Perennial Full Shade

Arriving early May

One of the most common native ferns, growing all over northern regions. Plants form a large, upright clump of big green fronds. In spring the unfurling fiddleheads are often harvested in the wild as a gourmet treat. Roots are spreading, and plants can form quite a large patch in time. Requires plenty of water through the summer, otherwise the foliage may become dormant. Cinnamon-brown fertile fronds push up from the centre of each clump in summer, and these remain attractive all winter long. Prune off dead foliage and fertile fronds in late winter. Deciduous.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 16"

• Width: 18"

Zone: 2

A classic perennial that no garden should be without! An early season bloomer with delicate heart shaped blooms, these delicate flowers add an elegant element to any garden.

Plant in shade to part sun in a sheltered bed, and out of any strong wind. Bleeding hearts go dormant once the summer heat comes on, so plan to plant annuals or late summer blooming perennials to the area to maintain colour. 

Light Requirement: Full Shade to Partial Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 24 - 36"

• Width: 12 - 24"

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

'Guacamole' Hosta is medium sized with rich coloured foliage, growing in a mound with broad leaves that are striated in texture. The 'Guacamole' Hosta is a relative of the 'Fragrant Bouquet' Hosta, and blooms in midsummer.

Light Requirement: Full hade to Partial Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 24"

• Width: 40 - 50"
  

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa. 

Bright crimson plumes emerge in vertical spires during early summer, making it one of the earliest red blooms. Its foliage transitions from mahogany red in spring to a lush green by summer, making it a favored choice among enthusiasts for its vigorous growth and striking color.

Light Requirement: Part Shade to Partial Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 18 - 20"

• Width: 18 - 20"

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

'Komodo Dragon' Hosta forms a large mound, with dark blue-green leaves and shows a ruffled edge. In midsummer, 4 foot tall flowering stalks emerge bearing light lavender coloured, funnel shaped bloom.

Light Requirement: Full Shade to Partial Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 36"

• Width: 24 - 84" 

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa. 

Lily of the Valley is easy and adaptable, this will even grow well in tubs or mixed containers. A favourite for growing as a ground-cover in shady areas, be sure to Protect from afternoon sun. Plants form a spreading clump of large green leaves, bearing short spikes of fragrant white bells in late spring. 

Takes a year or two to establish, then spreads quickly. May go dormant in summer.

Tolerant of poor soils, even dry shade, but prefers a rich, moist soil.

 CAUTION: Toxic if eaten.

CAUTION: Do not discard unwanted plants in any natural areas, as they will establish themselves and become invasive.

Light Requirement: Full to Part Shade

Flowering Season: Summer

Mature Size:

• Height: 6"
  
• Spread: 12"
  

Zone: 2

Light Requirement: Full Shade to Partial Shade

Height: 32 - 36" 

Width: 36 - 40" 

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa

Large blue leaves have a wavy yellow margin. In summer yellow margins turn to creamy white. Pale lavender flowers are held just above the foliage.

Light Requirement: Part Shade to Shade

Height: 2'8"

Width: 6'6"

Zone: 3

Photo and data courtesy of Proven Winners

Features dainty spikes of white  flowers, trumpet-shaped, blooming in midsummer. Attractive large round leaves are forest green in colour with a creamy white that keep throughout the season.

Light Requirement: Partial Sun to Full Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 18 - 24"

• Width: 24 - 36"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

 Elegant lacy leaves form a very dense and bushy clump. This dwarf plant does not demand the same space as the standard Goats beard, and is somewhat inclined to sulk in hot summer areas, so plant in a moist, peaty soil, or even at the waterside. Cut plants back in summer if they look untidy.

An excellent companion to summer-blooming shrub roses. Good for cutting, the flowers may also be dried by hanging upside down in a warm, dark room.

Large vase-shaped leaves form a beautiful mound of variegated foliage. Flower stems can reach between 5-6ft (150-180cm) and produce pale lavender blooms. 

For best growth results plant in moist well-drained soil and cut stems back after blooming to encourage regrowth. 

Light Requirement: Partial Sun to Full Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 24 - 36"

• Width: 24 - 36"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Full Shade

Height: 18 "

Width: 44"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa. 

Light Requirement: Full Shade to Partial Shade

Height: 8"

Width: 8"

Zone: 2

Photo and data courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Shade

Height: 28"

Width: 48"

Zone: 3

Photo and data courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Sometimes called Elephant Ears, this is a bold specimen perennial that needs a moist location. Plants form a clump of large, jagged-edged green leaves. Purplish black stems rise above in summer, bearing long spikes of bright-yellow daisy flowers. Superb for the back of the border, or at the waterside. An unusual centerpiece for a tub or large container. Both the flowers and leaves are great for cutting. 

Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Height: 3 - 5'

Width: 2 - 4'

Light Requirement: Partial Sun to Full Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 

• Width: 

Zone: 3

Dark green leaves and narrowing white outline, features small pale white flowers and is an easy grower. 

Good for ground covers and underplanting for shrubs 

Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 24"

• Width: 48 -60"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa

The Northern Exposure coral bells are among the hardiest available. This clump-forming perennial forms a dense mound of colourful round leaves with spikes of bell-shaped flowers. Excellent for borders or edging.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Full Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 14"

• Width: 20"

Zone: 3

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

This Flowering groundcover has a clumping habit and is commonly used in borders and rock gardens.

Plants form a mound of deep greens to black leaves, bearing showy spikes of flowers in mid to late spring. Excellent for combining with spring-flowering bulbs. 

Performs well in pots or mixed containers. Easily divided in spring or early fall.

Light Requirement: Full Shade, Partial Shade and Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 6"

• Width: 20"

Zone: 3

Photos courtesy of Bellwyck Horticultural

This medium-sized, bright yellow hosta is incredibly charming. Its vibrant red petioles blend seamlessly into the yellow, textured leaves, creating the perfect addition to your home.

Light Requirement: Part Shade to full Shade

Height: 8 - 10"

Width: 16 - 20"

The Northern Exposure coral bells are among the hardiest available. This clump-forming perennial forms a dense mound of colourful round leaves with spikes of bell-shaped flowers. Excellent for borders or edging.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Full Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 14"

• Width: 20"

Zone: 3

Photos and Data Courtesy of Vanstone Nursery

Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Shade

Height: 20"

Width: 20"

Zone: 3

Photo courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company

'Paul's Glory' Hosta is a fast growing hosta with leaves showing a chartreuse centre and a blue-green edge. The centre of the leaf brightens to gold as the season progresses. The leaves are slightly cupped and corrugated in texture, and light lavender flowers bloom in midsummer.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Full Shade

Height: 26"

Width: 56"

Zone: 2

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.