Living with a forty foot tall maple in the front yard, a huge redbud on one side and an entire hill of oaks and maples behind, I\u2019ve become (out of necessity) a fan of shade tolerant flowers.\u00a0 I thought I\u2019d share with you some of my favorites\u2014annuals, perennials, bulbs.<\/p>\n
Lily-of-the-Valley<\/em>\u00a0(Convallaria majalis):\u00a0 Dainty nodding bells will tolerate shady conditions, as well as damp and acidic soil.\u00a0 A delicate sweet fragrance smells like spring to me.\u00a0 It\u2019s a vigorous spreader so give it some room, then stand back and enjoy.<\/p>\n Virginia Bluebells<\/em>\u00a0(Mertensia virginica):\u00a0 Pretty sky-blue nodding bells start out as pink buds.\u00a0 Soft green foliage.\u00a0 They\u2019re easy and tolerant\u2014except wet feet, so plant these in well-draining soil.<\/p>\n Elephant Ears<\/em>\u00a0(Colocasia or Alocasia):\u00a0 Huge dramatic heart-shaped leaves provide bold lush tropical drama to any shady spot.\u00a0 They not only tolerate damp soil, they prefer it.\u00a0 They can tolerate sun, as long as you keep them well-watered.\u00a0 The tubers are easy to save from year to year, though in a protected area, you can try mulching them well.<\/p>\n Chinese Ground Orchid<\/em>\u00a0(Bletilla):\u00a0 Pretty rosy-lavender flowers are a fabulous addition to any partly shaded perennial bed.\u00a0 It spreads by creeping rhizomes so will form pretty clumps over time.\u00a0 It\u2019s tough, durable and not particularly prone to pests or diseases.<\/p>\n Solomon\u2019s Seal<\/em>\u00a0(Polygonatum):\u00a0 This is the perfect perennial for those areas under trees where grass won\u2019t grow because it\u2019s too shady and the grass can\u2019t compete with the tree roots.\u00a0 Solomon\u2019s Seal, on the other hand, thrives there.\u00a0 Because it\u2019s such a strong and vigorous grower, give it plenty of room to roam.<\/p>\n