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Shade-Loving Perennials

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Aconitum fischeri Aconitum fischeri (Monkshood)
24-48" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-8 Our favorite Monkshood with stately spires of dark blue, hooded flowers, rising to 4 ft. in late summer, from clumps of quite bold lusty dark green dissected foliage. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 8.95
Aconitum 'Sparks Variety' (Monkshood)
5' tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-8 Our earliest of our Aconitum to blossom for us, with branched panicles of large blue-purple helmets held atop upright stems to 4 ft, or slightly more in mid summer, rich with color when matched with Hydrangea 'Limelight'. Full sun or very light shade. 129 ft oz/3.814 L pot $ 8.95
Actaea pachypoda Actaea pachypoda (Doll's Eyes)
24-30" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-8 Fragrant NEW!  American woodland native. In spring the astilbe like foliage is topped with airy bottlebrush type creamy white fragrant flowers. The flower stems which are held nicely above the foliage then thicken and turn an attractive rosy red. Small yellowish-green berries develop, enlarge to pea size, turn white with a distinctive small dark purplish spot -- giving the effect of Doll Eyes. It is among my favorite shade plants and is one of the most asked about plants in our display gardens where it enjoys two locations -- one under a Magnolia acuminata just across from the pond separated by a grass path; the other in our shadiest garden we call the North Garden. The photo was taken in early June. Actaea pachypoda is just left of the Magnolia tree -- the plant with the tall naked silvery legs. Here the blooms which are held well above the foliage, have already dropped their petals and are now the small greenish berries are just beginning to form. This native will tolerate woodland conditions. Like Aconitum, this plant contains toxic compounds in all parts. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 9.95
Alchemilla erythropoda Alchemilla erythropoda (Lady's Mantle)
6" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 This exceptional dwarf Lady's Mantle has small, blue-green serrated foliage and stays compact. Spring sprays of tiny chartreuse flowers and will mingle among other plants -- which can be seen in the photo for Hosta 'Ice Cream' -- in the hosta section. It has the right foliage and flower color to make it the perfect fit for any spot of the perennial garden. 26 fl oz/.0768 L pot $ 7.65
Anemone sylvestris (Woodland Anemone)
12-15" tall Part Shade Zone 3-8 Pure satiny white 2" scented flowers on bare rose tinted stems in May/June. This striking woodland will create a colony displaying its alluring nodding buds and waves of flowers. Those who see it in bloom always want it. Although its look is fragile, Anemone sylvestris is a tough and durable plant. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 7.65
Angelica gigas
4-6' tall Part Shade or Sun Zone 4-9 Fragrant Large deep very saturated plum-purple domed fragrant blooms in late summer attracting nectar loving bees and butterflies. Later, the large seed heads attract birds. Great bold foliage. Angelica gigas will self sow with babies appearing quite a distance from its momma. Nature places plants ideally it seems. Biennial. 129.fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 8.45
Aquilegia 'Kurilensis Rosea' (Columbine)
4-6" tall Light to Moderate Shade Zone 3-9 Short-spurred nodding pink flowers in spring top attractive blue-green foliage. Prefers moist compost rich soil. This is a cute little columbine and just perfect for that small space in the front of the partially shaded border offering beautiful foliage form, color and texture. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 8.45
Arisaema consanguineum 'Silver Variegated Form' Arisaema consanguineum 'Silver Variegated Form' (Jack In The Pulpit)
36-42" tall Shade to Sun Zone 4b-9 Striking mottled stems are topped with 14 or more variegated narrow somewhat wavy leaves forming an umbrella like canopy. Shades of steel-gray, purple and brown flowers. Flowers and leaves have drip threads. This plant offers the "WOW" and "What is that plant" comments -- definitely the ultimate conversation plant. Ask for growing instructions to keep this plant from year to year - it's very easy. Several sizes are available and are priced accordingly. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 14.95
Aruncus aethusifolius Aruncus aethusifolius (Dwarf Goatsbeard)
