Glorious Shade by Jenny Rose Carey

Author:Jenny Rose Carey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Timber Press
Published: 2017-06-20T16:00:00+00:00

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’

Hydrangea quercifolia | oakleaf hydrangea

Bright or part shade | Moist, well-drained soil | Zones 5–9 | 4–8 ft. tall, 4–8 ft. or more wide

The oakleaf hydrangea is aptly named for its large-lobed leaf that resembles that of a red oak. It is native to the southeastern United States, but will grow in colder areas. Its large, creamy white conical summer flowers become tinged with pink as they age. The potent honey fragrance of the flowers is attractive to pollinators as well as people. In fall, its leaves turn a range of colors from yellow-orange to deep reds and burgundies. Plants may be evergreen or deciduous depending on the microclimate. Its wonderful exfoliating bark and persistent flower heads create winter interest.

My favorite cultivars are ‘Snowflake’ and ‘Snow Queen’, both of which have fuller-looking flowers than the straight species. For a different look in the shade garden, try ‘Little Honey’, which has chartreuse foliage that pairs well with any yellow variegated shade plants.

Ilex | holly

Ilex is a large, versatile genus of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs. All hollies need both male and female plants to set fruit. Hollies can be grown as specimen plants or integrated into a woodland setting. The evergreen hollies can be used in gardens to make permanent screens, hedges, and to provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

Ilex aquifolium | English holly

Edge or bright shade | Medium to moist, well-drained soil | Zones 6–9 | 30–50 ft. tall, 12–24 ft. wide

English hollies have decorative glossy, evergreen leaves. This holly is an understory plant, so it grows well in some shade. It is a good urban plant as it tolerates air pollution. Grow it as a specimen tree, or trim it to make hedges or other decorative topiary shapes. On female plants, white flowers in late spring yield red berries by summer. There are attractive cultivars, such as ‘Ferox Argentea’ with variegated spiny leaves. Remember to wear thick gloves when gardening around these hollies, as their prickly leaves are very sharp, especially when dried. Prune only as needed in late winter or early spring.

Ilex glabra | inkberry

Edge or part shade | Medium to wet soil | Zones 4–9 | 5–8 ft. or more tall, 8–10 ft. or more wide

This evergreen holly is native to swampy areas in eastern North America. The inkberry is a great shrub for use in a wildlife garden or as a hedge in a more formal setting, because it responds well to pruning. It can get leggy in full shade, so ideally, place it in part shade with moist, acidic soil. Small, deep green leaves shelter its unshowy white flowers, and little black berries. There are new compact cultivars that need little, if any, pruning.

Ilex opaca | American holly

Bright or part shade | Medium soil | Zones 5–9 | 30–50 ft. tall, 18–40 ft. wide

The American holly grows slowly to become a handsome pyramidal evergreen tree. This holly should be sited out of desiccating winter winds. It has dull, midgreen, spiny leaves.

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