Shade Gardening-Beyond Hostas 2024

TODAY’S VIDEO: Let’s talk about 12 great perennials and 3 ground covers for the shade that are NOT a Hosta!
Links for videos mentioned in today’s video
Landscape Garden Ideas-Shade Garden Designs
• Landscape Garden Ideas...
Garden Design Planning
• Garden Design Planning
Garden Renovation/Restoration
• Garden Renovation/Rest...
ABOUT ME:
Hello, my name is Michelle and I own a garden center and floral store called The Landscape Connection. I am a volunteer master Gardener with the University of Illinois Extension. I am also a home gardener and a retired landscape designer and installer. If you like our videos please subscribe, like, share, and leave your comments and questions.
LINKS
Blogs:
trustedhouseplantguide.com/
Facebook
/ thelandscapeconnection...
Website:
www.thelandscapeconnection.net/
The Landscape Connection Gift & Garden Center
4472 S. Mulford Rd.
Rockford, Illinois 61109
815-633-5100
To send any pictures - send to:
[e-mail]
Make sure pictures are in a Landscape Format

[@maureenmccrackin6933]

Sweet woodruff is also a great ground cover for the shade.

[@gardeningTLC]

Thanks for the tip!

[@artbysonyabadgley]

I was just going to say the same thing. I love sweet Woodruff.

[@buds8423]

And then make May wine!

[@kar6074]

Came to say this!

[@eileenchang2173]

Hi Michelle, I was so stunned by the beauty of my Jacobs Ladder , Stairway to Heaven planted last year! The flowers totally illuminated my dry shade garden!Similarly, I’m realizing with the foliage of Brunnera and heucharas plants (especially the lime coloured) add so much ‘flow’ to my once boring garden. I have now added Chantilly Lace to my list as I have a huge basswood tree. I I keep on adding Hellebores to my gardens as they provide such beauty as the snow is melting ! 🥰🌸🇨🇦

[@Dibero99delight]

Appreciate your wealth of knowledge and presentation, especially noting the zones-thank you!🎉

[@maureenrebele2071]

Great video. Last year I added 2 Jack Frost Brunneras and I was so pleased to see the blue flowers this spring. The plant by itself looks amazing but the flowers just add so much more. After watching this video, I think I may have a few more plants to add to my wish list. Thanks again.

[@gardeningTLC]

Wonderful! ☺️

[@nancykulp8545]

Michelle, you have an amazing hosta garden. I have one too that's underneath a mature red maple tree. You gave me a wonderful tip last year, when you said that to plant one around the roots, add compost and then plant it up a little and apply the compost around the top roots. It has worked like a charm! I appreciate your help and inspiration! Always love your posts! SE Pennsylvania

[@gardeningTLC]

Wonderful! I am glad it worked

[@annespun]

You are a fantastic teacher!! As an instructor whose goal is to always better my teaching, I am really impressed by your art. Thank you for your videos and sharing your art with us. ❤

[@gardeningTLC]

Wow, thank you!

[@bonniereed4218]

You have a stunning variety of hostas. Lovely.

[@gardeningTLC]

Thanks so much 😊

[@flatcreek4665]

Thank you Michelle. I ordered 8 Goatsbeard from Proven Winners this Spring. I had never ordered plants by mail order before, but they are all doing great!

[@karynzaslow968]

Thanks for the fabulous recap on great plants to have

[@julesdavis1845]

Oh yeah, also, we grow sweet woodruff in dry shade beneath three mature spruce trees. Smells heavenly after the rain, spreads easily, great for weed suppression, and flowers.

[@juliefurman1978]

Yeah Thank you for more shade area plants Yawhoo

[@brendahayes3365]

Man, what a wealth of knowledge you are! I learn something every time👍 I planted about 15 Pachadandra last year as a ground cover, I had had it years ago and knew how beautiful it is in mass but was living in a higher zone. I thought I would loose them as we went down to -38 on and off for a couple weeks. They didn’t just survive they thrived… and stayed mostly green!! I’ve always loved that plant and am so surprised it doesn’t get used more. Thanks Michelle, Brenda🇨🇦

[@gardeningTLC]

That is awesome!

