7 Best Shade Plants to Grow Along a North-Facing Wall

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Impatiens

Impatiens were almost extinct from garden centers for years due to downy mildew, which destroyed seed inventories. Now that disease-resistant cultivars have been created

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Ferns

With its silvery fronds and crimson midribs, the Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum) is a popular slow-growing shade garden plant.

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Wax Begonia

The Begonia genus' wax begonias are fibrous-rooted plants with mounds of fleshy, waxy leaves ranging from dark green to bronze and loose clusters of little flowers that bloom

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Tuberous Begonia

Tuberous begonias (Begonia Tuberosa Group) resemble wax begonias but seem distinct. These don't need much sun like wax begonias, but their massive leaves and neon-bright blossoms

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Common Bleeding Heart

Common bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) is a great perennial for north-facing walls. In April, this 2- to 3-foot shrub has clusters of pink and white blooms on arching stalks.

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Periwinkle or Creeping Myrtle

Flowers in May and June, periwinkle develops a viny mat 3 6 inches tall. It grows well around bleeding heart and other perennials, shrubs, and small trees.

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Lilyturf

Dry and gloomy gardens along north-facing walls. Eaves intercept rainwater, making these locations typically dry. Plants that thrive in dry shade are excellent for these situations.