Attract pollinators with a shade garden combo
Bring a bolt of color to your garden with this combination. Spigelia (Spigelia marilandica) will bloom in early to midsummer, with a few blooms persisting until fall. If you’re looking for something unusual for your shade garden, this is the plant for you. Spigelia is native to the southeastern United States. It will do best if it has some shade during the middle of the day. Although it’s hardy in zones 5 to 9, it can survive winters in zone 4 with a little extra protection from chopped leaves or mulch.
Read More:
Tips for Using Chopped Leaves as Mulch
Garden Gate's Favorite Hosta Varieties
Showy Shade-Garden Combinations
Site this colorful planting near a shady deck or patio
In mid- to late summer, you’ll get an additional blast of color as the lobelia hits its stride. And the chartreuse leaves of the hosta will add a glow all summer long, adding depth to this shady planting. Try this combination near the deck or patio to attract hummingbirds who will love all the trumpet-shaped blooms. It’s also a good idea to site these plants close to the house or water source, to make it easier to give them the consistent water they prefer.
Hummingbird shade garden plant list
A) Cardinal flower Lobelia x speciosa ‘Vulcan Red’
Perennial; bright red blooms on dark foliage in mid- to late summer; full sun to part shade; 24 to 32 in. tall, 10 to 14 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10
B) Hosta Hosta ‘Fire Island’
Perennial; burgundy red stems, lavender flowers in midsummer; part shade to full shade; 14 in. tall, 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8
C) Spigelia Spigelia marilandica
Perennial; tubular red flowers with yellow interiors bloom in early to midsummer; part to full shade; 12 to 24 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9
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