I would like some ideas for some tall perennials for partial shade. I am thinking about screening out the sight of a neighbors dog kennel with some taller plants that would look good and not need staking. Perhaps in the four plus height range.

Betty, how much shade? I find it is hard to find tall plants and/or shrubs for shady areas. I have an area near my alley that I want to block also. The taller plants seem to be a bit "see through" like bugbane and meadow rue. Would you have enough room for a rhododendron?

I do not want to use shrubs as I already have plenty to prune. I would say it is filtered shade with about 50% sun. I may even consider a trellis with a vine which is easier to keep trimmed, although I think plants would look best. I have plenty of room but want to keep it on the smaller size area as once again I already have plenty of gardens to keep up. I do have a shade garden in the area with a large shrub I am thinking if I just add some extra plants geared toward screening would make a difference.

My first thought was bugbane as well. There are a couple of colorful varieties. Some of my woods ferns come close to 3 ft. Yellow waxy bells (Kirengeshoma) can get close to 3 ft but fall blooming would depend on how dark the spot is and moisture levels. Hardiness might be iffy.

I take into consideration all of the plants mentioned.

This suggestion might give some heartburn, but if you would consider a vine, woodbine might work. I inherited some on my property and use it to screen the side of my shed. I keep a watch on it to make sure it doesn't ramble too far but otherwise do no maintenance.

Thanks but no I looked it up it will not work for what I need. I do have a tall flowering perennial that my MIL gave me years ago I am thinking of trying some of it to see how it grows in that area. I am not sure what it is but it gets fairly tall and has yellow daisy type flowers later in the season.

Delphiniums or Monkshood? Some foxgloves grow taller?

daylilydreams said:Thanks but no I looked it up it will not work for what I need. I do have a tall flowering perennial that my MIL gave me years ago I am thinking of trying some of it to see how it grows in that area. I am not sure what it is but it gets fairly tall and has yellow daisy type flowers later in the season.

A lot of the yellow composite sunflower types will grow and bloom in half shade, so that's a good bet. Helianthus comes first to my mind, and then Wingstem (Verbesina alternifolia). The latter is usually taller than the former. Taller yet, Sunroots might do well there, too, but they're root spreaders. If you have tended garden spaces nearby, you probably wouldn't want the added work of controlling them.

Caroline, I have tried many times to get foxglove to grow here and finally gave up. I will keep the other two in mind.

Chelle, I think it could be a Helianthus, I am totally unfamiliar with the Verbesina alternifolia will have to look it up. I don't want something I have to control for the sunroot

Another yellow late summer bloomer that I wouldn't be without is Sneezeweed (Helenium 'Double Trouble'). Ours grows in part shade under our small-leaved tree canopy and has done just fine for ten years or better. It gets to around 5' tall and bushes out quite a bit, but requires very little root space. Depending on how deep your shade is you may want to stake it, but it really hasn't been necessary here. Some years I do, and some I don't. On years I don't, it just hangs over to the sides a bit more. I'd think that might be just fine in your situation. Plus, it needs no extra water or care once it's established. It just gets taller if you water it. The blooms don't seem to be affected either way.

How about some reed or bamboo fencing, to be sure the kennel won't be seen, with tall perennials in front of it?

https://www.google.com/webhp?s...

How about meadow rue?

Thanks everyone for your ideas.

Chelle, I will look up Helenium 'Double Trouble' sounds like a good one.

The city would not allow that type of fence and it does not appeal to me.

Meadow Rue is quite see thru at least the one I have in my garden.

Chelle, I just love Helenium and have collected several varieties for the garden. They are definetly easy to care for. I would be so thrilled if I could find Tie Dye but no luck so far.

What about some old fashion tall garden phlox. I grow mine in sun but my sister has only shade and hers gets a bit taller but still blooms nicely.

Not sure if this fits the parameters, but I love growing dual functional perennial. Shading or aroma or color combined with a fruit etc. Grapes and hops are kinda cool, especially if there is a wine or beer maker around. Growing my first loofahs which rumor has are perennial. The ATP podcast inspired me to go loofah crazy this year!!!

I think Clematis would be great. I would try to find some that re-bloom throughout the season like 'Rosemoor'. Put them in the back and maybe get some Hydrangeas like 'Incrediball' or 'Hayes Starburst' to go in front.

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone will give them consideration.

Maybe take a look at Siberian Pea Shrub? Nitrogen fixing, chop & drop for mulch or let it grow.