Saturday, June 29, 2013

Part Shade Perennials Provide Color That Returns Annually

By Gene Bush


There are many situations where gardeners can benefit from part shade perennials. Unlike annuals that can provide quick color, these plants take two or more years to reach maturity. Once established, they can return to provide color or foliage for several years, making them a very popular choice for use in landscaping beds around the home.

Annuals are plants that grow to maturity in a single growing season. They are planted, flower and create fruit or seeds in a single season. Most of the time; however, these plants die after producing and must be planted again for the next year.

In contrast, a perennial plant will not flower or produce seeds the first year it is planted. To overcome this problem, many gardeners choose to buy transplants that have already spent the first growing season at a nursery. This allows for production of color the first year.

In areas of deep freezes, heavy frost or severe winter weather foliage sometimes dies back. In milder climates, the leaves often remain green all year long. New growth can be produced from the root system, allowing a garden that has been well planned to become vigorous again the next season.

Some beds are shaded by trees or nearby buildings but still receive filtered sunlight. Such locations can provide stunted growth for sun loving plants. It is possible to select varieties that actually prefer the partially shaded areas. This option is more likely to provide a more acceptable result.

When planting beds that are in shaded areas and wanting choices that will return year after year, part shade perennials are an excellent choice. These varieties of flowering plants can provide many shades of color to fit with practically any color scheme. Others are better known for the beautiful foliage they can provide in a bed.




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