8-10" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 Fine ferny green foliage in a rounded form -- and looks like a mini Boxwood. Creamy white flowers in June. This tough plant is always looking its best; it is one of the first plants up in the spring and one of the last to leave. Perfect in shade or sunnier spots. It's size allows for a front of the border position and very suitable as a companion to hosta. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 8.65
Aruncus dioicus Aruncus dioicus (Goatsbeard)
36-48" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 White feathery plumes in June held above attractive green foliage forming a large clump over time. I'm amazed at how tough this plant is as it tolerates one of driest and toughest areas in our display garden - growing in dry shade among the roots of our mature spruce trees. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 9.85
Asarum canadensis Asarum canadensis (Wild Ginger)
6-8" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3 Among my favorite groundcovers not only for its elegant beauty but because of its superb performance in dry competitive areas. This will grow well in the roots of mature trees and will also grow under walnut trees. It's round leaves form a canopy and grows in complete shade but, you can enjoy it's sparkling sheen in a position that receives early morning sun. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 7.45
Asarum 'European' Asarum 'European' (European Ginger)
2-6" tall Shade Zone 4 Dark green glossy leaves forming tight colonies of spectacular rounded leaves. The European Ginger is sought after. It is completely hardy unlike some of the other fancy gingers. The leaves are held closer to the ground than the common ginger and forms a gorgeous (but very slow) groundcover. We enjoy the Gymnocarpium plumosa fern mingling among the very dark green ginger leaves at the base of an old White Cedar in our North Display Garden. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 9.65
Astilbe biternata (Appalachian False Goats Beard)
2-5' tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4 NEW!  Large, astilbe-like green foliage rises to 2 feet and forms a clump 18-24" wide. The large elongated blooms made up of terminal clusters of creamy white flowers have a soft and feathery appearance. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 10.95
Astilbe 'Bridal Veil'
28" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 Fragrant For the fragrance alone, 'Bridal Veil' would be a worthy selection. Lacy white panicles gently droop at the tips giving a frothy look, held above deep green glossy foliage. This classic white astilbe. It has been honored with the Royal Horticultural Award. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 8.95
Astilbe chinensis aff var pumila
24-28" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 NEW!  This is a seedling that sprung up in our gardens some years ago and we've watched the performance, being rewarded with a sizeable en masse planting. Thinking of names with ending up with 'Pumila XL' lending easy identification and descriptive for our customers as it is stoloniferous as is 'Pumila', up to 28" tall, clear lavender pink larger blossoms balanced with suitable sized foliage. Blossoms in August, bringing very favorable comments. This may be the problem solver plant you are looking for. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 10.95
Astilbe 'Morheim Glory'
42-48" tall Part Shade to Part Sun Zone 4-9 A truly distinctive astilbe, glossy dark green bold foliage, somewhat more open habit, with robust growth, look forward to tall blossom stems to 42" of the palest lavender pink if you look hard -- suitable for the white garden. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 10.95
Astilbe 'Ostrich Plume'
30" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 Among our most popular Astilbe and especially grand planted en masse as we have here in our South display garden. Known for its distinctive open drooping bright pink blossoms. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 8.95
Astilbe 'Peach Blossom'
24" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 Our earliest Astilbe to blossom lend thoughts of placement to view by the entry or indoor window, impatiently waiting for spring. The delicate peach flowers with a hint of pink offer full plumes of a soft frothy appearance, sitting atop glossy green foliage. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 8.95
Astilbe 'Professor van der Weilen' Astilbe 'Professor van der Weilen'
42" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 Used more than any other Astilbe in our gardens, offering mid season blossoms. It is well suited to a mid-border (or back) area offering backbone and neutraility. It has bold, large creamy white arching plumes, with medium sized mounding foliage full to the ground providing neatness and cover. 204 fl oz/6.033 L pot $ 10.95