[@marit4sj214]

Thank you for the shade plants recommendation! I really needed this.

[@gardeningTLC]

You are so welcome!

[@5262janna]

This was a fantastic video for my needs. Thank you.

[@rosemarythyme6351]

Always a wealth of plant and gardening information!

[@joannsawyer4675]

Thanks for sharing these tips on our flowers beds ....Joann From Circleville Ohio

[@gardeningTLC]

You are so welcome Joann!

[@karrelyeagle696]

Great info! Thank you.

[@featherfreebird8083]

Fantastic video hun ❣

[@sharonsweet-zj8kf]

Love your videos ❤

[@pamakers8439]

These are all very pretty..TFS!

[@meannwoolls4345]

STUNNING shade garden!!!

[@terrypaul97045]

Thanks this was very helpful.

[@lisamiller7143]

Thx, great video

[@denisewaller307]

Again……great info! You are amazing🐞

[@milliebutterfly]

Your hosta garden is breathtaking ❤

[@darlas4019]

Goodness I just love you! ❤❤❤

[@DownSpriggLane]

Thank you! Love your yard and your channel!!

[@gardeningTLC]

Thanks so much!

[@Denise_B17]

Love the ideas for shade plants. Great video! Thank you for sharing!

[@gardeningTLC]

You are so welcome!

[@lynngainer]

Great that you have so many plants that grow in zone 3-4 !!

[@loismackie1082]

Great information, thanks!

[@gardeningTLC]

You bet!

[@skrtskit1521]

Another very helpful video. Thank you. 💕💕🎶🎶

[@gardeningTLC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@patriciahogg5763]

Excellent choices!!

[@gardeningTLC]

Thanks!

[@shecool1313]

Great job, Michelle! Love all the shade options! 😎

[@gardeningTLC]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@melissscox6856]

Very informative, love this channel

[@gardeningTLC]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@patriciakumar115]

Awesome video, Michelle!

[@gardeningTLC]

Thank you!!

[@montyshinn8704]

Wonderful information ❤ thankyou

[@gardeningTLC]

My pleasure 😊

[@sherrysloger4215]

Good info! Here in southern Illinois, outside of Edwardsville, same plants just bloom a bit earlier for us. We’ve only seen one cicada, but in the Millstadt area, they have a ton. Thanks for this video!

[@mmladyg]

Ajuga works so well for me in eastern WA, z7. Glad you're not "afraid" of it either. 😊

[@maryvickerd6002]

I’ve had some trouble with coral bells with the problem you talked about with rising out of the ground in the winter. I will try them again with your suggestions. Thanks so much for these videos, they are really helpful.

[@user-ix8bx6ek3t]

Hello Michelle....my first time seeing you....wow! So much information....I need it all. Thank you. I enjoyed your informative video. I am looking forward to more videos! 🙋

[@gardeningTLC]

Welcome. Please subscribe if you love our videos!! I'm so glad you will be joining us!

[@christineschueneman4147]

Thanks Michelle!! I have 75% shade!

[@PeggyMills]

Great video! I love brunnera and lady’s mantle too, Michelle. Need to try lungwort. I did not know the 3 ways ferns reproduce, told you I always learn something!

[@IAMGiftbearer]

I love ferns. Will be getting around to planting those when I finish with my food garden!

[@carmenbailey1560]

Love your energy. First time seeing your video, and look forward to seeing more. Thanks for sharing 👍❤️🙂

[@gardeningTLC]

Thanks so much!!

[@JaneysGarden2023]

Love your videos! Always so informative right down to the little details … as a beginner gardener that’s what I need 👍

[@gardeningTLC]

So glad!

[@The_Bunny_Cakes]

You have such a great, genuine enthusiasm about gardening. This was fun to watch and really informative, thank you!

[@gardeningTLC]

So nice of you

[@christieglenn1756]

Another great video. Greetings from Germany 🙋‍♀️👩‍🌾🌺🌸

[@gardeningTLC]

Thank you! 😃

[@christiebetts-fi7qj]

My Dad was the gardener in the family too. Myself and my siblings love plants

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Your garden center, The Landscape Connection, is really lovely!

[@gardeningTLC]

Oh thank you!

