Shade Loving Plants That Tolerate Damp Soil

Full Shade and Partial Shade Plants

• Plants that you can add to a shady area are called either full-shade plants or plants that prefer partial sun or shade. Partial-sun or shade plants should receive between four to six hours of direct sunlight per day; full-shade plants should not receive more than four hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much sun or too little will kill poorly located plants. Prevent this from happening by reading the labels that come with the plants at the garden center. Most centers will provide information on each plant or flower for its light requirements.

Choosing a Garden Type

• Lay out a plan for the garden before going to a garden center. Knowing in advance what colors of plants you want will make it easier to make your selections. For example, keeping the garden area a serene green with different types of leaf fronds is one idea. Using light or pastel colors to highlight the shady areas is always best, but bright colors such as red should not be overlooked. Different types of plants appeal to different people, so whether to plant using a more classic look or daring to try a more exotic look is something you might want to consider.

Hostas, Ferns and Greenery

• Hostas are tolerant of shade and moist soils. They are grown mainly for their foliage, which comes in a wide range of size, shapes, colors and textures. Ferns add a nice contrast to the hosta. Bottebrush, Callaway ginger and hydrangea are some other plants that may add subtle color as well as their lush foliage.

Flowering Plants

• Greens aren't the limit for shady gardens. Colors can attract the eye to a shady, damp area. Impatiens, coleus and begonias are three of the most popular annual choices. Impatiens are hardy flowers that offer a range of colors from light pink to bright red. Coleus doesn't produce conspicuous flowers, but the varying textures and colors of its leaves can help bring a shady area to life. Begonias offer leaves from a deep waxy green to bronze. They also produce flowers from pinks to reds. Perennials such as pachysandra, ivies and myrtle thrive in low light and may produce a light spray of flowers. Other perennials include day lilies, iris and lily-of-the-valley. There are many more choices to decide upon, as well. Whatever their color or texture, plants can make a shady, moist area into a beautiful garden.