Shade Tolerant Plants

Hanging clusters of fuzzy white to white tinged pink flowers with a pink halo and recurving corollas are produced during the growing season. Hoya pusilla is one of the more vigorous and easier to grow vining waxflowers that is well-suited to hanging basket culture or give it a trellis or other support for its twining vines to climb. The major leaf veins are fairly prominent in this species even from the upperside of the medium green foliage and under cool direct sunlight the foliage can become more olive green. This is also considered to be one of the more cold tolerant species among Hoyas although it still will not tolerate a freeze. To some the flowers have a light fragrance and it may be most noticeable at night or very early in the day. Item# 12349

Large clusters of deep red flowers with contrasting dark flecks on the three inner petals sit atop sturdy 10-14" high stems and are produced from late spring or early summer into fall attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The Inca Bandit^™ Alstroemeria or Peruvian Lilies were developed for the garden and have proven to be vigorous and reliable perennials potentially into zone 6. This is a rhizomatous slowly spreading, sun to part shade tolerant perennial that can be utilized for summer to fall color in the garden and landscape as well as for showy, low-maintenance container specimens. Alstroemerias prefer an average moist, fertile, well-drained soil and tend to be sturdiest in sun to part shade locations. Where summers are hot consider providing shade or filtered shade during the hottest part of the day. These also serve as long-lasting and popular fresh cut flowers. Images courtesy of Könst Alstroemeria B.V., all rights reserved. Item# 12946

Large clusters of light and medium coral and apricot colored flowers with a yellow 'throat' and contrasting dark flecks on these same three inner petals and sit atop sturdy 8-12" high stems that are produced from late spring or early summer into fall attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The Inca Husky^™ Alstroemeria or Peruvian Lilies were developed for the garden and have proven to be vigorous and reliable perennials potentially into zone 6. This is a compact growing, rhizomatous slowly spreading, sun to part shade tolerant perennial that can be utilized for summer to fall color in the garden and landscape as well as for showy, low-maintenance container specimens. Alstroemerias prefer an average moist, fertile, well-drained soil and tend to be sturdiest in sun to part shade locations. Where summers are hot consider providing shade or filtered shade during the hottest part of the day. These also serve as long-lasting and popular fresh cut flowers. Images courtesy of Könst Alstroemeria B.V., all rights reserved. Item# 12947

Large clusters of flowers that are composed of cherry red and deep pink outer tepals that subtend the darkly flecked cherry red and pink inner tepals are held on sturdy 8-12" high stems. From a distance the flowers tend to appear more red than pink. Flowering begins in spring or early summer and continues into fall attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The Inca Lolly^™ Alstroemeria or Peruvian Lilies were developed for the garden and have proven to be vigorous and reliable perennials potentially into zone 6. This is a compact growing, rhizomatous slowly spreading, sun to part shade tolerant perennial that can be utilized for summer to fall color in the garden and landscape as well as for showy, low-maintenance container specimens. Alstroemerias prefer an average moist, fertile, well-drained soil and tend to be sturdiest in sun to part shade locations. Where summers are hot consider providing shade or filtered shade during the hottest part of the day. These also serve as long-lasting and popular fresh cut flowers. Images courtesy of Könst Alstroemeria B.V., all rights reserved. Item# 12949

Large clusters of flowers that are composed of soft primrose yellow outer tepals that subtend the darker yellow inner tepals which are flecked with contrasting dark flecks on 10-14" high stems. Flowering begins in spring or early summer and continues into fall attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The Inca Sundance^™ Alstroemeria or Peruvian Lilies were developed for the garden and have proven to be vigorous and reliable perennials potentially into zone 6. This is a compact growing, rhizomatous slowly spreading, sun to part shade tolerant perennial that can be utilized for summer to fall color in the garden and landscape as well as for showy, low-maintenance container specimens. Alstroemerias prefer an average moist, fertile, well-drained soil and tend to be sturdiest in sun to part shade locations. Where summers are hot consider providing shade or filtered shade during the hottest part of the day. These also serve as long-lasting and popular fresh cut flowers. Images courtesy of Könst Alstroemeria B.V., all rights reserved. Item# 12948

