Shade-loving perennials

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, as early as late winter and early spring. They are usable for vases only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Double Ellen White is an almost pure white, double-flowered hellebore. The petals are slightly wavy and the bottom row of petals is lightly tinged with green.

The largeleaf brunnera comes from the moist mountain forests of the Caucasus, where it forms dense undergrowth. It is an ideal perennial for shady and semi-shady corners of your garden, where it will thrive in humus-rich, moist soil. It resembles classic forget-me-nots in appearance, but don't be fooled, its leaves are much larger, heart-shaped, and rough to the touch. Thanks to them, it acts as a great groundcover plant that sprouts early in the spring and reliably covers bare soil with its leaves until late autumn. It thus forms a natural contrasting background for the delicate, tiny flowers. Tiny sky-blue flowers appear in April, May, and June, creating a beautiful delicate veil over the green carpet of leaves. The flower clusters are also suitable for cutting into spring hand-tied bouquets, where they look very tender. Just watch out for snails and slugs, who like to feast on the juicy leaves of the brunnera, so it's a good idea to check the plants regularly. It is a long-lived and hardy perennial that handles severe frosts without problems and will bring you joy in one place for many years.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually carry four to five flowers. They bloom very early, as early as late winter and early spring. They can be used in a vase only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Picked earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower upright. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Double Ellen Red is a double-flowered hellebore with rounded petals of a dark burgundy red color with a lighter undertone on the lower row of petals.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually carry four to five flowers. They bloom very early, as early as late winter and early spring. They can be used in a vase only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Picked earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower upright. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The semi-double flowers of the Double Ellen Picotee hellebore take on white and light pink hues with a purplish-burgundy edging.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. Stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, as early as late winter and the beginning of spring. They are suitable for vases only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Before that, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The flowers of Hellebore Double Ellen Purple are semi-double to double, deep purple in color with contrasting white stamens. As the flowers mature, the dark color fades and the edges of the petals remain distinctly colored.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. Stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already in late winter and early spring. They are usable for vases only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems do not hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Double Ellen Pink Spotted has double, soft pink flowers with dark burgundy spots.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are usable for a vase only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt, and the stems cannot hold the flower upright. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The 'Double Ellen Yellow Spotted' hellebore has light yellow-green semi-double flowers with striking, dark burgundy spotting.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Europa blooms light pink.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Anita Pfeifer has pink flowers.

Delicate, decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in mass plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. Lasts 4–10 days in a vase. Harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Peach Blossom has soft pink flowers.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are usable for a vase only after striking seed pods form in the middle of the flower and the flower matures. Before that, they tend to wilt and the stems will not hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Hellebore Pretty Ellen Pink has single light pink flowers with gentle burgundy spotting in the center of the flowers.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly spreading clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually carry four to five flowers. They bloom very early, as early as late winter and early spring. They can be used in a vase only after conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Picked earlier, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower upright. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Double Ellen Pink is double-flowered. The main color is a very light pink with irregular, deeper pink marbling and spotting. As it finishes blooming, it changes to a fuller pastel old rose. The petals are pointed at the ends.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. A vigorously growing, late-flowering, and tall variety that creates large inflorescences in a warm pink tone.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are suitable for a vase only after the conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they tend to wilt, and the stems won't hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Hellebore 'Pretty Ellen Spotted' is a beautiful variety with simple white flowers dotted with a wine-red color. The center with creamy stamens is further highlighted by a lime yellow-green coloration.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Erika blooms light pink.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and beginning of spring. They are suitable for a vase only after prominent seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Before that, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The flowers of the 'Double Ellen Green' cultivar are semi-double, bright light green with white stamens.

Epimediums bring true fairytale magic to shady and semi-shady corners of the garden. They are the perfect plant for lovers of detail and observers of subtle variability throughout the season. They are effective with their ethereal flowers and interesting leaves with color variability and almost year-round aesthetic effect. The fine stems can also be used in flower arrangements. Orangekönigin is a proven, profusely flowering variety with soft orange flowers. Its great advantage is its ability to adapt over time even to drier conditions.

