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Saturday 2 November 2013

Colorful Plants for Shade




Shady areas of the garden needn't be dull as there are lots of attractive plants that will thrive in low light conditions.


Osmunda regalis, Royal fern
  • Latin name: Osmunda regalis
  • Common name: Royal fern
  • Type of plant: Fern
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Flower colour: N/A
  • Leaf colour: Bright green
  • Height and spread:     2m x 1m (6.6ft x 3.3ft)

Description:
This handsome deciduous fern has bright green fronds. In summer, rust-brown fertile fronds appear, which look a bit like flowers. Needs moist soil. 


Vinca, Periwinkle
  • Latin name: Vinca
  • Common name: Periwinkle
  • Type of plant: Ground cover
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Flower colour: Purple-blue
  • Leaf colour: Dark green
  • Height and spread:     30cm x 1m (1ft x 3.3ft)


Description:
These evergreens make useful ground cover in shady spots. They are vigorous growers so cut them back hard each spring to keep them under control. 


Mahonia
  • Latin name: Mahonia
  • Common name: Mahonia
  • Type of plant: Shrub
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Flower colour: Bright yellow
  • Leaf colour: Dark green
  • Height and spread:     1m x 1.5m (3.3ft x 4.9ft)


Description:
These evergreen shrubs have attractive spiky leaves which are loved by flowers arrangers. In winter, they bear scented, yellow flowers which are followed by bluish fruits. 



Camellia, Camellia 
  • Latin name: Camellia
  • Common name: Camellia
  • Type of plant: Shrub
  • Hardiness: Frost-hardy
  • Flower colour: White to pink or red
  • Leaf colour: Dark green
  • Height and spread: 5m x 4m(17ft x 13.1ft)


Description:
Well known for their colourful flowers which brighten the garden in spring. They need acid soil to thrive. Can be grown in containers of ericaceous compost. 


Helleborus foetidus, Stinking hellebore

  • Latin name: Helleborus foetidus
  • Common name: Stinking hellebore
  • Type of plant: Hardy perennial
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Flower colour: Green
  • Leaf colour: Deep green
  • Height and spread:     30cm x 30cm (1ft x 1ft)

Description:
Easy to grow, even in dry shade this tough evergreen perennial bears green flowers in winter. Cut out stems 


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