What to plant in my shady, muddy problem area?

Question

I have an area in the backyard, right under a tree and behind the shed. Not much is growing there. This is almost full shade in the summer. It is muddy and tries to wash some of my little plants out.

Part of the area will have a firepit again (it gets some sun) with rocks around it and pavers around it, so that isn't a problem.

I live in Indiana - anything MUST survive winter. I am not opposed to ground cover, but I want something that will live and help with the erosion in the area.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

There is a plethora of shade perennials that will spread to cover your muddy area and can be found at almost any garden and landscape center.  Wisconsin winters have tested my gardens, but my lily of the valley, vina minor (periwinkle), hostas, lobelia, pachysandra, and ferns have all filled in their respective areas and are very good at utilizing the shade in my yard.  If you have difficulties be sure to talk to your garden and landscape staff (they employ horticulturists for a reason).

Also something to think about that most people overlook.  The acidity and composition of the soil where you live will impact the rate at which these plants will grow.  If the trees shading this area are spruce, juniper, cedar, or any number of other trees there is a good idea that soil has become slightly acidic and may have an impact on the plants.  If you are really worried about your plants please take this into consideration... plants are forgiving but they can only be so flexible to certain environments.

Edit: Sorry, something I remembered.  If you're worried about your shade plants being invasive (many listed can be) try to build a barrier (stone, timber, concrete) which should slow their progress after they get going.  Also try to stay away from bamboo.  Although the fact that its exoticness (is that a word?) is very attractive it grows at insane speeds!

Answer 2

Grasses are a good way to prevent erosion. I don't know what grows in your area, but a local nursery will have some available - just look for ones that say shade in it.

A Bamboo for shade could be nice too, ferns are pretty.  I also really like lily of the valley, monkshood, sweet woodruff, hostas come in different colours...

One thing I like to do - if you have any friends or neighbours with gardens, look and see what grows in their shade.  I ask if I can take a small part of the plant and by the next year that piece has tripled, and I plant it in a similar location they did.  I've gotten over 10 different plants that way!

You can also check your local nursery with Knowledgable staff - you usually pay a bit more for the knowledge :), but sometimes it's worth it.

Answer 3

mondo grass