AFAIC, every shade plant is a must!! For some practical info, I have found
that astrantias will bloom much more heavily and for a longer period if
placed in more sun - all of mine (9 varieties - I like these guys!) are
located in only partial shade, perhaps 4 hours of sun.

Since the planting you describe is pretty much entirely herbaceous
perennials, I'd consider adding something a little more evergreen to provide
winter interest. Perhaps some Iris foetidissima, additional heucheras, an
evergreen shade grass and some EG ferns and maybe a hellebore or two?

pam - gardengal



Suja wrote:

Before I actually order these plants and put them in the ground, I need
a reality check from those who have actual experience with them. I am
putting in a shade bed in front of the house (North facing, with morning
sun in the summer), and this is my short list of the plants I'm planning
on getting. The soil is clay (but amended), zone 6b/7a, Northern VA.
If I have left out anything that is a MUST HAVE for a shade garden (no
hostas please, deer problem; much as I'd love to have Brunnera 'Jack
Frost', I can't afford it right now), please let me know.

Short
Epimedium Sulphureum
Heuchera 'Persian Carpet'
Dicentra Exima 'Snowdrift'
Athyrium nipponicum 'Pictum'

Medium
Astrantia 'Hadspen Blood'
Anemone 'Honorine Jobert'
Thelypteris Kunthii
Tricyrtis hirta

Tall
Fallopia Japonica 'variegata'
Thalictrum Aquil. Purpureum
Lobelia Cardinalis 'Ruby Slipper'
Cimicifuga racemosa

Thanks much,
Suja