagged shade or part shade in moderate climates may need much more sun to thrive when waking up to summer temperatures of 40 degrees (or less) in the Sierra or Rocky Mountains. They also may be getting a very late start if the heavy snow piles did not disappear until well into spring!

Shade gardens are realistic for you.

Studying horticulture and doing plant research form a base for selecting the right plants for a garden, in addition to knowing the microclimate and soil conditions. With all that knowledge, however, I still find personal experience indispensable for selecting plants that don’t just survive but are healthy and happy in their environment. I have benefited from other garden designers' successes, so I have combined their experience with mine, plus the knowledge and research to help you create a beautiful shade garden in the colder alpine zones.

Below are a few of my favorites perennials that really do grow in shade at 6200', followed by a list of additional options. All plants are hardy to zone 3 or 4.

Low growing:

Gallium odoratum. Sweet Woodruff can handle full shade, has a sweet fragrance, and makes an excellent ground cover.

Vinca minor 'Bowles'. Periwinkle spans the light spectrum thriving in full shade and full sun. A great choice for under deciduous trees where spring sun turns to summer shade.

Medium height:

Brunnera macrophylla. The first perennial to pop up in the spring, this Siberian Bugloss adds a bright spot to any garden. Often listed as part shade, I have had it return year after year with only limited morning sun. The electric blue flowers are eye-popping even on a gloomy day. Heart shaped leaves add interest to the garden once the blooms have faded.

Astilbe chinensis, japonica or hybrids. Cultivars range from white through several shades of pink and red. Excellent massed, but it does come later in the season, so place with existing shrubs for some texture in the garden. Good accent color choice.

Tall:

Actaea racemosa. Also known as Cimicifuga racemosa. Black Cohosh/Bugbane/Black Snakeroot. This plant seems to have an identity crisis, but it does know how to behave in shade. An excellent background plant massed or used as specimen when mature.

The following are additional proven plants for shade (SH) or part shade (PSH) in high altitude, short season climates. Click on the plant name for a link to a photo and more details. Contact me if you are looking for companion planting/design layouts. Shout out to Missouri Botanical Garden and Monrovia Nursery for providing excellent resources.

Low Growing Plants

Ajuga reptans, Bugleweed. PSH. Several varieties.

Anemone sylvestris, Snowdrop. SH,PSH. More flowers in PSH

Campanula poscharksyana, Serbian Bellflower PSH

Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy', Spotted Deadnettle. SH, PSH

Medium height

Alchemilla mollis, Lady's Mantle. PSH

Astrantia major, Masterwort. PSH. Several varieties from white to red.

Dicentra, Bleeding Heart. SH, PSH. A shade favorite. Varieties from white to pinks and reds.

Polemonium caeruleum or P. reptans, Jacob's Ladder. SH, PSH. Varieties from 12" ht to 24" ht., either bright green foliage or variegated foliage. All have blue forget-me-not-type flowers that pop in the shade.

Tall 24"+

Aruncus diocus, Goat's Beard. PSH. Good for height in rear of bed

Hosta 'Krossa Regal', Plaintain Lily. SH, PSH

Ligularia dentata, Leopard Plant. SH, PSH

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