Unusual Shade Plants

Tasmanian Tree Fern

• Tasmanian tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) is a unique plant because of the great heights it can reach. Heights over 50 feet are not uncommon. This fern is also distinctive because of its long, graceful, 8-to-10 foot, feather-like fronds that make the plant look as if it belongs in a primordial forest. This type of fern also has a unique way of propagation; when it reproduces, it sends off tiny spores. To care for this unique plant, you will need ample shade and well-drained, rich organic soil. This plant can take full-to-partial shade, but does not do well in direct sunlight.

Orchids

• Orchids are fascinating shade-loving plants that belong to a constantly evolving order of plants. The plant itself is one of the most adaptable on the planet. It is unique because of the different mediums and locations in which it will grow. These plants can be found growing in caves or high atop tree tops on other trees with little to no soil. It can even be found in deserts and swamps. Orchids do not require soil to grow in, only something firm that support its root structure like pine bark or osmunda fiber, which is the dried roots from an osmunda fern. Some orchids are even grown in pebbles. The flower is produced from a single stem which rises from the center of the leaves. These plants require humidity, which can be obtained by spraying water on the plant.

Hydrangea

• Hydrangea (Paniculata) is a must-have in shade gardens simply for its brilliant color. It is unusual because by controlling the acidity, you can control the color of the flower; the higher the acidity, the bluer the flower. It is one of the few plants that can accomplish this feat. This particular plant sports white-to-pink, spiked flowers. This variety can grow up to 25 feet. The leaves are 5 inches long and turn bronze in the fall. Small, rounded leaves are flushed pink when young, turning bright green in summer. The autumnal foliage is superb, turning orange, red and yellow, though trees usually color better in moist, acidic soils.

Wisteria

• Wisteria is and unusual plant because of its ability to grow fast and live a long life. This vine plant takes partial shade. It is well known for its unusual cluster spike with blue, white and pinkish flowers. These plants can grow astronomically. The largest wisteria plant is in Southern California in the town of Sierra Madre is more than an acre in size and weighs close to 250 tons. The versatile plant can be grown as a tree, shrub or vine. It is an ideal center piece in an arbor setting, or it can easy be used to cover unsightly walls. These plants prefer partial shade and can take some direct sun light.

Split-Leaf Philodendron

• The split-leaf philodendron (Monstera deliciosa) plant is a tropical shade plant related to the philodendron family which is grown for its phenomenal lush green, glossy foliage. It is known for its giant, majestic, leathery, dark green leaves and ability to thrive in intense shade. The leaves grow up to 2 feet long. The split-leaf philodendron takes rich, well-drained soil and makes an ideal focal point. It produces a rare fruit that takes a year to mature and is a cross between a mango and a banana; this fruit is rarely produced if the plant is grown indoors. The plant likes moist soil and misting in the summer, and makes an ideal companion to a Tasmanian tree fern in a primordial forest garden.