Astilbe 'Pumila'
6-10" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 A favorite customer selection appealing for its low groundcover growth, actually ground hugging appearance in the spring and late summer blossoms of lavender purple. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 7.95
Astilbe 'Visions' Astilbe 'Visions'
15" tall Partial Shade Zone 4-9 Fragrant A clear raspberry pink and sweetly fragrant, dense, pyramidal shape, often blossoming around July 4th along with a perfect front border height. Large textured clear green foliage. Mid summer blooms. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 8.95
Astilbe 'White Sensation' (Masterwort)
6-8" tall Shade/Sun Zone 4-7 NEW!  Dark glossy green foliage to about 10" tall. Bright white feathery appearing flowers begin in mid summer and continue over a long time. Suitable planted as a single plant and dramatic planted en masse. Deer resistant. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 8.95
Astrantia major 'Sunningdale Variegated' (Masterwort)
12-24" tall Shade/Sun Zone 4-7 NEW!  The brightly margined foliage in tones of lime to creamy white add a dramatic flair to the spring garden. Each flower is a domed umbel of pinkish white florets, collared with jagged pink, green, and white bracts. The variegated leaf colors tend to fade to green as summer progresses. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 8.95
Astrantia 'Ruby Wedding' (Masterwort)
15-18" tall Shade/Sun Zone 4-7 Dark red domed pincushions surrounded by colored bracts are held on colored stems above the mounding green foliage. Blooms throughout summer. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 8.95
Bergenia cordifolia 'Herbstblute' (Elephant Ears)
12" tall Shade or Sun Zone 3-8 Rosy pink flowers in spring and fall. Attracts hummingbirds. Alluring foliage. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 9.95
Brunnera m. 'Jack Frost' PP13859 Brunnera m. 'Jack Frost' PP13859 (Silver Siberian bugloss)
12-14" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4-9 NEW!  Exceptional plant in blossom and foliage, sky blue forget-me-not flowers. The grand foliage -- heart shaped dark green leaves has a netted silver overlay. Its dramatic foliage make 'Jack Frost' one of the showiest perennials for shade. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 14.95
Brunnera m. 'Kings Ransom' PPAF
10-12" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-8 NEW!  The silver overlay on the mid to dark green leaves with the green still visible along the veining is accented with a gold margin later turning to creamy white. This new Brunnera also has wonderful blue forget-me-not flowers. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 14.95
Brunnera m. 'Looking Glass' PP17829
14" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4-9 This is an even more silvery selection of 'Jack Frost'. 'Looking Glass has shimmering silver 5" heart-shaped leaves. In the spring it is topped with masses of blue, forget-me-not flowers. The striking silvery leaves seem to reflect light like a mirror making it a great selection to lighten the shade garden. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 14.95
Brunnera macrophylla Brunnera macrophylla (Heartleaf Brunnera)
12-18" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-8 Produces multitudes of baby blue, forget-me-not type flowers held just above the foliage. Large heart shaped leaves become larger throughout the season and continue the interest all season. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 8.95
Cardamine trifolia (Trifoliate Bittercress)
4-10" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4-9 NEW!  This restrained evergreen woodland groundcover has refined dark green foliage and thrives in a wide range of conditions being somewhat drought tolerant. It does best sited in moist well-draining soil. The white cupped flower clusters are on upright stems about 5-6" above the foliage and appear in the spring. A fine selection for the shaded garden. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 8.95
Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy'
30-36" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 NEW!  An extremely attractive shrub. If you have wished you could grow Caryopteris in our climate and enjoy the blue flowers, this is it -- zone 4 hardy. The most distinguishing characteristic of 'Snow Fairy' is its striking green and white variegated foliage which remain clean and fresh throughout the season. The leaves are scorch resistant and is also drought tolerant once established. Small lavender-blue penstemon like flowers appear on terminal and auxiliary clusters from late summer into the early fall. It performs like a shrub but is actually a herbaceous perennial. It is a new introduction from Japan -- originally native to the Himalayas. It is not tolerant of overly wet sites but does require an average amount of water. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 16.95
