We can't grow hostas here (other than as annuals) because it doesn't get cold enough to give them the chill they need to return every year and our humidity is low so even as annuals they typically are disappointing. The one large-leaf plant that does well in the shade for us is ligularia. It grows in dryish shade and as long as you keep the slugs and snails at bay, has few problems. It also adds some leave variety to all green beds. They do get tall yellow flowers, but I grow it for the foliage.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Big Leaves
We can't grow hostas here (other than as annuals) because it doesn't get cold enough to give them the chill they need to return every year and our humidity is low so even as annuals they typically are disappointing. The one large-leaf plant that does well in the shade for us is ligularia. It grows in dryish shade and as long as you keep the slugs and snails at bay, has few problems. It also adds some leave variety to all green beds. They do get tall yellow flowers, but I grow it for the foliage.
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7 comments:
This plant is so gorgeous! I didn't know you can't grow hostas where you live as a perennial. Learning something new everyday. -Jackie
Hostas grow well here in North Carolina, but I like that ligularia better!
Does ligularia require a lot of moisture? I'd like to try it, but not if I have to water it a lot.
I got all excited about this plant until I read: "Moist conditions or not at all" on another site.
In my shady areas I grow gingers and begonias, along with cannas with interesting leave that I won't mind if they don't bloom.
I can't grow hostas here either because of my dogs :) This is a lovely plant. The leaves are huge but a delight just like hostas.
Dianne Benson turned me on to these this summer. Thanks for the great photo and post!
Mary Delle, the amount of moisture they require is dictated by how much sun they get. These ones are growing in the deep shade and do well with watering once or twice a week at most. They will wilt if they are in the sun without ample water, but do just fine in the shade as long as you don't expect too many blooms.
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