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Browse Plants

Narrowed By:Uses: Shade + Characteristics: Attracts Butterflies, Showy + Tolerance: Deer Tolerant+ Seasonal Interest: Summer
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 listings   Sort By: Sort
Bergenia cillata Bergenia cillata
(Hairy bergenia)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This is the most drought-tolerant bergenia I’ve found and the only one that does well in Texas heat. The large, hairy, critter-resistant leaves do not resemble other members of this genus; they look more like hairy plates or giant African violet leaves—hence, it’s common name. Mature plants will send up 10-inch-long stems of white to pale pink flowers from spring to early summer, but the real reason to grow this plant is its remarkable foliage.
In cooler regions, hairy bergenia grows not only in the shade but also in full sun. It isn’t particular about soil type or pH. Divide plants every three to five years to keep them vigorous. -Jimmy Turner, Perennials for dry shade, Fine Gardening issue #133

Digitalis grandiflora Digitalis grandiflora
(Yellow foxglove)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Originating in mountainous woodland and stony habitats from Europe to western Asia, yellow foxglove is tolerant of dry shade but flourishes with moisture. Arising in midsummer from neat clumps of fine-toothed foliage, a mass of soft yellow open bells, speckled brown inside, blooms along one side of a 3-foot-tall stem. Usually described as a perennial, it is more accurate to call it a biennial or short-lived perennial. If the flowering stalk is cut down after blooms have faded, it may rebloom in the fall. When a few flower stalks are left, the plant self-seeds. 

Ligularia dentata 'Britt Marie Crawford' Ligularia dentata 'Britt Marie Crawford'
(2 user reviews)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

In early spring, fleshy stems unfurl and are topped by rounded burgundy leaves. By June, this plant looks splendid, with upturned leaves and their rich purple undersides. 'Britt Marie Crawford' may wilt in the hot noonday sun, but soft shade soon revives it. At the start of summer, right golden daisy-like flowers bloom, contrasting boldly with the foliage. -Matt Griswold, Regional Picks: Northeast, Fine Gardening issue #127

Vinca minor 'Illumination' Vinca minor 'Illumination'
(Common periwinkle, creeping myrtle)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Like other creeping myrtles, 'Illumination' is a tough evergreen ground cover for shade that will grow in almost any soil. Its hallmark is its bright gold leaves that are edged with a border of irregular green. Periwinkle-blue flowers appear in spring. Use 'Illumination' as a shade ground cover or in hanging baskets. -Tom Nelson, Regional Picks: Northern California, Fine Gardening issue #127


Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 listings   Sort By: Sort