From the Ground Up: Shade-loving perennials for heavily shaded areas

I love trees, and with the 13 trees in my small city lot, comes a plethora of shade. In the past, I have planted numerous selections of hostas, but with the addition of two-tiered flower boxes that fall directly under two mature trees, I was in search of some varieties of perennials that might do well in my new shady boxes. Here's just a sampling of what are touted as shade-loving perennials that will do well in partially to heavily shaded areas.

Astilbe (Astilbe species)

With the attractive dark green to reddish green fern-like foliage, Astilbe flowers are showy tall, fluffy plumes and will likely be the focal point of any shady garden. Flower colors come in white, pink, red and lavender. Height ranges from 6 to 8 inches up to 3 to 4 feet, and different varieties bloom at different times. Astilbes do well in moist, well-drained soils. Mulch to keep roots cool and to preserve moisture.

Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)

One of the prettiest plants for shade, these blue forget-me-not flowers bloom in early spring. The large heart-shaped foliage comes in hues of glossy green or in variegated hues of gray, silver or white. Plant in well drained rich soil that can be kept lightly moist, as they won't do well in soil that dries out, nor soggy soil. Siberian Bugloss can reach 1 ½ feet in height to 2 feet across.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria species)

Herbalists from long ago thought the green leaves (which are rough and fuzzy to the touch) resembled lungs, hence the name. The leaves are covered in little white spots, and the flowers appear in early spring and can be blue, pink or white. Occasionally, two or more colors will appear on a single plant! Lungwort do best in moist areas but can survive in drier locations in enough shade and can grow to 12' and spread rapidly. Once established, Lungworts need very little care.

Spotted Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum)

This ground cover grows from 6 to 12 inches high and can spread out two feet wide. Beware that this plant has a propensity to be invasive and may spread from site to site without any extra effort on your part! The small leaves are speckled with spots, and flowers bloom from May to June in hues from lavender, pink, purple and white and can thrive in a wide variety of soil conditions.

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

One of the few ground cover that tolerate dry shade (but with adequate moisture can spread rapidly), the Bugleweed's showy green or multicolor foliage can spread easily. This low-growing perennial can spread 1 to 3 feet, and the flowers stalks are upright spikes that come in a variety of colors from blue, purple, white and pink.

• For gardening questions, call the Linn County Extension Master Gardener Hortline at (319) 447-0647.