[@marilynmourdock3688]

Creeping Jenny looks especially nice with varigated gold hostas

[@gardeningTLC]

Nice

[@lizcullum2094]

Ty. I just found your channel. I love when you show the tag. This way we can take a picture of the tag. Please do more of that. Enjoyed your video

[@gardeningTLC]

Thank you! Will do!

[@stagrant8482]

Thank you 😊 I'm loving your plant suggestions. My daughter and family gave me a grande astilbe for mother's day . I am excited to see it's full size. I am in Colorado zone 5 . I'm having trouble finding shade plants in general locally. I am looking for a bleeding heart plant for the front yard. The east side of the house should get enough shade as it also will get dappled shade from a nearby tree.

[@wandawarren4162]

I really like you!! Your the real deal! Wonderful video

[@gardeningTLC]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@sharidruckenmiller9372]

Thanks so much, Michele for all these shade plants and the info on them! I remember having a tree line area that was barren underneath. Wish I would’ve known about your suggestion with using the pachysandra. So enjoy all you teach us! Happy Gardening 🧑‍🌾

[@gardeningTLC]

You are so welcome!

[@CrazyCatLady1968]

Thanks Michelle! Fantastic info at the perfect time! I’m zone 5b in Iowa and your info is incredibly helpful to me 😊✌🏻

[@gardeningTLC]

So glad!

[@susanbrown2545]

I have good luck with big root geraniums in my shade garden they are a good ground cover and they have pretty foliage and a pretty pink flower in spring.

[@naturalbynecessity4197]

Hey Michelle, I also live in northern Illinois. You and I have the same taste in plants. I have ALL the same plants on this video. I also have a woodland garden. Thanks for sharing. 😊❤

[@gardeningTLC]

That is awesome!

[@bluesky7226]

Pulmonaria Trevi Fountain is a lovely plant. The other day I was working in one of my clients' gardens. Her neighbor had a HUGE bleeding heart on the west side of his yard, smack up against a stone wall, surrounded by rock mulch! CRAZY! Great info. Thank you. ❤

[@boldpicturesgardeners]

❤❤❤thank you for a great information 'you have earned a new friend

[@gardeningTLC]

Thanks and welcome

[@user-zb3ng7nl9e]

This was terrific. I am so glad that I found you! I am a long-time gardener and have learned so much today!

[@gardeningTLC]

Welcome!

[@gaillowe7505]

Lamium. Simply the best ground cover.

[@gardeningTLC]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Boxergma]

Snow on the mountain is another pretty variegated ground cover😊

[@gardeningTLC]

Be careful with that one...for me that one is a thug and freely takes over. It is interesting to see how different plants work differently in different regions.

[@elizabethbarberis9957]

Around me that should come with a skull and crossbones on the pot!

[@ianbull7146]

Also known as Goutweed. Classed as invasive here in southern Ontario. So hard to control there is even a support group for it on internet. I am a member of an on line garden group and many members have been trying to get rid of this plant for years. Me too, and mine are from the neighbours garden. Whatever, do not let them flower and seed.

[@TheArtisticGardener777]

Just planted (5) caramel yesterday!😊. My favorite heuchera variety. Lots of morning light, moist soil, forest pansy and blue endless summer, and cephalotaxus fastigiata for friends. Front entrance bed. Looks great!❤

[@gardeningTLC]

Very nice!

[@sreykimsear]

I have 3 hostas I planted last Spring. Over winter they were gone. However, this year my goodness they doubled in size. In addition I have a Heuchera growing among it. I love the color contrasts. Looking to put a fern as well but now that I know they spread, I won't put it in the ground but in pots.

[@normarideout62]

New subscriber…. I’m a zone 2/3 and use 4 in certain areas. Thank you for your knowledge

[@gardeningTLC]

Welcome!

[@kimmoak2055]

Love the sound effects! 😂

[@gardeningTLC]

Lol

[@Filomena_flowers]

I tried the beer in a cup and it totally worked! The slugs crawled up the sides and fell in and drowned!

[@gardeningTLC]

Oh wow. Ok now I have to go buy a beer......

[@sandrapudoff]

Such pretty shade lovers. Can't grow any of them in 9b Florida. Love to learn about them tho!

