- Hosta
- Size: Depending on the variety, Hostas can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter.
- Planting Density: Generally, you can plant 1-2 Hostas per square foot of growing space.
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 3-9
- Preferred Soil Conditions: Rich, well-drained soil
- Growing Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade. Keep soil consistently moist. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide and Transplant: Divide every 3-5 years in early spring or fall.
- Astilbe
- Size: Astilbes typically grow to about 1-3 feet tall and spread about 1-2 feet wide.
- Planting Density: Plant 1-2 Astilbes per square foot.
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 4-9
- Preferred Soil Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil
- Growing Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade. Ensure soil stays consistently moist, especially during the summer. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide and Transplant: Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
- Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis)
- Size: Bleeding Hearts can reach heights of 2-3 feet and have a spread of about 1-2 feet.
- Planting Density: Allow space for 1 Bleeding Heart plant per square foot.
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 3-9
- Preferred Soil Conditions: Rich, moist soil
- Growing Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
- Divide and Transplant: Divide every 3-5 years in early spring or fall.
- Lamium
- Size: Lamium varies in size depending on the variety, but typically forms a low-growing mat, ranging from a few inches to a foot in height.
- Planting Density: Due to their spreading habit, you can plant 2-4 Lamiums per square foot.
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 4-8
- Preferred Soil Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil
- Growing Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide and Transplant: Divide every 2-3 years in spring or fall.
- Tiarella (Foamflower)
- Size: Foamflowers generally grow to about 6-12 inches tall and spread 12-18 inches wide.
- Planting Density: Plant 2-3 Foamflowers per square foot.
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 4-9
- Preferred Soil Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil
- Growing Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade. Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Divide and Transplant: Divide every 2-3 years in early spring or fall.
- Ostrich Ferns
- Size: Ostrich Ferns can grow quite large, reaching heights of 3-6 feet with a spread of 2-4 feet.
- Planting Density: Due to their size, plant 1 Ostrich Fern per 2 square feet.
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 3-7
- Preferred Soil Conditions: Rich, moist soil
- Growing Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade. Ensure soil stays consistently moist. Provide ample space as they can spread rapidly. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide and Transplant: Divide every 3-5 years in early spring or fall.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Size: Coral Bells vary in size depending on the variety, but typically grow 1-2 feet tall and wide.
- Planting Density: Plant 1 Coral Bells per square foot.
- Hardiness Zone: Zone 4-9
- Preferred Soil Conditions: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Growing Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade, though some varieties can tolerate more sun. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Divide and Transplant: Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
These versatile perennials, with their diverse forms and colors, will transform even the shadiest corners of your garden into thriving and vibrant spaces. With proper care and attention, they will reward you with year after year of beauty and joy. Happy yardening!
References:
The Perennial Plant Care Manual