If you’re looking for some flowering filler ground covers that can take part shade to maybe even well I won’t say SHADE but hmm, yep, sometimes we want to push the envelope… and if you do, try the likes of Campanula poscharskyana (photo below) which is virtually pest and disease free.
Otherwise these 3 ground covers are lovely; each with their own merits! Let’s take a look…
1. Campanula – Bellflower
Campanula is a showy perennial in the Bellflower Family (Campanulaceae) and grows widely in the Northern Hemisphere. With over 450 species and probably 10 to 20 species available this plant is well regarded, popular and so easy to grow in the garden. Campanula poscharskyana (photos below) bloom on semi-erect stems. Bloom color: violet or deep pink to white. Exposure: Sun to part shade. Hardy: to 0 degrees F. Soils: Most soils. Water: Moderate.

Campanula poscharskyana – Serbian Bellflower (May, 2018). Mat forming growing up brick wall. Size: 6-8″ tall x 1 to 2′ wide.

Campanula poscharskyana ‘Alba’. Flowers: White star shaped. Size: 1-2’wide x 1.5′ tall.

Campanula latifolia blooming away in July in SF. Flowers deliver charming vertical appeal. Soil: Average to rich. Bloom time: Spring and rebloom in summer if cut back. Self sows. Divide every few years if needed. USDA: 3-10.
2. Anemone – Windflower
These herbaceous perennials are in the Buttercup Family (Ranunculacea) and will reward you with their laid back, easy to grow, low maintenance nature. They do, however, spread by creeping rhizomes and can be a nuisance when their growth becomes too much, a few years post planting. Plan for them – be prepared for them and plenty of rewards to follow. Soil: Best in humus rich soil. Water: Moderate. Bloom time: Late summer/fall.

Anemone x hybrida ‘Honerine Jobert’ (Sept, 2018). Size: 2′ x 2′. With blooms 5′. Bloom time: Late summer/fall. Water: moderate to moist. Flowers: White; good cut flowers. USDA: 4 – 8.

Low maintenance Anemone (Sept, 2018)
3. Aquilegia – Columbine
Like Anemone (above), Aquilegia is also in the Buttercup family. But, the footprint of these two plants differs in that Aquilegia makes lovely clumps and can be enjoyed without worry of higher maintenance spreading. These graceful plants attract butterflies, insects and red varieties act like hummingbird magnets. Exposure: Sun to part shade. Water: moderate to moist; they don’t like to dry out while actively growing. Hardy: 0 degrees F.

Aquilegia caerulea – Rocky Mountain Columbine (April, 2018).

Aquilegia formosa – Western columbine (April, 2015)
Conclusion
~If you want to mass beneath a dappled shade tree consider Anemone.
~If you want a small footprint with spring-time dainty flowers consider Aquilegia.
~If you want all around easy consider Campanula.
Happy Gardening!
Nicole


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