Siberian bugloss is a hardy perennial that is unfazed even by the shady corners of the garden where other plants fail to thrive. It earned its name thanks to its tiny blue flowers, which are very similar to classic forget-me-nots and bloom in April and May. Unlike its more famous relative, the largeleaf bugloss, this species spreads a bit more vigorously and forms dense stands. Thanks to its underground rhizomes, it works as a great groundcover plant that reliably suppresses weeds under trees or shrubs. Once the plant finishes blooming, all its energy moves into the large, deep green heart-shaped leaves, which quickly grow to their final size. It is an ideal choice for beginners because it handles heavier clay soils excellently and tolerates short-term drought. Furthermore, the flowers are suitable for cutting into spring tied bouquets, where they look very tender and add lightness to the arrangement.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and beginning of spring. They are suitable for a vase only after prominent seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Before that, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Hellebore 'Pretty Ellen Purple' has single flowers of a deep burgundy-purple color with cream stamens.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Washington has white flowers.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Gloria Purpurea has dark pink flowers.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are usable for a vase only after striking seed pods form in the middle of the flower and the flower matures. Before that, they tend to wilt and the stems will not hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Hellebore Pretty Ellen White has single white flowers, with a slight burgundy tinge in the center, on which the white stamens beautifully stand out.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are usable for a vase only after striking seed pods form in the middle of the flower and the flower matures. Before that, they tend to wilt and the stems will not hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Hellebore Pretty Ellen White Spotted has single white flowers with burgundy-red spotting.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually carry four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. They are usable for a vase only after the conspicuous seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Earlier, they have a tendency to wilt, and the stems will not hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Hellebore 'Pretty Ellen Red' has single, burgundy red flowers with beige stamens and a light lime eye.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to their relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence has bloomed. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Peaches and Cream has soft white-pink flowers.

Spring navelwort is a groundcover woodland perennial native to southern Europe. It naturalized in our gardens as early as the 16th century, and in suitable places, it can form dense carpets of fresh green leaves. Thanks to this, it works as a reliable undergrowth beneath shrubs and trees, where it naturally retains moisture and prevents weed growth. The sky-blue flowers, strikingly similar to forget-me-nots, appear early in the spring, from March to May, and attract the first bees and other pollinators. The plant thrives in partial shade to full shade and requires humus-rich, loamy soil. It is a completely undemanding and frost-hardy perennial that is not bothered by pests or diseases. Although it is a lower plant, its tiny flowers can also be used in delicate spring arrangements.

Delicate decorative, long-lived shade-loving perennials with pinnate leaves and magnificent feathery inflorescences. They originate primarily from East Asia, but also from eastern North America. They look best in large-scale plantings. Due to relatively late sprouting, it is good to combine them with early-flowering bulbs. They last 4–10 days in a vase. We harvest as soon as half of the inflorescence is in bloom. They are very sensitive to ethylene released from ripening fruit. Flowers of the Diamant cultivar have a white color.

A native short-lived perennial that naturally grows in damp meadows. It makes up for its short lifespan in the garden with excellent self-seeding ability. Where it has good conditions, it creates richly flowering patches. It is perfectly suitable for wetter places in the garden, at the edges of streams and ponds.

Hellebores are evergreen perennials that form slowly expanding clumps of leathery, dark green leaves. The stems usually bear four to five flowers. They bloom very early, already at the end of winter and beginning of spring. They are suitable for a vase only after prominent seed pods form in the center of the flower and the flower matures. Before that, they tend to wilt and the stems cannot hold the flower in an upright position. All parts of the plant are poisonous. The flowers of this cultivar are semi-double, snow-white with burgundy speckling.

Sweet woodruff is a jewel of spring beech forests and an ideal choice for the shady corners of your garden. This low perennial naturally grows in moist and shady groves, where it forms continuous carpets of fresh green leaves. Thanks to its low maintenance and ability to spread quickly, it acts as a perfect groundcover plant that effectively suppresses weeds and retains moisture in the soil under the canopies of trees or shrubs. In May and June, the cover lights up with a flood of tiny, pure white flowers that bring light and softness to darker corners. In addition to its ornamental function, woodruff is valued for its unmistakable aroma. It contains coumarin, a substance reminiscent of the smell of freshly cut hay with notes of vanilla, which fully develops only when the plant wilts. It is therefore traditionally used to flavor spring drinks, such as May wine, or to season desserts. The plant is fully frost-resistant and cultivation is easy even for beginners; just provide it with humus-rich, loose soil and plenty of moisture.