Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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30 nshoremag.com October 2014 photographs by (clockwise from left) boris kasimov, holly, olivier bacquet garden Under Cover Turn lack of sunlight to your garden's advantage with shade-loving showstoppers. By Kiley Jacques Cultivate ne when it comes to choosing plants for those shade-prone spots in the garden, just about everyone thinks of hydrangeas, hostas, and ferns. But step outside the planter box and into the world of less common shade-loving perennials. Trillium grandifloru A native to North America, this easy- to-grow woodland species is beloved for its simplicity. Its whorled leaves, delicate single petals, and green sepals all come in groups of three, creating a pleasant symmetry. Commonly referred to as a wood lily, it has one of the largest blossoms of any eastern woodland na- tive. Trillium produces a white flower reminiscent of a dogwood bloom—April through May, which ultimately turns a distinct pink before giving way to dark berry-like capsules. The slow-growing, clump-forming perennial reaches up to 18 inches in height and needs little care once established. Cultivars include 'Eco Double Gardenia,' 'Elgin Form,' and 'Jenny Rhodes.' Astilbe chinensis Known for its plumy, upright flower spikes, fern-like foliage, and low main- tenance requirements, Astilbes are a mainstay for shade gardens. Particularly striking are the white varieties, which really pop from recessed areas. Great for cutting, the blooms begin mid- to late summer and can last for weeks on end (and even lend a little texture to the gar- den after they have dried). Typically, this perennial matures to be one to two feet tall as well as wide. Cultivars include 'Vi- sions in White,' 'Diamonds and Pearls,' and 'Deutschland.' Aconitum napellus Reaching up to five feet in height, this woodland wonder features upright spires, Select Species: Clockwise, Trillium grandifloru ; mature Astilbe chinensis; Astilbe plume