Shade loving plants some to start with..

Polygonatum - Asparagaceae
Common name- Solomons Seal
Solomon’s Seal is a genus of woodland perennials, which can be either clump-forming or ground-covering. They produce clusters of green-white, hanging flowers beneath their arching stems, followed by blue, black or red berries.

Polygonatum commutatum

Polygonatum x hybridum "Striatum"

Polygonatum multiflorum

"Striatum" is often mislabelled as variegatum and conversely p.falcatum variegatum is misapplied to this variety. True stratum has this cream striated variegation to its leaves. The falcatum variegated form only has a cream line around the edge of the leaf.







There are many other Polygonatum varieties available but these are the most widely available due to being the easiest to establish in British gardens.







Maianthemum (Formerly Smilacina) - Aspargaceae

These are hardy plants that make excellent ground cover in a shady spot. They are also grown for their clusters of tiny, scented flowers and subsequent berries.

Maianthemum stellatum

This small woodland plant makes excellent ground cover. The small star-like flowers contrast well with the mid green glossy leaves. Unlike a lot of the other varieties the perfume is insignificant.

Mainathemum racemosum

This is the most highly perfumed form of these plants and makes wonderful clumps in humus rich woodland. Once the clumps are well established division in autumn is the best way of propagating them.
Many other choice varieties are available but you will have to search these out.
There is a hybrid form being sold under the label racemosum and it does not have the reliability of flower or plant strength of the true form. As it starts to grow you can see the leaf and stem structure is not as robust.





hardys-plants.co.uk

Glorious Geums

Geum- Rosaceae
Common name -Avens sometimes water-avens

Avens produce large quantities of flowers in late spring and early summer. The colour range is usually limited to shades of yellow, orange or red.
About 50 species are to be found around the world, in the cooler regions of Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and New Zealand. Most species are found on moist, fertile soil in meadows or woodland, but some originate in open areas with poorer soil.
Most varieties prefer a humus-rich soil, although some are happier with better drainage. Sun is ideal for many, and increases flowering, although most will tolerate some shade.

Geum "Bellbank" has some of the largest flowers.

Geums have become popular in the last few years with many being offered as garden worthy plants.
There are many hybrids available the smaller growing forms tend to be hybrids of rivale or the water-avens.

Geum "Hannays" -Formerly Hannays double

These wonderfully dynamic plants are easy to grow in most garden conditions being incredibly tolerant.
This beautiful variety was bred by the wonderful nursery nursery in Bath called Hannay's. They do not exist any-more but were a must visit nursery in the 1980's as they had such an unusual collection of plants.

Geum trifolium an interesting specie

Geum "Lisanne" our newest one to the collection

Of the specie forms some are really not at all interesting for the gardener.
However this little gem is.
Triflorum has lovely nodding flower buds and the most amazing seedheads. The foliage is very divided and almost fernlike in appearance. this plant does not get very large and enjoys a sunny site.

Geum "Mango Lassi" so neat

Geum "Pink Frills"

Geum "Redwings"
 

Geum "Totally Tangerine" the Best!

I was very fortunate to be able to do a swap for this lovely Geum with the propagator Coen Jansen. A lady in his village in Holland gave him plant material, which he propagated and it was named after her daughter. I do like the plant world as people will swap material to other interested people.

Geum "Lemon Drops"

"Mango Lassi" is a compact growing form with a slightly differing habit. It produces neat clumps and the flowers are on wiry stems with the flower-heads gazing up to the sky.










"Pink Frills" has as near pink as is possible large blooms with the petal edges being indented giving that frilly appearance.









"Redwings" is one of the larger growing hybrids that is more of a mid summer flowering variety. The flower stems are at least 60cm but do have an arching habit. Most gardeners will find they have to prop the flowers up on this variety.













Geum "Totally Tangerine" this is the start of some really good breeding.
This is a cracking plant that starts to flower in late spring at about 40cm and continues to re-bloom throughout the year until probably November and beyond by which time it will be 180cm high.
This is in my top 5 plants.






Lemon drops is another spring flower and has delicate lemon flowers with bronze buds and sepals giving a good contrast.







hardys-plants.co.uk