Free Garden Catalogs

What flowering plants will grow in shade and acid soil?

I have a garden (New York city suburb) with acid soil (ph 5.5-6) and mostly in the shade of huge 100-year old trees. The previous owner planted ferns all over the place, which I really don't like. Does anybody have experience of any colorful plants -- i.e. flowers or flowering bushes -- that would thrive under these conditions? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Public Comments

1. Hydrangeas and Azaleas definitely will. You could also try Impatiens.
2. Shrubs - azaleas, rhodedendrons, heath, heather, blueberries, hydrangeas Annual flowers that like shade include impatiens, begonias, and lobelias.
3. Dwarf Magnolia Stellata, Leucothoe, Lithodora, Gentian, Enkianthus and Crinodendron will all thrive under these conditions.