Chelone glabra (Turtlehead)
24-48" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 5-8 Elegant white flowers rise above shiny green foliage in late summer and early fall. It will love a moist to wet location. Loved by butterflies; deer do not. 66 fl oz/1.951L pot $ 9.45
Chelone 'Hot Lips' (Turtlehead)
24" tall Shade to Sun Zone 3-8 Rose colored flowers held in terminal clusters begin in July and last into September. Exceptional bright green foliage. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 9.45
Cimicifuga americana (Bugbane)
60-66" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 NEW!  One of the most imposing bugbanes for the garden with sturdy stems rising to 5 ft. or taller carrying white bottlebrush flowers on tiered stems rise among the dark green foliage. It is startling in grace and beauty. The first of our Cimicifuga to bloom with buds forming in June, opening in July and continuing into August. Remove the attractive seed heads if you don't want americana babies appearing in subsequent years -- but a perfect choice if you want to fill the woods. 204 fl oz/6.033 L pot $ 12.95
Cimicifuga 'Black Negligee' Cimicifuga 'Black Negligee' (Black Snakeroot)
48-54" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 Fragrant NEW!  Lacy, purplish-black foliage on dark stems provide ample appeal. In addition, the beautiful purple tinted white flowers are wonderfully fragrant - like a mixture of jasmine and grape. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 14.95
Cimicifuga 'Chocoholic'
4-5' tall Part Shade Zone 4-8 NEW!  Deep bronze purple is the description given to the foliage made up of wonderful dissected leaves. It forms a dense upright clump. The fragrant bottlebrush type blossoms open mauve pink, then lighten in white. If planted in full shade the foliage will be green; sited in morning sun will give the best effect. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 14.95
Cimicifuga japonica Cimicifuga japonica (Japanese Bugbane)
30-36" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 5 NEW!  Deep blackish purple stems hold blackish purple pearl like buds above the green foliage. The pearl like buds finally open to the white bottlebrush flowers on this late blooming smaller Cimicifuga. It will be among the last of the seasons flowers to enjoy. Place it where you can view it from inside to receive full enjoyment. We have ours sited along the edge of our cobblestone path -- a perfect place to enjoy indoors and out. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 15.95
Cimicifuga 'Pink Spike' (Bugbane)
48-54" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 Fragrant NEW!  Large soft clear pink flowers open from purple tinted buds. Deep, nearly black exceptional foliage. Fragrant. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 14.95
Cimicifuga racemosa 'Cordifolia' Cimicifuga racemosa 'Cordifolia' (Bugbane)
48-54" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4-8 NEW!  Maple-leaf like foliage make this Cimicifuga distinct. The bright green spring foliage and new growth is beautifully bronzed. Flower stems rise above the 24" tall compact foliage in a staggered fashion, holding small ball-like greenish buds opening to bottlebrush white flowers. 'Cordifolia' blooms after americana and before our other Cimicifuga varieties. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 12.95
Cimicifuga ramosa 'Atropurpurea' (Bugbane)
60-66" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 Fragrant NEW!  Chartreuse buds blushed with purple and rose open to reveal pink tinted stamens and creamy white bottlebrush spikes. Spring foliage is washed in purple tones. 'Atropurpurea' is a great grower and will form a large, tall clump. Foliage is always superb and the fragrant flowers are wonderful -- the fragrance fills the air. 204 fl oz/6.033 L pot $ 12.95
Cimicifuga ramosa 'Hillside Black Beauty' PP09988 Cimicifuga ramosa 'Hillside Black Beauty' PP09988 (Black Snakeroot)
48-60" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4-8 Fragrant NEW!  Striking dark purplish-black foliage. Large, fragrant bottlebrush flowers open white with a pale blush pink tinge. It has a more restrained growth habit and has a compact narrow size. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 14.95
Cimicifuga ramosa 'James Compton' Cimicifuga ramosa 'James Compton' (Black Snakeroot)
