Free Garden Catalogs

what are some large low maintenance shade plants?

i live in Ohio zone 6 my yard is bare dirt. does anyone know the largest cheap plants for shade? i don't care if they are tall or short just cover a lot. i can't get grass to grow. also best if it has high tolerance to cold and heat and can survive in different soils and some drought ect. annual is a must i don't care for gardening so i really don't want to buy these every year and replant. thanks

Public Comments

1. Hostas work. just make sure you get the ones for the shade. there very hardy and last a long long time
2. I'd recommend you look for native species of plants for your yard. They are used to the conditions, they are easy to care for, and you will be contributing to the natural habitat that is lost during human expansion into natural territory.
3. Shrub--Flowering dogwood--very hardy and loves the shade Perennials--Hostas They like a bit of sun but not much and are not too fussy about soil They come in a multitude of shades of green, from blue green to lime green and some are variegated green and white. They come from tall 3 to 4 feet to short 12 inch ones. They do send up spikes of flowers too Ferns--I have a couple of native wild ones that cropped up in my flower bed. They make a lovely back ground for other plants and they cost me nothing. There are 2 ground covers you should consider. Lamium about 10 inches, has white leaves and purple flowers in spring. It is very fast growing and needs to be kept in check but it is shallow rooted and very easy to pull out what you don't want. The other one is Creeping Jenny moneywort--lysimachia. The golden one has gold leaves and tiny yellow flowers. It really pops in the shade. Whatever you plant you will have to do a little maintenance every year--Perennials--except for the ferns-- need to be divided every 3 years and you'll have to keep the weeds out
4. I wasn't sure with "annual is a must" annuals must be replanted every year. I like Rhododendron for shrubs. Many varieties available and different colors. Can tolerate shade, cold and adverse soils. Ground cover - I would go with either a Vinca or maybe Lily of the Valley once again they both can tolerate shade and all the above
5. Join a garden club and trade with other gardeners. Check craig's list for people giving away plants and seeds.
6. Annuals have to be replanted every year. You want perennial shrubs and plants. Nandina is one of the best in shade and requires no maintenance or trimming. A number of varieties of Holly will grow in the shade, as will Yew. I have boxwood which grows in the shade well, but it is rather boxy looking and is better trimmed.
7. Yahoo has an excellent group of friendly gardeners, many of whom are in your very state and growing zone, and who are very generous about sharing their plants, seeds and cuttings, along with info on how to grow them. If you post your request in the group (where membership is free), I'm sure quite a few of those in your zone will respond, and may even be able to send you what you need in either trade or for just the cost of postage to ship to you. The group is made up of home gardeners like yourself....no commercial selling, so everyone is very kind about sharing their bounties. Here's the link to check it out for yourself: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PlantSwap/
8. Flying is right, Hostas will work. I personally am not a hosta fan. 2 flowering bushes that love shade, are easy to propagate and flower are hydragea and gardenia. Neither are fussy about soil conditions, though they prefer acidic soil (soil rich in pine like you might find in PA) both are water loving, it would be hard to over water them. Both prefer shade to sun, though gardenia is more tolerant of sun than hydrangea. Both offer great cut flowers for arrangements. Bush or knockout roses will also work well.