Best new shade perennial introductions for 2024
When you're stumped about what to grow in your shade garden you don't have to settle for the same old hostas or impatiens. These new varieties are a great way to spice up borders that don't get a lot of sun.
‘Table Mountain’ hellebore (Helleborus hybrid)
If you’re looking for some “wow!” power for shade, this gold-foliaged hellebore is a great choice. Leaves emerge green with gold accents in spring and mature to solid gold with purple petioles. Early spring flowers are rosy purple, fade to dusty rose and last for weeks.
Type Perennial
Best features Rosy purple early spring blooms and gold foliage
Light Part to full shade
Soil Well drained
Size 8 to 10 in. tall, 12 to 14 in. wide
Cold hardy USDA zones 6 to 9
Introducer: Must Have Perennials®
Source: Local garden centers
‘Snowtime’ bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)
Instead of the usual pink flowers for bergenia, ‘Snowtime’ has white blooms on 18-inch-tall stems in early spring and again in fall. The glossy cabbagelike leaves make a great contrast to finer textured plants in the border.
Type Perennial
Blooms Clear white flowers in spring and again in fall
Light Full sun to part shade
Soil Moist, well drained
Size 18 in. tall
Cold hardy USDA zones 3 to 8
Introducer Jelitto®
Source: Local garden centers
Stegosaurus holly fern (Cyrtomium fortunei)
When you want bold texture for your shade garden, Stegosaurus holly fern is a great choice. At up to 24 inches tall, its evergreen hollylike foliage makes a big statement in containers or garden beds.
Type Perennial
Foliage Big glossy evergreen fronds
Light Full to part shade
Soil Moist, well drained
Size 18 to 24 in. tall, 18 in. wide
Cold hardy USDA zones 6 to 9
Introducer Monrovia®
Source: Local garden centers
See More New Garden Plant Introductions for 2024:
Best New Garden Trees & Shrubs
Best New Sun Perennials
Best New Fruits & Vegetables
Best New Annuals & Tender Perennials
‘Goatee’ goat’s beard (Aruncus hybrid)
Create a bright spot of color in your shade garden with super floriferous (more so than other varieties) ‘Goatee’ goat’s beard. Plants will grow in full sun too, but will need more frequent watering to look good.
Type Perennial
Blooms Creamy white flowers in early summer
Light Full sun to full shade
Soil Moist, well drained
Size 24 to 26 in. tall, 26 to 28 in. wide
Cold hardy USDA zones 3 to 7
Introducer Walters Gardens, Inc.
Source Sooner Plant Farm, 918-453-0771
‘Mr. Mister’ hosta (Hosta hybrid)
If you like variety, this hosta with streaks and speckles is for you — each leaf has a slightly different pattern! Scapes rise up to 48 inches tall with tubular white blooms in summer. Part shade with protection from afternoon sun produces the best foliage color.
Type Perennial
Foliage Green leaves with light streaks and speckles
Light Part shade
Soil Moist, well drained
Size 28 in. tall, 42 in. wide
Cold hardy USDA zones 3 to 9
Introducer Luke Schmidt
Source: NH Hostas & Companion Plants, 603-879-0085
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