[@GoingGreenMom]

I moved my spiderwort from a full sun area to full shade underneath a mature mulberry tree ringing right around the trunk. They are sooooo much happier now. They struggled so much in full sun, and they are 2' tall and full of blooms most of the day now. I have white and a light purple to white varigation moved, still need to move the dark purple ones.

[@nickbailey202]

Good to see hellebore make the list. Im not aware of many evergreen flowering shrubs that theive in full shade. It's the holdy grail of foundational plants in shady spots. It's the one plant that constantly surprises me.

[@michellefrance1165]

I definitely need to get some Chantilly Lace for under my Maple tree 😊

[@gardeningTLC]

I love ❤️ it!

[@julesdavis1845]

For snail and slugs, I’ve used beer in a shallow container with great success.

[@trishferrer8209]

I absolutely LOVE your videos!! I'm in 8a, W. TN, and all your info is still aoplicable to me. I appreciate that. Please, oh please say, "native" or "imported" on ea. one. I'm having to look up every one. Or, say, "exotic", if that sounds nicer. Better yet, say which country ea. plant is native to. Thank You for all your wonderful, valuable info! I didn't know this abt deer teeth!! New gardener. Citygirl, turned country. 🌻

[@lynngainer]

Ajuga grew like crazy here in zone three and it was fine in full sun

[@sherz3725]

Haha, we have wild goats beard that is so invasive. It’s beautiful when in bloom, but very invasive. Grows on the roadside everywhere in southeast Alaska.

[@gardeningTLC]

Wow

[@trishferrer8209]

After you plant the ajuga and the other gr. cover, pls give us an update in the future, to show how well they cover the naked ground! Thank you. 😊

[@gardeningTLC]

Sure will

[@Carl-iw9sy]

I've been meaning to try some European ginger also.

[@gardeningTLC]

See for me...that one would take over. That is why everyone needs to do their homework.....what is good for me, might not be for you and vise versa...

[@LinusCello75]

What about the native or Asian Asarum? No epimediums? For heucheras, does your experience match mt. Cuba’s report on best varieties?

[@jennifergreene8891]

Your hostas are amazing!! Here in zone 9b Texas Gulf Coast we can't do hosta or coral bells. It is Coleus and Caladiums 😊

[@gardeningTLC]

Oh, too bad, although coleus and caladiums are pretty amazing too....here they are, alas, only an annual.

[@buds8423]

And native bishops cap- gorgeous

[@carriecraiger3929]

My bleeding heart is extremely happy in the spot of have it in. It’s over 4ft. Wide and 4ft. Tall. It’s taken me two tries to get it happy, I know plan around it.

[@Cherishthamoment]

How did you make it happy?

[@philisbramlett6890]

🏡. What an eye opening experience 🩷 Can you help with the grub worm problems I am experiencing . I worked hard to get it out of my yard . I produced a beautiful " walk barefoot on the soft green grass by just allowing my grass to reseed itself and then bag the rest and used it after drying it as mulch . I realized quickly that if neighbors are not willing to do the same infestation of moles and voles through the old mole tunnels return after one year. My budget is set .Any advice for your neighbor ? I am so thankful to have found you ❤. I would really like some advice on Pinnacle hydrangeas too ! Great video with such a variety of color and texture to compliment the hostas . I think these would help them stand out like a pageant light on a runway thanks to you ❤

[@dlight9849]

Any recommendations (groundcovers, annuals, perennials) for planting under a pine tree. The pine tree is full grown but very sparse so the ground does receive a lot of light especially midday and afternoon sun. The roots are near the surface. And the biggest problem is all the pine needles dropping to the ground. Thank you :) Edit: Hardiness Zone 6b St Louis

[@gardeningTLC]

No. I have zero expereince with planting under pines....sorry🙁

[@joannmacmillan5740]

I would add Solomon's Seal to your shade garden list.

[@gardeningTLC]

You know. I don't really like that plant. I know lots of people do, though. Thanks for the suggestion. 😀😀

[@GoingGreenMom]

My daughter says we have lots of slugs when she goes to pick strawberries at dusk. So I guess the way I deal with slugs is a combination of leaving the roly polies alone to eat the eggs, and then I also just go in before they come out. 😂

[@susanbrown2545]

Monkshood is good in a shade garden. Purple flower in fall.

