The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has selected Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ as the 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year. Runnersup for 2012 honors were Panicum virgatum ’Northwind’, Heuchera ‘Caramel’ and Chelone lyonii ‘Hot Lips’. Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ foliage is deer resistant. It grows to a height and width of 12-15 inches. Its silvery foliage stands out in a […]
Archive for the ‘Shade Gardening’ Category
2012 Perennial Plant of the Year Named
Posted by Hugh on January 21st, 2011
Posted in Brunnera 'Jack Frost', mulching, Perennials, Shade Gardening, Southern Appalachian Region, watering tips 
Comments Off on 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year Named“It’s Wort…not Wart”
Posted by Hugh on November 25th, 2010
Barrenworts (Epimedium spp.) are a collection of ground cover species mostly from Asia and Europe. None are native to North America, but most thrive in gardens in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). There are currently 21 known species worldwide. Also called Bishop’s hat, barrenworts are one of our finest groundcovers for part sun to part shade areas. Some are […]
Posted in Barrenwort (Epimedium), Ground cover, Perennials, seeding lawn, Shade Gardening, Southern Appalachian Region, Uncategorized Comments Off on “It’s Wort…not Wart”Doghobble for Shady Landscape Areas
Posted by Hugh on November 11th, 2010
Drooping doghobble or fetterbush (Leucothoe fontanesiana) is native to woodland areas in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). Doghobble is a tall ground cover, averaging 3 – 4 feet in height. The long gently arching evergreen branches display a rambling nature, best reined in with hand pruning as needed. White fragrant flowers, […]
Be Careful What You’re Cutting Back
Posted by Hugh on November 4th, 2010
Halfway through the autumn season, new plants have come to life, while most are retiring for a long winter’s nap (dormancy). About 4-5 weeks back, the leafy growth (vegetative) stage of the surprise lily (Lycoris radiata), also called “resurrection lily or “naked ladies”, appeared (left and center photos). When last seen in late July and August, brightly colored stalks of lycoris flowers had popped through with no leaves present. […]
Posted in acidic soil, compost, Flowering Bulb, Ground cover, Perennials, Shade Gardening 2 Comments »Aucuba — Major Shade Garden Shrub
Posted by Hugh on March 6th, 2010
On a recent trip to the Knoxville Botanical Garden, I was re-introduced to a plant not used as much as it should be – gold dust shrub (Aucuba japonica). Hardy to USDA hardiness zones 6b-10, aucuba prefers a partial sun to heavy shaded area of the garden. Direct sunlight, even in the mostly cloudy winter may scorch some leaves. Over the past 20 years […]
Posted in acidic soil, Aucuba, Drought tolerant, Pruning, Shade Gardening, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs Comments Off on Aucuba — Major Shade Garden ShrubFerns in Your Garden
Posted by Hugh on January 22nd, 2010
I recommend adding ferns in your shade garden. Ferns offer very fine textured foliage. Plant’em in clumps of three or more. Select the proper fern by your garden site, e.g whether it is likely dry or moist soils. Some grow surprisingly well in full sun, but most prefer partial to full shade. Don’t buy a […]
Posted in Autumn fern (Dryopteris), Ferns, Perennials, Planting tips, Propagation (dividing), Shade Gardening, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips Comments Off on Ferns in Your Garden