In summer arching spikes of showy green, flattened seed heads, reminiscent of fish hanging on a fishing pole, are produced which eventually fade to tan and remain showy until late winter or early spring. The seed heads flutter even in the slightest of breezes providing motion and interest for months. One of our most recognizable, useful, and adaptable native grasses, Inland Sea Oats, Chasmanthium latifolium, is a deciduous, small to medium-sized perennial that readily develops into a groundcover via both rhizomes and seed. Its shade and moisture tolerance lend it to use as a tallish groundcover in both full sun to lightly shaded, wet to average moist, naturalistic garden and landscape settings. The decorative seedheads are used both fresh and dried in cut flower arrangements and the foliage is utilized by the Northern Pearly-Eye, Salt and Pepper Skipper, Bell's Roadside Skipper, and the Bronzed Roadside Skipper butterflies. This rhizomatous native grass is widely distributed throughout the central and eastern US from near central and eastern Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas to Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvannia. Tough, adaptable, provides late summer, fall, and winter color, and it's deer resistant. Item# 13108

The 2-3" wide, white funnel shaped flowers are randomly flecked with pink to red and are produced in late spring. Iveryanum Azalea, a.k.a. Iveryana, is an heirloom dwarf Southern Indica hybrid developing into a 3' high mound of medium to deep green, medium textured, evergreen foliage. It lends itself to bonsai culture but is sure to be a low-maintenance conversation piece in the garden and landscape. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Azalea flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Item# 12797

Elegant, medium to large, formal double to rose form, bright rosy pink flowers are produced in mid to late season, January to April. Jack's Camellia is large flowered Japonica with a moderately vigorous, densely branching, compact habit growing to about 4-6' high by 3-4' wide. Its smaller stature and reliable and heavy late winter and early spring flowering lend this Camellia to use as a container plant as well as in the garden and landscape. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13252

An Allen Armitage 'no-brainer' perennial! The white full daisies are held atop and among the rich green foliage beginning in mid to late spring to early summer and continuing into fall. The nectar laden flowers are composed of multiple outer rows of white ray petals that have a light tinge of lavender surrounding a dense rounded mass of lemon tinged disc flowers. Japanese Aster, now classified as Aster iinumae previously Asteromea mongolica or Kalimeris mongolica, is a slowly spreading rhizomatous herbaceous bushy perennial growing to about 12-24"H x 18-24"W though some sources suggest that it may reach 36"H. This plant's reliability and flower power have garnered it a top spot among Dr. Armitage's list of "no-brainer" perennials. Provide a full sun to partly shaded site in average moist, average to well-drained, fertile soils for optimum vigor and flowering. Use this easy perennial in both the garden and landscape as a tall groundcover or specimen as well as for easy and free flowering container specimens. Caterpillar host: Field Crescent, Pearl Crescent, Texan Crescent, Roadside Checkerspot, Hoffman's Checkerspot, and American Lady.

Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries, all rights reserved. Item# 13150

The top performer in both attracting pollinators and disease resistance in the Mt. Cuba Center's trials! Huge conical clusters of smaller than typical fragrant lavender-pink flowers are produced over an extended period beginning in midsummer and lasting into fall attracting a host of pollinators including butterflies, hummingbirds, and larger bees. Jeana Garden Phlox is an exceptionally vigorous and free flowering selection of our native Phlox paniculata whose stems can touch on 5' by the end of the growing season. This is a hardy, clump forming, deciduous perennial preferring a full to mostly sunny site in an acidic, average moist, fertile soil with average or better drainage. Images courtesy of North Creek Nurseries, Inc., all rights reserved. Item# 13194

The 2-3" wide mainly white flowers have a nicely contrasting deep cherry red blotch and flecks but are occasionally light pink to light lavender and are produced in mid to late spring. Johga Azalea, a sport of Izayoi and sometimes spelled 'Joga', is a dwarf Satsuki evergreen azalea that slowly develops into a 2-3' high mound of deep green medium-texured foliage. It lends itself to bonsai culture but is sure to be a low-maintenance conversation piece in the garden and landscape. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Azalea flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Item# 12799

