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. Once established it will make a nice clump and then will slowly spread.

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

Saxifraga micranthidifolia   Branch Lettuce

This is a well known plant here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the Spring when these put on their new growth they are very tender and people pick the leaves and eat them like lettuce. The common name is Branch Lettuce, Branch because they grow by creeks where it is shady and wet, and Lettuce for how people pick and eat it. Also has a white delicate flower that appears early Spring. The foliage will last throughout the Summer months and stay a dark green color, however it will get tough and can only beaten eaten in early Spring when tender. In the Fall it turns a pretty Burgundy color. Will stay semi evergreen in molder climates.

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

Saxifraga virginiensis - Early Saxifrage

This Saxifraga has a small almost round leaf and is fuzzy with a Burgundy tint on the back side. It also prefers a very damp to wet soil in the shade. has many small White flowers that appear in the early Spring.

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

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

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 ground cover 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

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 ground cover, 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 sometime during 2013, please check back.

Silene virginica     Fire Pink

One of the prettiest wildflowers that will make a real show in your shade garden, hard to find a flowers with a more vivid color that this one that grows in the shade. Has long lasting bright red flowers that appear in Spring and will last to early Summer if conditions are right. Each plant will have many blooms and stalks. Must have rich well-drained soil, good for rock gardens, will tolerate some sun. Has long taproot that likes to get behind rocks so do not disturb this one after it gets established. A very pretty plant, one of our best sellers. In the wild it is often seen on step road banks in rich to sandy soil and where it get some early morning or mid day sun. This is a must for every garden.

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

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. Once established they make a large clump making a wonderful show.

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

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

Thalictrum thalictroides – Rue Anemone  

Has beautiful White flowers in the Spring. Stays relatively short around 8 inches or so. The foliage is a light green and resembles a columbine or clover leaf. Give it rich organic soil that is moist but well drained. Give it a couple of years to get established and it will start to spread into very nice clump. Do not cover with heavy mulch use light leaf cover or pine needles when mulching. Best to leave them alone once established as the roots are very tiny and hard to find if you try to dig them up and move them around unless you dig a root ball with them.

Shade to Semi Shade, Well drained Soil, Spring, 8-12” Tall, Spread 8”, Zones 4-6

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 burgundy color.

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

Tradescantia subaspera   Spiderwort

Has ribbon like foliage and deep blue flowers which will bloom all summer. This is a good spreader so give it some room so it does not crowd out your other plants. In the wild we have seen it varied conditions from sunny and wet to moist and shady. Very hardy.

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

TRILLIUMS

Some General Information About Growing Trilliums

Trilliums are the most sought after plant for shade gardens. They bloom in the Spring and come in several different colors. They need organic moist but well drained soil and shade, they can take a little early morning sun in cooler climates but not too much as they will burn out quickly. The foliage will last until late Summer under normal conditions, if they get too wet or dry they may go dormant a little earlier. As far as spreading they are very slow, you may see large patches in the wild but they have been there for many years so be patient, some spread more quickly than others. See the description under each variety for more information in this. The plants we ship you whether in be in a pot or bare root are mature size tubers and have bloomed for us here at the Nursery. With that said they should bloom for you the first season after you plant them but we cannot guarantee this. Sometimes they will go through transplant shock and it may delay the flower for a year. They are very hardy as a whole but sometimes a bit temperamental. These are definitely a must for every shade garden, we recommend planting them in groups of 3 or more.

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

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. This is the first Trillium to bloom in the Spring, often seen blooming in the snow here at the Nursery in March. This is one of the quicker spreading Trilliums, in a few short years you will have a very nice size clump. The flowers are fragrant and when you come on a patch of these the smell is fantastic. This is one of our best selling plants.

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

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

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.

Trillium grandiflorum    Snow Trillium

This variety is one of the showiest and well know varieties. Has large white flowers in the spring, that turn to a light pink color during late spring. While not a quick spreader be patient and after several years they will make a nice size clump and the large White flowers are quite a show stopper in the garden. by far our best selling Trillium, and if can only pick one for your garden pick this one it is very hardy.

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

Trillium luteum    Yellow Trillium

The light 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 which is especially noticed when it starts to spread and make a large colony. This is one of the quicker spreading Trilliums. Blooms very early, one of the first Trilliums to bloom in the Spring.

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

Trillium recurvatum – Prairie Trillium   

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

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

Trillium rugelii    Nodding Trillium

One of the larger growing Trilliums which has a white to cream color 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

Trillium simile - Sweet White Trillium, Jeweled Wake-robin

 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 

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. In the wild it is only found at higher elevations, 3000 feet an up.

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

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

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. Makes a large clump and a beautiful show in the garden. Give it shade a good rich organic moist but well drained soil for it to thrive.

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

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

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

Vinca minor    Periwinkle 

Excellent evergreen ground cover 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, Ground cover, Zones 4-9

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. Will spread and make a nice little patch. It does have some fragrance.

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

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. This is a great spreader and here at the nursery the blooms will sometimes last 2 months.

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

Viola pubescens – 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 ground cover.

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

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. This variety is quite different from other Viola's as it does not spread as fast, it will spread by seed but does not spread by runners as others do.

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

Viola sororia   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 ground cover, 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

Viola striata    Pale or Cream Violet

Has ivory-white flowers in the spring. This one spreads by runners and does well in semi-shade. Also makes a good ground cover.

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

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