Friday, June 21, 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 grow to maturity in one growing season. They can be planted from seed, flower and produce fruit or seeds in one growing season. Most of the time, they die after they produce and need to be planted again in subsequent seasons.

By way of contrast, the perennial plant does not flower or create seeds and fruit during its first year of life. To ensure color in the bed, gardeners often buy transplants that have been growing for at least one year in a nursery. This allows the plant to flower the first year it is added to a bed.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...