The exquisite medium-sized, high centered, formal double, bright white flowers are produced late in the season, March to April, and standout like spotlights against the foil of deep green foliage. This Camellia flower form is sometimes referred to as a 'pine cone' due to its high center and its neatly overlapping petals. Kagiri Camellia is an heirloom, large flowered Japonica type with a densely branching habit and a slow rate of growth eventually developing into an upright to rounded, large evergreen shrub. The slower growing Camellias make good choices for container specimens and bonsai but will still be a cherished addition to the garden or landscape. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13230

The small to medium-sized, semi-double, rich rosy pink flowers are centered by a boss of contrasting golden stamens, and each petal may be lightly to moderately centered by white. The flowers are produced early in the season providing a burst of color for mid to late fall. Kanjiro Sasanqua Camellia, a selection of Camellia hiemalis, is a vigorous, upright growing, large evergreen shrub becoming rounded with age. It can be used as a screen, tall hedge, as a specimen plant, and can also be trained into a tree form. Sasanquas are considered much more adaptable to sun or shade as well as soil types, provided they have good drainage, moderate fertility, and an acidic pH. And like the large flowered Japonica Camellias, the Sasanquas will also benefit from a deep organic mulch. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13001

The 3 1/2" wide, ruffled, deep red funnel shaped flowers are produced in early to midspring and are somewhat reminiscent of the old favorite Red Ruffles. Katherine Allison Azalea, is an evergreen Dr. Eugene Aromi hybrid named for his granddaughter, having good vigor and with an initially upright habit eventually mounding out to about 4-5' high and wide. Developed in Mobile, Alabaman these were bred for good performance in the heat and humidity of the Southeast. Katherine Allison Azalea can be utilized as an informal hedge, specimen or anywhere else you would use a spring flowering medium-sized evergreen shrub in the garden and landscape. Azaleas do best in average moist, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter but have good to excellent drainage and should be top dressed with an organic mulch such as pine straw and pine bark. We recommend using a slow-release, non-burning fertilizer that is labeled for acidic loving plants. Azalea flowers attract a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Item# 12800

The large to very large, loose peony form, light pink flowers are heavily streaked and flecked with dark pink and gold tipped stamens may peek out from amongst the inner petals. Flowering kicks off just in time for football season, with the first flowers early in the season and lasting into the playoffs, or October to January. Kick Off Camellia is a large flowered Japonica with a vigorous rate of growth and semi-open habit developing into a large upright and rounded shrub at maturity. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13231

The full, rounded, funnel shaped, rich rosy red flowers are randomly marbled with splashes of white, but can also be solid red, pink, or near solid white, are produced in mid to late spring attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Kobai #2 Evergreen Azalea, a.k.a Red Plum, is a rare Satsuki hybrid with a dwarf compact, naturally rounded mound forming habit making this a popular choice for bonsai but it is equally desirable in the garden and landscape where its multi-colored flowers are sure to make a big splash. Provide your evergreen Azaleas with a well-drained, average moist, humus rich, acid soil and topdress with an organic mulch for the best results. Item# 12574

Very fragrant, single, rich rosy pink flowers are centered by a boss of yellow tipped stamens atop white filaments and are produced over an extended period beginning in early season and continuing into midseason, November to January. The headily fragrant pollen laden flowers are sure to attract bees and other pollinators. Koto-No-Kaori Camellia is a C. lutchuensis hybrid with a moderate to vigorous upright, semi-open habit and medium to deep green foliage. The name aptly translates to 'Perfume of the Ancient Capital'. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13232

Loose hyacinth-like spikes of dainty green flowers with recurving petals and contrasting dark purple filaments and yellow stamens are held above the spotted succulent lax green foliage in spring after a dry winter dormancy. This is an easy to grow dwarf scilla or squill, tentatively Ledebouria socialis 'Laxifolia' as there are many similar horticultural forms within this species, is a dwarf growing, evergreen herbaceous tropical succulent that grows from a thickened above ground bulb and readily multiplies happily filling its container. This should make an easy windowsill, porch, or patio plant where it receives bright indirect sunlight or a small amount of cool early morning or filtered sunlight. Provide this easy to grow plant with a well-drained, cactus-like soil and allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. If it gets too dry it will wilt to let you know but it readily recovers once moisture is applied. During active growth, average moisture is preferred and it can be allowed to remain a good deal dryer when dormant. We ship 1-3 or more bulbs actively growing in a 2.25" pot. Item# 12451