30-36" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 Fragrant NEW!  White flowers are held just above very dark black foliage. 'James Compton' grows fast and forms a broad clump. It's height is good for mid border placement -- although it's so gorgeous, I love to place it on the borders edge which is especially nice for enjoying the fragrance. Putting tall plants in front of shorter ones forces you to seek out what's behind -- it slows you down as you walk the garden paths. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 14.95
Clematis tuberlosa 'Wyevale Strain'
Shade to Sun Zone 5-9 Fragrant I have read that this particular clematis will grow in the shade but haven't tried it yet. See the full description in the Clematis section. 204 fl oz/6.033 L pot $ 15.95
Corydalis 'Purple Leaf' Corydalis 'Purple Leaf'
8" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 5-9 Fragrant NEW!  Fine bronze tinted foliage emerges early in spring and fragrant violet blue blossoms abound soon after. The exceptionally compact plants are charming in the rock garden, scrambling very slowly around stepping stones, use in containers as well as in the shade garden. Long lived plants are rhizomatous, only 8" tall - 10" in flower. 26 fl oz/.0768 L pot $ 8.95
Crambe cordifolia Crambe cordifolia (Giant Kale)
4-5' tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 5 Fragrant NEW!  A cloud of fragrant starry white flowers held in the air 4-5' in June. A dramatic plant often seen in the glossy garden books illustrating shade gardens to die for. The leaves are very large (rhubarb type size) rising to 18-20" above the ground. Books rate this as a plant for full sun but we found that the plants were short lived in that setting. Morning sun is ideal. I did mention that it was fragrant. 204 fl oz/6.033 L pot $ 14.95
Cyclamen 'SweetheartTM Splash' Cyclamen 'SweetheartTM Splash'
3" tall Part Shade to Shade Zone 5-9 NEW!  We have had a hardy Cyclamen in our display garden for years. Truly a jewel for the garden! 'Sweetheart Splash' offers large white flowers held on coppery tinted stems which are held variegated foliage -- dark green leaves with a frosted center. It is a perfect companion to other cool loving plants such as Helleborus 'Peppermint Ice', Pulmonaria 'Nuerenberg' and Primula sieboldii; but, offers blooms in late summer. Like other cold hardy plants, the foliage remains evergreen into late fall. Foliage height is 3" with bloom height of 6". Plant spread is 12". Deer resistant. 26 fl oz/.0768 L pot $ 9.95
Cymbalaria muralis 'Snow Wave'PP21745 Cymbalaria muralis 'Snow Wave'PP21745
3-4" tall Part Shade Zone 4-9 NEW!  Snow Wave' has leaves with a broad creamy white margin. And, the small white flowers complement the foliage. It is a Kenilworth Ivy selection cold hardy for our Zone 4 climate. This is a wonderful alternative to the annual Bacopa. It can be used as a groundcover between flagstones, in pots, hanging pots or the garden border. Foliage height is 3"/ flower height at 4". Originates in Japan. pot $ 6.95
Darmera peltatum Darmera peltatum (Umbrella Plant)
16-20" tall Shade or Sun Zone 5-7 Large somewhat glossy green umbrella like leaves add hues of rose and bronze as the temps lower in the fall. The edges are widely scalloped enriching the architecture of the plant. Early in the spring naked flower stems rise up about 20-24" and rich pink flowers open, lasting for weeks in the coolness of early spring. Finally the tightly held crumpled foliage emerges and opens to their grandness of size and reaching a height just below the spent flower heads. For dry or wet, shade or sun. Here we have Darmera peltatum planted in a dry streambed (except when we get torrents of rain) in full sun. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 12.95
Dianthus barbatus 'Heart Attack' (Perennial Sweet William)
15-20" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 NEW!  A sought after Sweet William producing multitudes of brilliant black red carnation type flowers beginning in late spring to early summer and continue for most of the summer. The dark crimson flowers are held above glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves. The foliage appears in the spring in the form of rosettes in shades of red. The foliage colors in the fall to a beautiful burgundy. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 8.95
Dicentra 'Burning Hearts'PP20797
10-12" tall Sun or Shade Zone 3-9 NEW!  A superb selection. Clear rose-red, heart shaped blossoms have a white edge blooming all season. Fine textured blue-gray foliage forms a full compact mound. pot $ 12.95

Shade-Loving Perennials

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