Shade Plants That Grow Well In Southern Gardens
All over the south gardeners take advantage of the cooling effects of shade by planting shade trees in their landscapes. And many homeowners like to complement their gardens by including some shade plants underneath the trees. Because of the longer growing season afforded by the southern climate there are many beautiful shade plants to choose from. Some of the most popular shade plants are those that grow without a lot of special care and maintenance.
Caladiums are tuber plants that are popular because of their colorful leaves. They have veins and flecks of red, pink and white set of a sea of green. Caladiums disappear in the winter only to pop up again in the spring. They grow best in shade or part shade and have a dramatic effect when planted in a mass of one type. Another tuber that southerners love is the Kaffir Lily. These colored lily flowers come in several colors and grows best in subtropical or tropical climates as they will freeze when the temperature dips below freezing. Kaffir lilies multiply quickly so it’s easy to grow a large garden from just a few purchased plants.
It is impossible to think about a southern garden without a vision of the many beautiful azaleas that grace the southern part of the United States. Azaleas burst into bloom like a blaze every spring and home landscapes are covered with them. They come in very large to miniature varieties and love acid soil, making them great for shady areas underneath a tree. Azaleas that are grown in pots are usually root bound and need to have the ball broken up when planted so the feeder roots can spread out. Any pruning should be done immediately after the blooms die as the new buds for next year are set soon.
The Giant Split Leaf Philodendron has large leaves with ruffled fingers radiating from the center. The stems are beefy and it looks good as a specimen plant in a shady area. These can also be grown as houseplants in which case they stay much smaller. Similar in size and style, the Elephant Ear Plant is another easy to grow large plant that is prized for its leafy display rather than flowers.
There are many pretty flowering plants that will grow well in the shade. Blood Lilies have thin leaves and stems and produce a big round ball of tiny red flowers. They are quite the spectacle in the spring. Typically sold as a container plant, blood lilies can be divided into more plants or if they are planted outdoors they will spread themselves. Another favorite flowering shade plant are Impatiens. These brightly colored annuals are pretty planted in a huge mass in a shady area. And finally the charming yellow daisy-like flowers of Wedilia will bring a splash of sunny color to as filtered shady area. This perennial ground cover is durable enough to grow in slopes and poor soil.
Gardening is a rewarding and relaxing activity. It is easier than ever to have success in your southern landscape. For more garden growing tips visit Tips On Gardening Tools.