Shade - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Grows into a shapely shrub with minimal pruning. The trumpet-shaped 2" flowers openin in terminal clusters in November and continue into mid-December. This is an easy-to-grow shrub, about 3ft height, which can be used for a garden hedge or tightly clipped into geometrical shapes. On the most common variety, the tubular flowers are varying shades of mauve; there is also one with pure white flowers and another with flowers striped in mauve and white. Barleria involucrata is similar to B. cristata except that both leaves and blooms are larger and the flower color is blue-lilac. B. prionitis is a spiny bush with orange flowers. Barleria is easily propagated from cuttings planted in fall directly in the ground. It requires some sun to flower profusely and occasional pruning to promote bushy growth. See var. blue-lilac, var. Alba.

Nepeta cataria, often called Catnip, is a wonderful small shrub that grows 2-5 ft tall and is quite attractive. Growing it in full sun or semi -shade and providing regular or moderate water is all that is required for beautiful growth. The profuse white or off-white flowers, with spots of blue and lavender, are fragrant and attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and many other beneficial insects. The scent of Catnip has a stimulating effect on cats. Often grown as an ethnomedical plant, Catnip can also be taken as a medicinal hot infusion for colds, flus, fevers, and infectious childhood diseases. It is soothing to the nervous system and calming to the stomach.

In cold regions, Catnip can be grown in a pot, the pot should be brought inside during times of severe frost and protected from the cold, however, mature plants are reportedly quite cold hardy at least to 30s F. for a short time. They should be protected from prolonged cold spells. Growing in USDA Zone: 7 - 9, Catnip is super hardy and very easy to care for, as well as being a valuable multi-use plant.

Bright green foliage great for lighting up shady areas. Blooms pink twisted flowers May to November. Unusual variety of this hardy perennial. Will take any soil and any light.

Barleria oenotheroides is a broadleaf evergreen perennial shrub with dark green, tropical looking foliage. In summer showy yellow flowers emerge and may cover the whole plant. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well in both shade or sun and regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

The genus was named in honor of Jacques Barrelier, a 17th century French botanist. Barleria oenotheroides is a sub-shrub growing to a height of 4 to 5 feet. The pointed-elliptic leaves are up to 5 inches long. The yellow flowers are borne in terminal green spikes about 2" to 3" long. Winter bloomer, zone 10 or higher.

Perennial herb often sprawling, up to 1 m tall. Ideal ground cover for dry shade, but tolerates sun.

It is a small, evergreen foliage tree or a large shrub. It reaches a height of four to seven meters. The pale green leaves are long and pointed and about 10-12" in length. They are of a pleasing pale green color. Planted in good sunlight, the leaves may acquire a light yellow color, which looks nice and unusual. The plant belongs to Nyctaginaceae family of bougainvillea and four o'clock plant. But, unlike the two other family members, is grown not for its flowers but for its leaves. The leaves used by natives as cattle feed. They also have medicinal properties and cooked and eaten when suffering from rheumatism or arthritis. The young leaves come in handy as a leafy vegetable. The lettuce tree can be grown as a large shrub. Being a coastal tree it does not thrive as well on land as it does on the east and west coast of the USA. The plant grows well in any soil, but being a littoral plant it shows preference for sandy soil. It is propagated through cuttings, which root easily in sand. Pisonia alba can be planted singly in large compounds to make it grow into trees or planted closely and trimmed regularly to make a pleasant looking hedge. The tree rarely flowers. The flowers are small, green and inconspicuous. The leaves are also carminative (expels flatulence). Leaves coated with eau de cologne are used to rub on elephantoid swellings.

Nematanthus are easy-to grow gesneriads with glossy foliage and bright, pouch-shaped flowers. They require high light to bloom, allow to dry slightly between watering and fertilize during the growing season. Hummingbirds find Nematanthus irresistible. It has pouched flowers that look like "candy corn". Same care as for violets, but will tolerate more light and less water. Highly recommended for the novice with a bright window, since they are very tolerant of neglect and are virtually indestructible. Nematanthus (some of which are still known by the old term Hypocyrta) have a characteristic pouched flower, usually but not always with a very small opening. They are generally epiphytic in nature, and like most tropical plants adapted to that habitat, require a fairly open planting medium that is allowed to dry somewhat between waterings.

Perfect neglect plant! Grow it either as house plant, hanging basket, fast growing ground cover, or decorate your patio with it. It needs no attention and will reward your "no-efforts" with beautiful waxy foliage. Cissus rotundifolia comes from East Africa. It has green stems with almost round leaves. The leaves are fleshy, waxy, toothed and of a deep green color. Tendrils arise opposite young leaves and the plant climbs on supports with their help. Needs very little water. Great house plant especially for those who have brown thumb. Good plant for beginners. If you forget to water it, it won't even notice!

Phormium tenax is an evergreen perennial plant native to New Zealand and Norfolk Island that is an important fibre plant and a popular ornamental plant. The plant grows as a clump of long, straplike leaves, up to two metres long, from which arises a much taller flowering shoot, with dramatic yellow or red flowers.

The tough, sword-shaped leaves usually darkish green but sometimes have colored edges and central ribs. Cultivated varieties range from light green through pink to deep russet bronze. There are numerous variegated cultivars with leaves marked by contrasting stripes in shades of green, red, bronze, pink and yellow. Widely cultivated as ornamental garden plant, striking fans of pointed leaves providing a focal point in mixed plantings or at the edge of a lawn. They are easy to grow in a sunny spot, especially in coastal areas with some protection in winter, but require reliably moist soil. Great for filling garden beds, edges, and containers.

It is thought the Philodendron Birkin originally started life as a mutation on a Philodendron 'Rojo Congo', which was then separated and cultivated. Another theory suggests it's a hybrid of 'Rojo Congo' and 'Green-Leaf Philodendron', which originated in Thailand.

See Article about Philodendrons.