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Shade Plants
Maki Podocarpus, Shrubby Yew
Cast Iron Plant
Heartleaf Bergenia, Winter Bergenia
Lily Turf
Persian Carpet Coral Bells
Florists' Cyclamen
Maki Podocarpus, Shrubby Yew

Common name:Maki Podocarpus, Shrubby Yew
Botanical name:Podocarpus macrophyllus maki

'Maki' is a slow growing shrub that is densely covered with small, needle like, waxy, evergreen leaves. It reaches 8'-15' tall and 3'-4' wide, but can be trimmed to the size needed. It prefers full to part sun, regular watering and more in hot summer months. It is can be espaliered and is attractive in containers or used in narrow areas. It can be used in formal or Asian themed gardens. Very reliable and dependable.

Cast Iron Plant

Common name:Cast Iron Plant
Botanical name:Aspidistra elatior

As an evergreen perennial, Cast Iron Plant is often used as a house plant. It slowly grows to 2' tall and 2'-3' wide. Foliage resembles long, wide swords, around 6" wide. Bell shaped, cream colored flowers with maroon interiors appear in summer. Cast Iron Plant grows in dark, shaded areas. This is a beautiful plant for foliage and flowers, creating a great woodland setting.

Heartleaf Bergenia, Winter Bergenia

Common name:Heartleaf Bergenia, Winter Bergenia
Botanical name:Bergenia cordifolia

This evergreen perennial has round, heart-shaped, glossy leaves that possess waxy-toothed edges. Its growth is clustered, and flowers that bloom in the spring are in shades of lilac or rose, held on stems above the leaves.

Lily Turf

Common name:Lily Turf
Botanical name:Liriope muscari

Grass-like clumps of dark green leaves 1" wide up to 18" long are found on the Liriope muscari. It can reach a height of 12"-15", and dark blue flowers spikes can be seen held above the leaves during the summer. This is an excellent border, accent or ground cover plant that requires part shade exposure.

Persian Carpet Coral Bells

Common name:Persian Carpet Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera 'Persian Carpet'

Heuchera 'Persian Carpet' is a perennial. Foliage mound is 1' tall and wide. Leaves are silver with dark purple veins and leaf edges. Flower stalks to 2' high, bearing tiny, greenish white blossoms in early summer. It does better in shade with well draining, sandy soil. It needs regular watering.

Florists' Cyclamen

Common name:Florists' Cyclamen
Botanical name:Cyclamen persicum

Cyclamen persicum is a tuberous perennial that grows 1' tall and 6"-10" wide with silver to green leaves. It likes shade and well draining, sandy loam soil with lot of peat or organic matter. It is often grown as a house plant. Pink, white or red flowers bloom in winter and spring, on stems above the foliage. Cyclamen is not frost hardy. It may go dormant in hot summer areas. Plant in protected areas from drying winds. Water sparingly in summer but regular water during bloom period.

Designer: Mariette Olsen

Shade Plants

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

Integrated Pest Management:

Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.