Re: Background plantings for Shade

In a message dated 98-01-09 22:16:22 EST, you write:

HI, Sheila, I have a similar situation in my garden....a wooden fence 
with about two to three hours of shade at most, and have found some 
wonderful things to grow here.  Mountain laurels will grow and bloom, 
as will rhododendrons.  A nice vine, which grows quite quickly and has 
beautiful leaves, is the akebia vine.  Mine has only been around for 
one year, so did not flower yet, but I have been assured that it will 
flower even in this low light situation.  Hydrangeas also prefer a 
shady location.

CAUTION!!!

Sheila: Marilyn is correct that Akebia vine (Akebia quinata), is a lovely FAST
growing vine. It is temptingly lovely in the spring with somewhat fragrant
purple flowers.

However, this plant is highly invasive. Marilyn has had her plant for only a
year so has not experienced the devouring nature of this plant. If you have
ever battled bittersweet, Hall's honeysuckle or poison ivy, you have an idea
of the potential problem. A gardening friend (we are in PA Zone 6) whose
property is adjacent to woodlands has had acres taken over by Akebia. Nothing
else grows except tall trees (which are also covered with the vine). All
attempts at killing it are futile and she can only hope to keep it from
further devastion. 

Don't mean to be over reacting, but thought you should be aware.

The hydrangeas, however, are one of my favorite plants and do well in the
shade, although deep shade will produce less flowering, particularly the
paniculata's (such as 'PeeGee'. I have not had any self-sowers, but I
understand in Hawaii they are considered invasive, too!

Oh, the challenges of gardening!

Lorraine 
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