Gardens of The Blue Ridge Inc

Wildflowers For Shade to Semi-Shade

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Sanguinaria canadensis    Bloodroot

One of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Has a white flower standing above its unfurled leaves, which looks maroon in color at this point. The leaves unfurl to be a lobed leaf about 3-4 inches across. The root has a red substance, and when broken resembles blood, hence its common name. Needs rich sandy well-drained soil in a shady spot, although it will tolerate some sun in cooler climates.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Well Drained Soil, Spring, 6-12 in Tall, Zones 3-9

DORMANT

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Saxifraga micranthidifolia   Branch Lettuce

Has clusters of small white flowers in the spring. Grows along creek banks in the shade. In the early spring you can harvest the leaves and use them in a salad as lettuce.

Shade, Wet Rich Soil, Spring, 6-12 in Tall, Zones 3-8

Full Leaf

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Sedum ternatum – Woodland Stonecrop

A native stonecrop for the shade, and prefers rich moist soil. Often seen growing on rocks and old logs, it is a good groundcover for your shade garden. Has white flowers that appear in the spring and reaches a height of about 4-6 inches, while the foliage remains close to the ground. It is native to the eastern half of the US from Maine to Georgia and west to Missouri and Arkansas.

Shade, Moist Soil, Spring, 2 – 6” Tall, Zones 4-8

EVERGREEN

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Scutellaria ovata – Heart-leaved Skullcap –  

A great plant for a dry semi-shade to shady site. The foliage has a pretty purple appearance in the spring and early summer. During the summer the blue flowers appear and will last until early fall. Shortly after the blooms fade it will go dormant. This a very drought tolerant plant and is also deer resistant.

Shade to Semi-shade, Dry Soil, Summer Blooms, 12-18” Tall, Zones 4-9

FULL LEAF SOEM BLOOMS

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Shortia galacifolia    Oconee-bells

This plant is on the endangered and protected list. Each plant is sold with a special plant protection permit. Has a beautiful white bell shaped flower in the early spring. Leaves are rounded, bright green turning maroon in the winter. This is an evergreen groundcover, however it spreads slowly. It must have shade and moist rich soil or it will not survive.

Shade, Moist Rich Soil, Spring, 3-6 in Tall, Zones 5-7

We are currently sold out of these but we are working on getting our supply back up. We hope to have some more ready by spring 2011.

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Silene virginica     Fire Pink

One of the prettiest wildflowers that will make a real show in your  shade garden. Has long lasting bright red flowers. Must have rich well-drained soil, good for rock gardens, will tolerate some sun. Has long taproot that likes to get behind rocks. A very pretty plant, one of our best sellers.

Shade to Sun, Dry Soil, Spring to Summer, 2-3’ Tall, Zones 3-8

FULL LEAF

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Smilacina racemosa     False Solomon's Seal

Somewhat resembles the Great Solomon' Seal but the blooms on this are out on the tips of the stem. They are white and make a red berry in the fall. Will tolerate some sun in cooler climates but does best in shade.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 1-3 ft Tall, Zones 3-8

FULL LEAF GOING DORMANT

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Spigelia marilandica    Indian Pink, Pinkroot

A very showy plant that grows in the shade. Has red tubular flowers that are yellow on the inside. The yellow creates a star like appearance on top of the flower. Blooms in late spring to early summer. We have found these need some winter protection in our zone 5. A great choice for the shade garden.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring to Summer, 1-2 ft Tall, Zones 5-10

Full Leaf SOME Blooming

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Stylophorum diphyllum        Celandine Poppy

Excellent plant for the shade garden. The bright yellow flowers really stand out in a dark corner. Blooms heavy in spring, then has sporadic blooms throughout the summer. Spreads very well to make a ground cover. Prefers rich woods soil, does not like much direct sun.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring to Summer, 1-2 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

FULL LEAF

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Thalictrum clavatum - Mountain Meadow-Rue

One of the shorter Thalictrum's reaching a height of about 2 feet. The foliage resembles a columbine and remains a light green throughout the summer. The dainty white flowers appear in late spring. Grows best in a shady moist location, often seen with Branch Lettuce and Virginia Bluebells in the wild. Given plenty of moisture it will make a nice size clump and the small white flowers are quite a show.

