Good (and good looking) plants for extremely low-light spots in a yard/garden

Although we think of gardens as light-loving environments, many plants require low light to look their best. The Cast Iron plant shown above is the hardiest, most easy care, that I can think of in this category.

Additionally, the huge range of hosta lillies also love heavy shade areas. With species that vary from lovely lime green leaves to dark blue-ish green leaves their color range is extraordinary. Plus, their long stems of delicate flowers and ability to multiply with each year make them great flowers for the deeply shady garden.

Another gorgeous plant for shade is the huge variety of begonias. From common "free blooming" species available at practically every nursery, home improvement store and even groceries...to rare fuzzy leaved, exotic patterned begonias available through catalogues and plant sales and "good" nurseries in your area...these plants love the shade (and love heat too as long as they have adequate water). Easy to propogate, even to the novice gardener, these plants can be small or quite elaborate, if staking provided.

The Ajuga ground cover, often known as "bugle weed" is a great low ground cover for shady gardens. A darkish red-purple leaf that creeps and spreads, is easily pruned and easily propagated it makes a great addition to the edges of shade gardens. Typically, the shadier the spot, the larger and more attractive the rounded, scalloped leaf. the sunnier the spot, the smaller the leaf, but small stalks of blooms -- rarely taller than six inches -- will grow more readily in early spring.

This quick list is just the beginning of shade loving plants.

OH! Bacopa! Almost forgot this great creeper/ground cover. Also great for pots where you want a plant to fountain over the sides. It has lovely bright, almost lime green, foliage and white flowers. Grew this one with great success in San Fransciso's fog and in Alabama's heat...the common factor...shade. With the intense heat of full summer, it will bloom less, but in the spring and fall it can be covered with white sprinkling of flowers. Too much sun will crisp this one up for sure!

Good luck with your shade garden...take those spots where grass won't grown and turn them into beautiful plant/garden treasures.

And always remember...where there's shade...there's slugs...so keep a watch out for them or they'll eat up your gorgeous shade plants!