A versatile plant for your consideration...

Heuchera.

Grows in sun and full shade, comes in a variety of colors, is perfect in the front of a bed since it's short and doesn't grow out of control, does have flowers in different colors that won't clash with other larger flowers, and it's only real requirement is that you don't let it dry out completely. Which is why they grow better in shade, since shade soil tends to be more moist.

Pics, from Bluestone Perennials:

Re: A versatile plant for your consideration...

I was just looking at these last night on the White Flower Farm site. It looked like most of them are for spring planting so I'm waiting until next year. Trying to get some ideas for one of the beds along the side of my house that gets morning sun but is shady most of the day.

I just went to the Bluestone Perennials site and they ship them out in the Fall, so I'll order some from there and see how they do. Thanks!

So hard to decide which ones I want!

Message edited 7/14/2009 3:47:06 PM.

Re: A versatile plant for your consideration...

i really like that orangey one and the second to last one!
sweet!
thanks. i will add to notebook.

Re: A versatile plant for your consideration...

Cathy, I'm planting mine now! If you're planting in shade, you don't have to worry as much about planting now. It's the mid-summer heat that is the culprit but if you're planting in full shade, chances are it won't be such a shock to their systems.

Also, a lot of people aren't aware that fall is the 2nd best time of year to plant. I'm forming my fall plant purchases now, that's why I'm drooling over all these pictures and decided to post them.

Re: A versatile plant for your consideration...

I was just admiring these at a restaurant the other night and wondering if they were in the coleus family. Now i know what they are - thanks!