00:00Cottage gardens are celebrated for their informal, lush, and romantic appearance,
00:04often filled with a variety of plants that create a whimsical and welcoming atmosphere.
00:09However, creating such a garden may seem particularly challenging when faced with
00:14shade rather than sun. Thankfully, there are numerous shade-tolerant species that thrive
00:19in various levels of shade, from full shade to dappled sunlight or shaded for just part of the
00:25day. Hi, this is Amy from Gardening Know How and I'll be sharing a list of the best cottage garden
00:31plants that add both color and charm to shaded areas. First up, we have foxgloves.
00:38Foxgloves are classic English cottage garden plants and lucky for us, they thrive in partial shade,
00:43making them ideal for areas with dappled sunlight. These stately plants, hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9,
00:50produce tall stems covered in bold, bell-shaped blooms, ranging from soft pastels to vibrant hues.
00:57Flowering in early summer, foxgloves make a great centerpiece in garden beds or against walls and
01:03fences. Plus, they attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds to the garden.
01:13Cranesbill, also known as hardy geraniums, are the perfect choice for a shady cottage garden,
01:17due to their charming, low-maintenance nature and prolific blooming habits.
01:22Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, these plants are best used at the front of the border or tucked
01:27in among other plants. Cranesbill produces delicate, whimsical flowers in a range of colors,
01:33mainly in shades of pink and blue. Most varieties bloom late spring into summer,
01:37with some free-flowering cultivars blooming all the way until mid-fall. Their finely cut foliage can
01:43also add a lush green backdrop that fills garden gaps with ease.
01:49Garden phlox is another great choice for cottage gardens due to its vibrant, fragrant flowers
01:54blooming over a long period in the summer months. Plus, its tall, upright growth habit adds height
01:59and structure, helping to create that layered look that is essential to cottage garden design.
02:04The large clusters of flowers, which are also magnets for butterflies and hummingbirds,
02:08can be found in a wide range of colors including pink, red, white and purple. It is almost surprising
02:14that a perennial, so vibrant and colorful, can tolerate partial shade.
02:21Ladies Mantle is a low-maintenance, old-fashioned cottage garden essential that actually prefers shade.
02:28Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8, this low-grower produces masses of finely textured, star-shaped,
02:34chartreuse flowers in late spring to early summer atop its large scalloped leaves.
02:39Be sure to cut a few flowers to add to a fresh bouquet.
02:43Use this versatile perennial in the border as a ground cover or to fill in gaps with its lush,
02:48velvety leaves. Adding feathery plumes and lush foliage, a stillbe, also known as feather flower,
02:55tolerates a significant amount of shade. It even grows well under black walnut trees,
03:00an area of the garden that few plants can tolerate.
03:02The fern-like leaves provide texture and a rich green backdrop to the upright, feathery plumes,
03:08available in shades of pink, red, white and purple, creating vertical interest and a touch of
03:13elegance to your cottage garden. Growing in zones 4 through 9, this perennial has a long bloom season,
03:19typically from late spring to early summer. Additionally, a stillbe are low-maintenance and deer
03:24resistant, making them a practical choice for any shady garden.
03:29Columbine is next on our list. This perennial is a perfect choice for cottage gardens due to its
03:34delicate nodding flowers, unique foliage and ability to thrive in partial shade. In fact,
03:40shade actually prolongs its flowering time. The charming flowers, which come in a variety of
03:45colors, appear in late spring to early summer, providing early season bloom for local pollinators.
03:49The fern-like lacy leaves combine to create an attractive ground cover, adding a soft texture
03:55to garden beds. Be sure to add this easy-care, pollinator-friendly perennial to the front of the border.
04:03Providing daisy-like flowers and late season bloom, asters grow well in partial shade,
04:07adding color when many other plants have finished flowering for the season.
04:11Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, these perennials produce an abundance of small flowers in shades
04:17of purple, blue, pink or white, some adorned with bright yellow centers from late summer into fall.
04:23The dense foliage and mounding habit create a lush, full appearance, where it can effectively fill in
04:28gaps in the landscape. If you would like to add a touch of romance and nostalgia to your shady
04:36cottage garden, then bleeding hearts are the perfect choice. The heart-shaped flowers dangle
04:41delicately from arching stems from early spring to early summer atop fern-like foliage that adds
04:47additional texture to your space. These dainty-looking plants may appear fragile and challenging to grow,
04:53but they are quite the opposite. They thrive in partial to full shade, tolerate moist to dry soils,
04:59and are hardy in a wide range of USDA zones from 3 to 9.
05:06A plant that is underused and underrated in cottage garden design is Geum. Also known as Avons,
05:12this perennial is adaptable, tolerating partial shade, various soil types, and thriving in both
05:17hot summers and cold winters without complaint. The cheerful, colorful blooms in shades of orange,
05:23red, yellow, and peach add a burst of long-lasting color and charm to the garden throughout spring and
05:28summer. Whether tucked into borders, mixed with other perennials, or used as a ground
05:33cover. Easy-going GMs will bring a delightful cottage garden vibe to your space.
05:39One of my favorite plants to add unique color to a cottage garden are coral bells. Coral bells,
05:45foam flowers, and foamy bells are all cousins with similar growth habits, primarily valued for their
05:51foliage color rather than their blooms. Although many types do provide airy bell-shaped flowers that
05:57add whimsy to the garden. With their colorful foliage ranging from deep purple to lime green
06:03and shades of orange and yellow, coral bells provide season-long color in shady settings.
06:08These low-maintenance and adaptable plants combine well with other shade-loving perennials in the garden.
06:14One final plant that can add structure, beautiful blooms, and nostalgic charm to cottage gardens is the
06:20hydrangea. Whether they are mop heads, oak leaf, panicle types, or even climbing hydrangeas,
06:26all varieties in this extensive plant group not only tolerate shade, but also complement the cottage garden
06:31aesthetic. Hydrangeas bloom in a wide range of colors, including blue, pink, white, and shades in between,
06:37adding a burst of color and texture to mixed plantings. Plus, their lush green foliage provides an ideal
06:43black drop throughout the growing season. By incorporating any of these adaptable and beautiful
06:49perennials, you can create a stunning cottage garden that thrives even in the shadiest corners.
06:54Be sure to choose a variety of plants with different heights, textures,
06:58and bloom times to keep your garden looking lush and vibrant all season long.
07:02Thanks for watching and happy gardening!
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