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Native Plants for the Shade

Don’t let a little shade stop you from going native.  A look at nearby shady natural areas and many of the new garden catalogues will provide lots of ideas. 

Understory trees like Amelanchier also known as serviceberry or Juneberry, pagoda dogwood, redbuds, ironwood (Ostrya) and musclewood (Carpinus) provide seasonal interest.

Shrubs like viburnum, hydrangea and Diervilla add color with flowers and fruit.  Cool Splash is a cultivar of the native Diervilla that brightens up the shade with its white variegated leaves.

And dress up the ground level with a nice mix of perennials.  Start with early spring wildflowers like trillium and mayapple and follow them with columbine, wild geranium and woodland phlox.

Add a bit of texture with the native grass-like sedges and of course ferns.

A bit more information:  Don’t add additional soil underneath and plant with care when working under and around established trees. Do mulch new plantings and water as needed.

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
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April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
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April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

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April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
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April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

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