AKA Dry shaded area. Aside from Cast Iron Plant I can't find anything to grow in a dark corner of my yard. And now that the Cast Iron Plant has filled in the front of the bed, I need something taller. The bed is full shade about 10 ft wide with about 3 mature trees nearby, hence the shade and the need for drought tolerance as the trees suck up most of the moisture in the soil. Hostas need too much water. Is there a tall variegated variety of Cast Iron Plant? How about a tall variety of Mother In Law Tongue?

Sorry, I don't know either of those plants. I bet lily of the valley would spread everywhere.

I love Lily of the Valley!! We got several plants from my MIL. But our zone is just too hot for it. I am thinking Mother In Law Tongue/Snake Plant, something tall behind the Cast Iron Plant. But it is so freeze sensitive and could be killed in the winter. Hmmmmmm

See if this list helps. Sorry I really do not know many zone 9 plants.
http://www.plantdelights.com/A...
There seems to be many choices of Cast Iron plants.

Thank you, Bob. I have a pot of a speckled variety Cast Iron, either Milky Way or Yellow Polka Dot Bikini or I'm not sure. The speckled ones look so similar. That might be a nice backdrop behind the solid green. I will have to look into that good idea!

Glade the info was helpful.

I would look at things that would brighten up the shady area with a glow of white or bright color. The variegated Aspidistra or cast iron plant would do that.

I might also suggest variegated Asian Jasmine if you want a trailing groundcover vine. Asian Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum 'Variegatum')

It will grow in partial to full shade. The white in the variegation brightens a darker area and I don't find this vine to be rampant at all.

Here are some pictures to show you the area I am talking about.

The area is behind the Cast Iron Plant (Front View)


Here is the area, View 1. The trees that flank the area take up much of the soil's moisture.


Another view from the back side.

I have the same problem under my Birch Trees. I am thinking about some large colorful flower pots for container gardens. Hostas would be great. Also you could add a few of those mini Coral Bells, Corydalis, Bugleweed, and maybe some small grasses.
I have been racking my brain for a long time to come up with a solution for my problem. I read that if you do a raised bed that close to the trees you will suffocate the roots because they need air. So the large colorful containers would be the easiest thing I think. Also will brighten things up a lot and will not compete for water. Oh, don't forget to add some painted ferns.

If you are in zone 9 be sure to choose heat tolerant Hostas. Read this article, you will like it.

http://www.plantdelights.com/H...

with Susan. The potted containers will give you more versatility and address the water issue. Some pots may be too showy, but there are pots that are more natural looking and would blend into your tree bkgrd easier.

If you do decide to go with a container look at the trailing Heucherella like Redstone or Yellowstone Falls. They have Villosa in their background and tolerate heat and humidity .
http://www.terranovanurseries....
http://www.terranovanurseries....
They would require some watering though.

Off topic, hi Bob is your avatar a photo of sharpeis? Its really cute!

Yes they are. It is of the mother , father and 2 of the puppies.

Aw how cute!!! I love how curious dogs can be! Thanks for the smile!

Hi! I live in 9 area and the only things that have worked ( after a lots of untimely deaths of some great plants) are lace fern and clivia. You can also propagate the clivia and have a large garden, plus they are gorgeous when they bloom. (You can also plant them quite close together (6-8inches) so it covers the ground.
Hope that helps!!

Civia? It blooms in deep shade? That would be wonderful!! I have a pot full of vintage Clivia from my MIL. Thanks, Juju, I think I will give that a try.

Shady green thumb I don't know if you're still watching this thread but I do know that nandina would take the heat and droubt(sp?) not sure about the deep shade. Although I do have some in some pretty shady spots. If you plant this though you may wish you hadn't. Here at our house we call it damdina. If you ever try to dig it up you will be digging from now til ---- freezes over to get all the roots. It's easier to dig up a pecan tree.

damdina

Virginia Rose, I have seen many quotes and yours is one of my favorites. Makes me hungry every time I see it.

Me too!