The Plant Lady

I’ve got plants in tough places…
We all have it; the frustrating spot in the garden where nothing seems to want to grow. Many gardeners respond by planting tough plants. Hosta for shade, even though the deer eat it. Iris for full sun, even though the bloom time is so short. Some plants, although challenging to find, are great candidates for tough spaces in the landscape. The soil varies greatly in bluff country; I have personally seen several types of challenging conditions on a single property. Working in your garden often will give you the opportunity to learn where challenging areas may be.
Full sun, sandy soil
Yarrow (Achillea species) is a wonderful choice for sunny locations with sandy or very well-drained soil. This plant is deer and rabbit resistant, and also attracts both butterflies and bees. Yarrow is available in various colors and heights, making it an easy addition to any flowerbed. Yarrow makes a lovely cut flower, both fresh or dried.
Full sun, clay soil
Besides the obvious choices of coneflower, Black-eyed Susans, salvia and bee balm, Arkansas Bluestar (Amsonia hubrictii) fills two roles in the garden. Sky blue flowers sit atop 30” tall stems. Thin, needle-like leaves pair well with coarse-textured foliage like that of Coneflower or Joe Pye Weed. When autumn rolls around, the foliage lights up the garden with an electric-yellow display of fall color. Bluestar is rarely bothered by pests, critters or diseases.
Full shade, dry soil
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a great choice to plant alongside hostas in the dry, shady spot in the garden. Lungwort is a super hardy plant that was once used to treat tuberculosis, but it is unclear whether it was effective or not. The small plant slowly spreads in the shade and is dotted with pink, blue, purple or white flowers in spring. The foliage is adorned with polka-dots, and it’s rough texture makes it unappealing to deer, rabbits and other critters.
Full shade, moist soil
While standing water may be an issue for even the toughest of plants, occasional moisture is welcomed by Astilbe (pronounced ah-still-bee). Gorgeous plumes in stand above the fern-like foliage that is unappealing to deer. This plant has many varieties to choose from, ranging from 8” tall to 4’ tall. Choose an astilbe that will brighten your shady spot, as it is available in white, cream, several shades of pink, purple and peach. Astilbe makes great cut flowers, and not bothered by plant diseases.
The Plant Lady is a regional horticulturalist with the goal is of making Bluff Country more beautiful – one garden at a time. Follow her on Facebook @PlantLadyMn for helpful tips and tricks, or via email at ThePlantLadyMN@gmail.com.