[@gardeningTLC]

Hmm..never grown that one...will have to check it out. 😀

[@judycoleman933]

I've got to tell you something. Spider plants are usually indoor hanging basket plants, and strawberry Begonia. I put them both in my little garden right beside the house in a frost free zone. I live in I believe Zone 7, I'm close to Tupelo, MS. The Spider plants I found our are a tropical grass. Mine die down in the winter, but come back every year. The strawberry begonia doesn't really die down, kinda like dormant but comes back also. They are almost full shade and like dampness but not what I call flooding. Wish I knew how to post a picture.

[@gardeningTLC]

Sounds nice!!

[@lynnesews9725]

It looks like a groundhog is moving in. I have one that has dug holes around my tool shed.

[@jt2portlandme654]

Pachysandra is on invasive list

[@gardeningTLC]

Not everywhere.....

[@davidstarkman109]

Great advice. What about Bishops Hat and Weed?

[@gardeningTLC]

I don't know...I have never grown it.

[@BritishWestIndian]

I use sluggo

[@sherryhoffman4185]

You're very upbeat

[@susanbrown2545]

I have had lungwort in my garden for years and I have never cut off the flowers.

[@gardeningTLC]

I just do it to tidy it up, you certaintly don't have to

[@GoingGreenMom]

Around here there are areas with little ferns that are like 3" tall like grass height and seems to grow in partial shade or full sun. Any chance you might know what type of fern that would be? I have a space between my house and the neighbors that also now has some shade from a mulberry tree, and it would be nice to replace some of the weeds with something like that which doesn't need mowed or trimmed constantly.

[@gardeningTLC]

Oh my, I don't know . There are lots and lots of kinds of ferns....

[@terrypaul97045]

I just picked up 18 baby Hellebores. From a lady changing her garden around. But mystery colors. Cream, cream and pink for sure. But possibly more colors. I was wondering if you know if they cross pollinate?

[@gardeningTLC]

Yes they will

[@sherrilford3374]

Oh Michele I was screaming at you about the spider crawling up your neck. OMG!!! I was dying watching it .. 😭 🤣 😂 🕷 Love your videos though, just not the spiders. I'm one of those gardeners who don't like bugs crawling on me, specially spiders. 😒 😱 😨 🙀

[@gardeningTLC]

Oh...I'm with ya sister...I hate spiders

[@bloom-chirp]

Michelle, do you have any suggestions for a blooming climbing vine for zone 6? I've searched & not having success. Thank you.

[@bloom-chirp]

Opps, forgot to say for shade. That's the tricky part.

[@gardeningTLC]

For shade?

[@judyanderson8782]

I have 2 lungworts I planted side by side. One is doing great and the other is getting black and seems to be dying. Help. What do I need to do to save this beautiful plant? Thanks for all the choices for shade areas. Love your hosta area, but I can't grow them cause of deer. I finally got some brunnera this year. Funny thing: I asked at the big box stores for them, they had never heard of them. So I had to order from PW.

[@gardeningTLC]

Hard to say. Could be a fungal or bacterial infection....if you have a local extension office they might be able to help you identify it.

[@judyanderson8782]

Thanks for advice.

[@sterlgirlceline]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌿🌳💚

[@micaelrutledge5176]

I have TONS of ajuga in my lawn. Will a weed and feed eradicate it?

[@gardeningTLC]

No. You either have to hand pull it or use something like round up and then reseed the area.

[@stacyrosa6672]

Chickens eat slugs and earwigs! Love ajuga!

[@user-td4pm6tk5j]

I have question for you what do think about buying half dead plants from Lowes or Home Depot and Walmart

[@gardeningTLC]

Well, if they are truly 1/2 dead, I would not waste my money....if they are just leggy, or some leaves look crispy, then cut them back, plant them, and fertilize them. Pull them out of the pot and look at the roots. It is a risk either way. I personally prefer healthy plants, but I have brought home a few things from my garden store that I had to baby along.

[@user-td4pm6tk5j]

@@gardeningTLC Thank you for your help it was helpful.