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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 and rising to 4 feet tall. Attractive and somewhat bold dark green dissected foliage. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 8.95
Aconitum 'Sparks Variety' 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. 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 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. In the photo which 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 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 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 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 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
Aralia cordata 'Sun King' Aralia cordata 'Sun King' (Golden Japanese Spikenard)
3' tall Part Shade/Part Sun Zone 3-9 NEW!  Hardy, tropical looking Japanese Spikenard. Bright gold leaves (greener in deep shade) brighten up the shade garden. Tiny white flowers turn into purple-black berries in fall. Approximately 3 feet tall. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 10.95
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 $ 10.95
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 sun reflecting sparkling sheen in a position that receives early morning sun. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 6.35
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 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' 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 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 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. It is approximately 28" tall in bloom. The large clear lavender pink blossoms are balanced by the suitably sized foliage. It has a stoloniferous habit similar to Astilbe 'Pumila'. 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' 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 neutrality. 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' 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' Astilbe 'White Sensation' (Masterwort)
6-8" tall Shade/Sun Zone 4-7 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 'Ruby Wedding' 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' 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. 'Diane's Gold' PPAF Brunnera m. 'Diane's Gold' PPAF
12-14" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4-9 NEW!  A gold leafed version of the "false forget me not". 66 fl oz/1.951 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 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 makes 'Jack Frost' one of the showiest perennials for shade. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 14.95
Brunnera m. 'Looking Glass' PP17829 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 This restrained evergreen woodland groundcover has refined dark green foliage to about 6" tall. The white cupped flower clusters are on upright stems about 5-6" above the foliage and appear in the spring. It spreads in almost a perfect circle to about 12" across and has a tidy appearance. It attracts bees and butterflies. Corydalis, trillium, small fern and hosta make good companions. A fine selection for the shaded garden. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 8.95
Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy' Caryopteris divaricata 'Snow Fairy'
30-36" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 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 type 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 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' 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 Cimicifuga americana (Bugbane)
60-66" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 One of the most imposing bugbanes for the garden with sturdy stems rising to 5 feet or taller carrying white bottlebrush flowers on tiered stems. 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 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 japonica Cimicifuga japonica (Japanese Bugbane)
30-36" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 5 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 racemosa 'Cordifolia' Cimicifuga racemosa 'Cordifolia' (Bugbane)
48-54" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4-8 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 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' Cimicifuga ramosa 'Atropurpurea' (Bugbane)
60-66" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-7 Fragrant 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 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
Clematis tuberlosa 'Wyevale Strain' 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 $ 16.95
Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant' Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant' (Giant Elephant Ear)
9' tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 8-10 Fragrant NEW!  The conversation piece of the garden for this dramatic temperate Elephant Ear. Glaucous green leaves up to 5' long x 4' wide each. Fragrant, white, lily like flowers. 129 fl oz/6.033 L pot $ 12.95
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' Dianthus barbatus 'Heart Attack' (Perennial Sweet William)
15-20" tall Part Shade to Sun Zone 4-9 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 change to a beautiful burgundy. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 8.95
Dicentra 'Burning Hearts'PP20797 Dicentra 'Burning Hearts'PP20797 (Bleeding Heart)
10-12" tall Sun or Shade Zone 3-9 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. 26 fl oz/.0768 L pot $ 12.95
Dicentra 'Dolly Sods' Dicentra 'Dolly Sods' (Fringed Bleeding Heart)
15" tall Part Shade Zone 3-9 Large pink heart shaped flowers dangle from stems and crown this mounding plant shouldered with extremely fine and delicate foliage. It is a favorite for me and looks stunning in our mixed border of Helleborus 'Potter's Wheel', Disporopsis 'Bill Baker, and Hosta 'Fragrant Bouquet' where it blooms throughout summer. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 12.95
Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (Gold Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart)
24-30" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 3-9 Fragrant Brilliant gold foliage make this one of the most stunning plants for the spring garden. Large, rose-pink flowers emerge on arching stems. 129 fl oz/3.814 L pot $ 15.45
Disporopsis pernyi Disporopsis pernyi (Evergreen Solomon's Seal)
15" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 5-9 This Chinese woodland native has bold leathery glossy evergreen leaves of a dark green. In spring white tubular flowers appear at the leaf axils. The white flowers have pale green tips and have a wonderful lemon scent. A gently spreading groundcover which will very slowly colonize a small area. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 9.95
Disporopsis pernyi 'Bill Baker Form' Disporopsis pernyi 'Bill Baker Form' (Evergreen Solomon's Seal)
12" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 5-9 Large creamy white flowers with purplish black at the leaf axil. Ornamental bluish black fruit. Very compact glossy thick dark green foliage. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 9.95
Disporum sessile Disporum sessile (Fairy Bells)
8-10" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4-8 This Japanese Fairy Bell has small creamy white flowers with green tips. The flower buds with a soft green tint definitely make a "it's spring" statement. Dark green narrow foliage. After years of sitting much too quietly, it is finally starting to expand it's width and happily can now offer this beauty. Although the description call out "small flowers", the flowers are actually quite large in comparison to the foliage and they are oh, so spring! 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 10.95
Disporum uniflorum Disporum uniflorum (Fairy Bells)
24" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 5-8 One of the most exceptional flowering Disporums available, with much larger nodding bell-shaped flowers of rich buttery yellow. Glossy, veined green foliage placed on upright stems to 16-24" tall giving it a height that is perfect for placement among hosta. This is a truly beautiful plant and exceptional in bloom - one of those plants that you will be so glad you selected for your garden. Listed as Disporum flavens previously, it's proper name is Disporum uniflorum. This specie, found only in Korea, is a member of the Convallariaceae family. Flowering size plants are offered. 94 fl oz/2.779 L pot $ 12.95
Disporum viridescens Disporum viridescens (Fairy Bells)
18-20" tall Shade to Part Shade Zone 4 Star shaped flowers are white with green tepals and bloom in May to June. Growing from rhizomes to create small colony of green foliate made up of ovate leaves. 66 fl oz/1.951 L pot $ 10.95

Shade-Loving Perennials

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