I have a shady backyard, but I can't get ferns, lilies, bleeding hearts or hostas to thrive? What can I grow well?
Answer
You may have a wetland area. Only native wetland plants will thrive in such an area. Two ferns that grow in a wetland are cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), and sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis). Two other good wetland plants are great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) and lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus). For information on these two plants, see the Missouri Botanical Garden's Saururus cernuus and Lobelia siphilitica pages.
For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service
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