Gardens of The Blue Ridge Inc

Wildflowers For Shade to Semi-Shade

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Sanguinaria canadensis    Bloodroot

One of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Has a white flower standing above its unfurled leaves, which looks maroon in color at this point. The leaves unfurl to be a lobed leaf about 3-4 inches across. The root has a red substance, and when broken resembles blood, hence its common name. Needs rich sandy well-drained soil in a shady spot, although it will tolerate some sun in cooler climates.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Well Drained Soil, Spring, 6-12 in Tall, Zones 3-9

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Saxifraga virginiensis   Branch Lettuce

Has clusters of small white flowers in the spring. Grows along creek banks in the shade. In the early spring you can harvest the leaves and use them in a salad as lettuce.

Shade, Wet Rich Soil, Spring, 6-12 in Tall, Zones 3-8

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Scutellaria ovata – Heart-leaved Skullcap –  

A great plant for a dry semi-shade to shady site. The foliage has a pretty purple appearance in the spring and early summer. During the summer the blue flowers appear and will last until early fall. Shortly after the blooms fade it will go dormant. This a very drought tolerant plant and is also deer resistant.

Shade to Semi-shade, Dry Soil, Summer Blooms, 12-18” Tall, Zones 4-9

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Shortia galacifolia    Oconee-bells

This plant is on the endangered and protected list. Each plant is sold with a special plant protection permit. Has a beautiful white bell shaped flower in the early spring. Leaves are rounded, bright green turning maroon in the winter. This is an evergreen groundcover, however it spreads slowly. It must have shade and moist rich soil or it will not survive. Due to the demand for this plant we must limit you to 1 plant.

Shade, Moist Rich Soil, Spring, 3-6 in Tall, Zones 5-7

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Silene virginica     Fire Pink

One of the prettiest wildflowers that will make a real show in your  shade garden. Has long lasting bright red flowers. Must have rich well-drained soil, good for rock gardens, will tolerate some sun. Has long taproot that likes to get behind rocks. A very pretty plant, one of our best sellers.

Shade to Sun, Dry Soil, Spring to Summer, 2-3’ Tall, Zones 3-8

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Smilacina racemosa     False Solomon's Seal

Somewhat resembles the Great Solomon' Seal but the blooms on this are out on the tips of the stem. They are white and make a red berry in the fall. Will tolerate some sun in cooler climates but does best in shade.

Shade to Semi-Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 1-3 ft Tall, Zones 3-8

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Spigelia marilandica    Indian Pink, Pinkroot

A very showy plant that grows in the shade. Has red tubular flowers that are yellow on the inside. The yellow creates a star like appearance on top of the flower. Blooms in late spring to early summer. We have found these need some winter protection in our zone 5. A great choice for the shade garden.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring to Summer, 1-2 ft Tall, Zones 5-10

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Stylophorum diphyllum        Celandine Poppy

Excellent plant for the shade garden. The bright yellow flowers really stand out in a dark corner. Blooms heavy in spring, then has sporadic blooms throughout the summer. Spreads very well to make a ground cover. Prefers rich woods soil, does not like much direct sun.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring to Summer, 1-2 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

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Tiarella cordifolia    Foam Flower

A very versatile plant, will grow in sun or shade. It has green veined leaves which stay low and has a white bloom standing 6-12” tall, and blooms in the spring. It makes a good ground cover and is also good in rock gardens. In cooler climates the foliage will remain all winter and turn a pretty burgandy color.

Shade to Sun, Rich Soil, Spring, 6-12 in Tall, Zone 3-8

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Tradescantia subaspera   Spiderwort

Has ribbon like foliage and deep blue flowers which will bloom all summer. This is a good spreader and will tolerate varied conditions.

Sun to Shade, Wet to Moist Soils, Summer, 1-2 ft Tall, Zones 4-9

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TRILLIUMS

Due to the demand for Trilliums our supply is running low for this spring. We only have very few left, see availability under each plant for more information. We strive very hard to sell blooming size plants in the pots and bareroot form, with trilliums this can be a great challenge. With that said we do have several varieties in the 3 1/2" pot size that are not blooming size but will more than likely bloom for you next season. To see what we have to offer at reduced prices please Click Here  to visit our specials page. We will have more blooming size bulbs for fall planting after this growing season. Fall is a great time to get the bareroot bulbs in the ground for spring blooms.

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Trillium catesbaei     Rose Trillium

A smaller species of Trillium, with smaller leaves and flowers. Has pink flowers which sometimes vary to white and  has a tendency to nod beneath the leaves. It is more of a southern species.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 10-18 in Tall, Zones 5-8

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Trillium rugelii    Nodding Trillium

One of the larger growing Trilliums which has a white flower that nods below the leaves. Also has an attractive seed pod in the late summer.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 9-18 in Tall, Zones 4-8

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Trillium cuneatum     Toad Trillium

Has a maroon colored flower that sits atop 3 variegated leaves. This plant will reach a height of 8-18” tall. The flower sits right close to the leaves, does not have a separate flower stem as most of the other trilliums do. These are best planted in groups of 3’s and do have some fragrance. They bloom very early in the spring..

Shade - Semi-shade, Rich Moist Soil, Spring, 12-18 in Tall, Zones 5-9

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Trillium erectum      Purple Trillium, Wake Robin

The flower stands up above the leaves on this Trillium. The flower is usually maroon in color although it will vary one way or the other sometimes. A very hardy variety that will spread slowly when it gets established.

Shade, Rich Moist Soil,  Spring,12-18 in Tall, Zones 4-9

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Trillium flexipes – White Trillium              

A hardy, erect Trillium with wide ovate mid-green leaves. It produces flowers with pointed incurved petals that are white with purple-tinted green sepals. Shady locations work best where soil is rich.

Shade, Rich Soil, Spring, 12” Tall, Spread 10”, Zones 3-9