Made for the
SHADE
When you're made for the shade, you must gobble up
Embrace the dark side with a spectacular display
of perennials perfect for those low-light spots in
your landscape
TEXT CAROLYN JONES
Hosta 'Halcyon'
p66-69_Made for the Shade.indd 67
every drop of sunlight. How better to do this than by unfurling
broad leaves to catch the rays? Hosta 'Halcyon' demonstrates this
strategy par excellence. Hosta cultivars range from those with
massive leaves of green, blue or variegated to those with teensy
leaves such as the whimsically named 'Blue Mouse Ears'. All
thrive with plenty of moisture in summer. They are extremely
cold hardy (to zone 3), making them perfect for dramatic container plantings. Tubular flowers arise on tall stalks in summer
– some are even lily scented. These perennials die back in fall,
so tuck bulbs around them for late-winter interest.
Reward each plant with a layer of compost in October and
March, water deeply when summer arrives in force (with a
soaker hose if time is precious) and your shade garden will shine
year after year.
February 2013 BC HOME & garden | 67
13-01-23 11:28 AM