Loose hyacinth-like spikes of dainty green flowers with recurving petals and contrasting dark purple filaments and yellow stamens are held above the spotted succulent lax green foliage in spring after a dry winter dormancy. This is an easy to grow dwarf scilla or squill, tentatively Ledebouria socialis 'Laxifolia' as there are many similar horticultural forms within this species, is a dwarf growing, evergreen herbaceous tropical succulent that grows from a thickened above ground bulb and readily multiplies happily filling its container. This should make an easy windowsill, porch, or patio plant where it receives bright indirect sunlight or a small amount of cool early morning or filtered sunlight. Provide this easy to grow plant with a well-drained, cactus-like soil and allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. If it gets too dry it will wilt to let you know but it readily recovers once moisture is applied. During active growth, average moisture is preferred and it can be allowed to remain a good deal dryer when dormant. We ship 3 or more bulbs actively growing in a 4.5" pot. Item# 12452

Small to medium-sized, formal double, soft creamy yellow flowers held against the starkly contrasting foil of deep green foliage are produced in mid to late season, January to April. Lemon Glow Camellia is a highly sought after, large flowered Japonica with a slow rate of growth and an upright to rounded, densely branching habit. A Cam Too Camellia Nursery introduction found as a sport of Dahlonega. Its slower growth habit lends this cultivar to container culture and bonsai as well as a prized addition to the garden and landscape. Provide Camellias with a fertile soil rich in organic matter, with average moisture, and an organic mulch. Images courtesy of Cam Too Camellia Nursery, all rights reserved. Item# 13233

The large, dense, rounded mophead flower clusters are composed of sterile florets that range from violet-purple to a deep saturated pink, depending on soil acidity and the availability of aluminum, aging to mauve and are produced from late spring or early summer into fall. Let's Dance® ¡Arriba!® Bigleaf Hydrangea is a vigorous yet compact growing 2-3'H x 2-3'W plant with medium green foliage, excellent flower power producing flowers on both old and new growth, and reliable zone 5 cold hardiness. The Let's Dance® Hydrangea series was developed in Michigan's harsh winters by breeder Tim Woods for reliable cold hardiness, excellent flower power, rich colors, with strong sturdy stems and a compact habit. As with other Bigleaf Hydrangeas, provide this Proven Winners® Color Choice® selection with a moist, well-drained, fertile soil in an area that receives morning sun with shade or filtered shade during the hottest portion of the day in areas with hot summer climates. In cooler climates Bigleaf Hydrangeas can tolerate full to mostly sunny sites. Some direct sunlight, preferably >4 hours per day, is needed for good bud and flower production. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com, all rights reserved. Item# 12914

The large rounded mophead flower clusters are composed of sterile florets that range from deep sky blue, purple, to a bright pink, depending on soil acidity and the availability of aluminum, are produced from late spring or early summer into fall. Let's Dance® Blue Jangles® Bigleaf Hydrangea is a compact growing 2'H x 3'W plant with dark green foliage, strong sturdy stems, excellent flower power producing flowers on both old and new growth, and reliable zone 5 cold hardiness. The Let's Dance® Hydrangea series was developed in Michigan's harsh winters by breeder Tim Woods for reliable cold hardiness, excellent flower power, rich colors, with strong sturdy stems and a compact habit. As with other Bigleaf Hydrangeas, provide this Proven Winners® Color Choice® selection with a moist, well-drained, fertile soil in an area that receives morning sun with shade or filtered shade during the hottest portion of the day in areas with hot summer climates. In cooler climates Bigleaf Hydrangeas can tolerate full to mostly sunny sites. Some direct sunlight, preferably >4 hours per day, is needed for good bud and flower production. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com, all rights reserved. Item# 12912