Bulbs for Damp and Shady Areas

Bulbs which originate in alpine meadows with poor drainage have to endure wet growing conditions for much of late winter and early spring as snow melts.  Other bulbs are used to growing beneath trees or low plants in woodland environments and tolerate shade very well.  All these bulbs are well suited for the damp and shady areas in our gardens.

What bulbs are the best for shade and damp?

The following are the best for shady areas such as the south side of the house, shady banks, or beneath trees and shrubs.  A little direct sunshine each day is a bonus, but not essential.  They all tolerate damp conditions, but prefer not to be continually wet.  Specialised wet loving plants are necessary for the really wet places such as near ponds and streams.

Bluebells

Naturally occurring in forested areas, bluebells are happiest in dappled shade and moist soil.  They will naturalise well in these conditions, increasing through bulb division and seed production to establish large drifts.  They are available in blue, pink and white shades.

Chionodoxa

Translating from the Latin as “Glory of the snow”, chionodoxa flower in early spring through the last of the melting snow in their native Europe.  They need a cool shady site that gets a touch of sunshine in spring and summer.  They are not suitable for warmer areas.  Two main varieties are available – Luciliae, a medium blue with a white centre; and Sardensis, a deep gentian blue.

Crocus

One of the earliest spring flowers; crocuses produce three or four flowers from each corm planted, giving a great display from few corms.  Two main types are available – species crocuses and hybrid crocuses.  Both are available in white, cream and shades of blue and yellow.  The species crocuses are earlier to flower and are slightly smaller.

Erythronium

Commonly known as “Dogs tooth violets” as the corms are similar to the shape of a dog’s tooth.  The foliage is very attractive in its own right.  Available in white (White Beauty) and yellow (Tuolumnense), it naturalises readily beneath trees and shrubs in the rich soil and shade.

Fritillaria

Amongst the most unusual bulbs available, fritillaria come in a wide variety of forms, from the 30 cm mahogany F. camschatcensis to the stunning orange 1 m tall Crown Imperial.  They all like a cold, shady position, with some afternoon sun.  Crown Imperials are not suitable for warmer districts.  Stunning flowers though they are, fritillaria are also distinguished by having rather pungent odours.

Leucojum

A spring classic with the white bells, dotted green at the petal tips, Leucojum are commonly known as snowflakes.  Often confused with snowdrops, snowflakes have large daffodil sized bulbs and will grow well in all areas of New Zealand, unlike snowdrops, which are confined to colder areas.  Damp conditions and semi shade are tolerated well.  Ideal for naturalising beneath deciduous trees where they can get winter sun and spring and summer shade.

Copyright Aorangi Bulb Nurseries Ltd, 2000.  This Fact Sheet may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission.  

Please contact us for a copy of our full copyright conditions.