Early Spring Bloomers
FOR PARTLY SHADY LOCATIONS
Aquilegia (Columbine)
Columbines like poor to average, but well-drained soil in partial shade. The highly attractive blooms are long-lasting cut flowers. Aquilegia grow well in rock gardens, shady borders, or in masses along walks or drives.
Other Early Spring Perennials For Part Shade
Bishop's Hat (Epimedium) Heart-shaped leaves in shades of red or purple attract bees, but not deer. In spring, remove the previous year's foliage if it is spotty and to show off new flowers. Lungwort (Pulmonaria) - The light-colored, colorful foliage shows up well in shade, next to dark lacy ferns. Pink buds quickly turn a true blue color as they open.
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Catchfly (Lychnis or Silene)
A basal rosette of fuzzy green leaves, deer- resistant & drought-tolerant, are covered with 15" stalks, ending in masses of 1" bright pink flowers. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. Masterwort (Astrantia) - Many small, ivory flowers light up a shady area with rich, medium to wet soil. It grows best in soil that is not allowed to dry out.
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Foam Flower (Tiarella) Combines well with Solomon's Seal and Cardinal Flower. This natural astringent was used by Native Americans. Orchid Primrose - Grows 2 feet tall with bloom spikes jammed with dark pink buds. The buds open, from the bottom up, into bell-shaped, soft pink blooms
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