Shade loving plants.

If you like the thought of the mini-leaved Hostas I think the Mouse Ear collection have some fascination

http://www.windmillwoodshostas.com/mouse-ears-series.html

 

Those really are rather sweet aren't they? I like those. However, I am quickly realizing that there are huge numbers of these lovely things to choose from. Where does one start????

 

I am trying Ferns and Hostas in my shady N facing border front of house. Dicentra (bleeding heart) should also do well.

 

Order one of each?

 

I'm not a Hosta fan but I love those little mouse ears - so cute

May have to get some to squeeze in somewhere.

 

Dicentra! I had forgotten this little beauty. Thanks for the reminder. Lovely plant!

 

I wasn't really a Hosta person but I think I can add it to my list of addictions now! Lol.

 

I would have to say about 20 years ago, I was also not a hosta person. But, not sure what caught my eye, maybe a well done hosta planting, that lead me to grab up books and put it together. And that and a property we moved to 24 years ago that is shaded. The different types floored me, and still making more types. The only mini hosta I have, as said earlier is called baby bunting. I have moved and split that weee treasure about 3 times in the last two years to find just the right "tuck a way" spot, it was so cute could not pass it up. And each year it comes back wonderful with lots of leaves and its pretty purple flower, just saying that, just because of its mini size it is a little powerhouse of forgiveness. There is another larger one, that has four shades of color on the leaves, a cream, light green, dark green, and blue, (that one is spendy $) Some do sell high priced, and some lower. As you learn about them, you'll realize why some can fetch more than others. But also keep in mind, the ease of splitting them. When I go looking for a new hosta at a garden shop, I will look for a pot that I could split when I get it home. I like to split /transplant them in the fall. I have to find you that picture of my tall guys. Hopefully Photobucket has it.

 

the large featured hosta in this pic. is up to my hips. I am 5 ft. 7" tall. this type is considered VASE Shape. Note the shorter yellow green on the left. Will find more pics.

 

Leaves as large as a chair seat (larger) Flowers still not fully bloomed, larger than my hand.

 

So here is just the example of "decorating" Note the two strip hostas are broken up by a solid yellow between them. Behind is the pink purple astilbe, which again now the blue hydranga also balances out the colors. The vase hosta shown higher is way around to the right off picture, see in the (vase hosta pic) the hydranga behind it. And if you can see closer, the leaves on these hostas are considered the quilt puckered effect. Where the leaves on the vase are long lean quilt designs.
I have another hosta that is heart shaped cup leaf, so cuped that after a good rain, it can hold some water in the cups.

 

There is the blue heart cup shaped hosta. Note the purple leaf weiglla behind it for contrast, the white flowers falling are my mock orange shrub. the leaves to the corner bottom right are anemonies (not blooming yet, but in the fall will in pink)

 

Last one, got to get back to work.


Taken about 2 years ago, Good example of a large yellow hosta, yes the little tuffet looking ones are hostas -spear shaped--they are blooming now (September) and a simple green in the left bottom corner.

 

Redstar, those are gorgeous! I love how you have workred them in with other plants. I have no idea how I am ever going to choose which ones to buy. I can see I will have to make the planting area bigger too.

 

Don't forget to add some evergreens for structure, Lea..the hostas will disappear in autumn! As mentioned, Sarcoccoca (humilis or hookeriana Digyna which is taller), Skimmias, perhaps a variegated Ivy grown over / through a short obelisk? If your soil is acid, Pieris and if not, Osmanthus....