Shade, Moist Rich, Spring, 18-24" Tall, Zones 5-8

DORMANT

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Tiarella cordifolia    Foam Flower

A very versatile plant, will grow in sun or shade. It has green veined leaves which stay low and has a white bloom standing 6-12” tall, and blooms in the spring. It makes a good ground cover and is also good in rock gardens. In cooler climates the foliage will remain all winter and turn a pretty burgandy color.

Shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-12 in Tall, Zone 3-8

FULL LEAVES

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Tradescantia subaspera   Spiderwort

Has ribbon like foliage and deep blue flowers which will bloom all summer. This is a good spreader and will tolerate varied conditions.

Sun to Shade, Wet to Moist Soils, Summer, 1-2 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

Full Leaf SOME Blooming

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TRILLIUMS

POTTED TRILLIUMS ARE PRETTY MUCH SOLD OUT FOR THIS SEASON ONLY SMALL ONES LEFT AT THIS POINT. ORDER BAREROOT IN THE FALL FOR BETTER RESULTS. WE DO HAVE SOME NICE ROSE TRILLIUM AND SOME UNDULATUM WHEN THEY COME ON IN LATE MAY

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Trillium catesbaei     Rose Trillium

A smaller species of Trillium, with smaller leaves and flowers. Has pink flowers which sometimes vary to white and  has a tendency to nod beneath the leaves. It is more of a southern species.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 10-18 in Tall, Zones 5-8

DORMANT

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Trillium rugelii    Nodding Trillium

One of the larger growing Trilliums which has a white flower that nods below the leaves. Also has an attractive seed pod in the late summer.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 9-18 in Tall, Zones 4-8

DORMANT

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Trillium cuneatum     Toad Trillium

Has a maroon colored flower that sits atop 3 variegated leaves. This plant will reach a height of 8-18” tall. The flower sits right close to the leaves, does not have a separate flower stem as most of the other trilliums do. These are best planted in groups of 3’s and do have some fragrance. They bloom very early in the spring..

Shade - Semi-shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 12-18 in Tall, Zones 5-9

DORMANT

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Trillium erectum      Purple Trillium, Wake Robin

The flower stands up above the leaves on this Trillium. The flower is usually maroon in color although it will vary one way or the other sometimes. A very hardy variety that will spread slowly when it gets established.

Shade, Rich Moist Soil,  Spring,12-18 in Tall, Zones 4-9

DORMANT

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Trillium flexipes – White Trillium              

A hardy, erect Trillium with wide ovate mid-green leaves. It produces flowers with pointed incurved petals that are white with purple-tinted green sepals. Shady locations work best where soil is rich.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 12” Tall, Spread 10”, Zones 3-9.

DORMANT

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Trillium grandiflorum    Snow Trillium

A very well known group of woodland plants. This variety is one of the showiest with large white flowers in the spring, reaching a height of 8-16”. They have 3 leaves and flowers have 3 petals. The blooms turn to a light pink color during late spring, They look best when planted in groups of  3.

Shade –Semi-shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 8-16 in Tall, Zones 3-9

DORMANT

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Trillium luteum    Yellow Trillium

The yellow flower sits right on top on the slightly variegated leaves. The leaves on this one can get quite large. It will also tolerate some morning sun in the cooler climates. The flower does have some fragrance, especially when it starts to spread and make a larger colony.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 8-16 in Tall, Zones 5-9.

DORMANT

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Trillium recurvatum – Prairie Trillium               

The magenta petals of this Trillium are shaped like a lampshade surrounding a blackish light bulb. The three sepals are refelxed sharply downward. Prairie trillium is usually found in large masses. It prefers to grow near Oak and Hickory trees.

