Perennial Shade Garden Collection

Upon Arrival:

It is very important to plant as soon as possible after you receive them. If it is necessary to store them for a short time before planting them, open the plastic bags. If the roots appear dry, soak them for a few hours in warm water. Store in slightly moist peat moss in a cold, but not freezing location until you can plant. They can also be placed in pots of soil if planting will be delayed for more than 2 weeks. Use any peat-based potting soil and pots with drainage holes.

Soak bare-root perennials in water for a few hours before planting. Unless otherwise specified, bare-root perennials are usually planted with the crown (where the shoots meet the roots) an inch below the soil surface. Firm soil gently to eliminate air pockets and water in well. Mark the area clearly since it may be a while before the plant shows itself.

Planting Hosta:  Space 2-3 ft. apart, depending on the variety and covering roots to a depth where growing tips are at soil surface and surrounding the crown. Grow in well-drained, moist soil, in light to full shade. Hostas like plenty of moisture and need extra water during hot, dry spells. A 2" mulch of compost or shredded bark is beneficial taking care not to apply to close to the base of the plant but surrounding the foliage as it matures. Hostas can be grown in full sun in areas with cooler summers or if constant root moisture can be provided. Hostas take 2-4 years to become established and reach their full size after planting. Hostas can be divided in spring or fall and will greatly benefit from this every 3-4 years.

Planting Astilbe:  Cover the crown, including emerging shoots, with about 1/2" of soil and space at least 1' apart. Astilbes require moist, organic, slightly acid soil and partial shade although they will tolerate more sun if there is ample moisture. Mulch in summer and incorporate organic matter into the soil. Dig and divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.

Planting Brunnera:  Plant crown at soil level, 18-24” apart. Prefers partial shade or shade; tolerates dry shade but needs moisture in sunny conditions. Variegated forms require moist soil and will scorch in sun. Grow in well-drained soil that is moderately fertile and humus-rich. Keep old foliage over winter to protect crowns. After the ground freezes, apply a loose layer of oak leaves, pine boughs, or straw. Divide in spring.

Planting Bleeding Heart: Dicentra should be planted with the crown 2″ below the soil line and 12-24" apart.  Plant in moist, rich, well-drained soil in full to part shade. Keep plants well watered throughout the summer, especially in warmer weather.  Leaves are susceptible to leaf spot. The easiest solution is to shear back the affected foliage. Dicentra should be divided after flowering, so you don’t sacrifice bloom. The fringed-leaf varieties divide nicely early in spring, as they are emerging.

Planting Pigsqueak: Bergenia thrives in almost any amount of sunlight, but partial shade is ideal. plants will always perform the best in rich, moisture-retentive soil. However, it dislikes heavy soils and standing water. Place crown just below soil surface, 12” apart. Propagate by division in early spring or by seed. Divisions should be replanted fairly deep into the soil.

Planting Lily of the Valley:  Soak pips in warm water for 2-3 hours before planting. Plant the rhizomes (pips) on their sides, 1"-2" deep and 4"-6" apart in very early spring or fall.  Grow in rich, well-drained soil; full to part shade.