We’d like to add some interest to our perennials gardens. What do you recommend that is:
tall semi-shade long blooming perennials
thanks
Dear gardener,
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
There is an array of choices we can recommend. Much depends on light conditions (you mentioned Part-shade), soil type and natural moisture in your site. I am also assuming that you are located in Toronto.
As such, you can take a look at the following list of perennials as a starting point. I have selected perennials that are long blooming and > 100cm in height. However, when looking at these at the garden center, check the height for each variety as some will be a bit shorter than others:
Rudbeckia laciniata (Cut leaf Coneflower): 120-210cm
Eupatorium purpureum (Joe-Pye Weed): 200cm
Silphium perfoliatum (Cup plant): 100-250cm – It prefers full sun but can survive part-shade
Ligularia dentata (Ligularia): 100-150cm
Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove): 90-120cm
Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern): 100cm – Although non blooming, it adds interest to the back border
Cimicifuga (also classified as Actea) simplex (Bugbane): 150cm
Aruncus spp (Goatsbeard): 90-100cm
Thalictrum spp (Meadow Rue): 90-150cm
Aconitum spp (Monkshood): 70-110cm
Filipendula purpurea (Meadowsweet): 100cm
Veronicastrum virginicum (Culvert’s root): 90-120cm
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster): 100-150cm
Rodgersia aesculifolia (Rodgersia): 100cm
Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower): 100-150cm – It prefers full sun but can survive part-shade
Monarda fistulosa (Bergamot): 100-150cm
Asclepias incarnata (Red Milkweed): 100-120cm – These need very moist conditions as they live in wet habitats. The common Milkweed is shorter and requires full sun.
The above list includes many native plants. This is not a coincidence; our native plants thrive in our climate and have a tendency to grow taller than non-native ones. They are also more adaptable to many soils.
Best of luck and happy gardening!