Shade/Semi, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-12” Tall, Spread 12”, Zones 3-9

DORMANT

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Trillium simile - Sweet White Trillium, Jeweled Wakerobin

 Another woodland beauty. Has white to cream colored flowers that appear in the Spring, the flower is somewhat fragrant. It will grow about 12 -18 inches tall. Must be grow in a shady location with good rich soil, moist but not wet. As with the other Trilliums it will grow into a large clump and spread, but it is a very slow process. In the late summer to early fall it will produce a dark purple fruit. This is a wonderful plant to add to your Trillium collection.

Shade, Moist Well Drained, 12-18" Tall, Zones 4-9 

DORMANT

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Trillium undulatum    Painted Trillium, Laurel Trillium

A very pretty but slightly harder to grow Trillium. It must have shade and very acid soil, the pH must be around 4.5. It will tolerate some dry soil but the pH must be right or it will not survive. Also this one will not tolerate heat, should be grown on the cool north side. Often found growing under Rhododendron (Laurel Shrubs) hence its common name.

Shade, Rich Acid Soil pH 4.5, Late Spring, 8-12 in Tall, Zones 4-7

DORMANT

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Trillium vaseyi    Vasey’s Trillium

Looks like the Trillium erectum except its bloom nods down below the leaves. The bloom is maroon purple with long protruding anthers. It can get quite large up to 18 inches tall, or sometimes more.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 12-18 in Tall, Zones 3-9

DORMANT

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Uvularia grandiflora    Big Merrybells

This is a pretty plant with yellow flowers in the early spring. The foliage is somewhat like a Solomon's Seal except it is twisted a little giving it a wilted look.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 12-18 in Tall, Zones 5-9

FULL LEAF

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Uvularia perfoliata     Bellwort

Similar to the Big Merrybell except it is smaller and the flower is light yellow.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 9-10 in Tall, Zones 5-9

Full Leaf

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Uvularia sessifolia   Little Merrybells

This one has light yellow flowers and the leaves are sessile on the stem.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 10-18 in Tall, Zones 3-7

Full Leaf

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Vinca minor    Periwinkle 

Excellent evergreen groundcover that will spread quickly and hold loose soils. Has blue-purple flowers in the spring. Will grow in varied conditions.

Sun or Shade, Moist or Dry Soil, Spring, Groundcover, Zones 4-9

EVERGREEN

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Viola blanda   Sweet White Violet

A early spring bloomer with white flowers. This one is very small and grows right on the ground. It will grow good under conifer trees.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 2-4 in Tall, Zones 4-9

Full leaf Finished Blooming For This Season

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Viola canadensis   Canada Violet

This is one of the tallest Violets reaching 18 inches tall. Has white flowers with purple veins and the leaves are heart shaped.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 12-18 in Tall, Zones 3-8

Full leaf Finished Blooming For This Season

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Viola papilionacea   Common Blue Violet

This is the common violet that blooms purple in the spring. It is a very good spreader and will grow in shade or semi-shade with rich moist soil. Makes an excellent groundcover, not suggested to use in a small garden as it make take it over.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Average Soil, Spring, 6-10 in Tall, Zones 4-8

Full leaf Finished Blooming For This Season

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Viola ‘pennsylvanica’ – Smooth Yellow Violet                

This pretty yellow violet has five petal flowers with non-hairy, one to three-lobed basal leaves. It is relatively tall for a violet growing 6-16” tall. It will work good as a groundcover.

Shade/Semi, Average Soil, Early Summer, 6-16” Tall, Spread 8”, Zones 5-8

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Viola rotundifolia    Yellow Round Leaf Violet

Has small yellow flowers early in the spring before the leaves emerge. The leaves are round and shiny and lay right on the ground. Must have rich soil and does not spread quite like the other violets.

Shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 2-4 in Tall, Zones 5-8

Full leaf Finished Blooming For This Season

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Viola striata    Pale or Cream Violet

Has ivory-white flowers in the spring. This one spreads by runners and does well in semi-shade.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-8 in Tall, Zones 4-8

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