Category Archives: shade

Growing Conditions for Spiderwort

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 19, 2009

Two answers for this one!
Q. I purchased a Sweet Kate Spiderwort and I am not sure how much sun or shade this plant needs?
-Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
A. Sweet Kate Spiderwort is one of the most visually vivid partial-sun plants around. It does best in morning to early afternoon sun (1pm-2pm). The bright yellow foliage will [...]

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Growing Vegetables & Flowers on a Shady Porch

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 17, 2009

Q. I get virtually no sun on my side of the street nor on my deck. What would be good flowers and herbs to grow?
-South Boston, Massachusetts
A. Herbs + Zero sun can equal an unhappy herb gardener. Perhaps try some cilantro, sage and mint. They all require a fair amount of sun, but will [...]

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Shrubs for Shade

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 12, 2009

Shrubs for shade, it’s always a problem. Here are some suggestions.
Q. What kind of light little do little lamb hydrangeas and rhododendrons need…the area I have in mind is relatively shaded.
-Brighton, Massachusetts
A. Both the Hydrangea and the Rhododendron can be grown in conditions from full sun to about half shade, and still bloom. In dense [...]

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Plants for Porches?

By Ellen Wells | Published: May 9, 2009

Q. I have 2 porches and I wanted to get some plants for them! I’m on the second floor so they might not get direct sunlight all that much, not sure? Are there certain types that would be best? Also, could I get a tomato plant to keep on my back porch perhaps?
-Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
A.  [...]

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