With nearly a foot of snow on the ground, it may be hard to think about spring planting, however now is time to start planning. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists have released some suggestions for plants in shady areas. Annuals that can be successfully grown in shady areas include wax begonia, impatiens, coleus, wishbone flower, and pansy. A number of perennials also grow well in shady areas, including Japanese painted fern, hosta, crested iris, and bleeding heart.

Also, a native woodland wildflowers make good additions to shady areas of home landscapes. Some of these wildflowers include Jack-in-the-pulpit, shooting star, Virginia bluebells and trillium.

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