Woodland Perennials: F-O

Most gardeners have some shade, and more gardens have nothing but shade. In general, shade plants grow best in light to moderate shade, and most benefit from some sun in early morning.

Few plants will do well in heavy shade with competition from tree roots. Consider raising or thinning tree branches to improve the quality of shade and air circulation.

Remember that trees take a lot of water and nutrients from the soil, so supplemental watering and fertilizing will be required. The best results will be achieved by creating raised beds with logs or rocks, filled with a mix of coarse sand, soil, and organic matter.

A B C D E F-G H I J-L M-O P Q R S T U-Z ALL
Farfugium japonicum 'Santa Cruz' NEW!

Farfugium japonicum 'Santa Cruz' NEW!

Variegated plant guru Lance Reiners of Santa Cruz, CA found this new variegated form of a beautiful evergreen shade perennial from east Asia. The green, glossy leaves have irregular central variegation of yellow-green and yellow. The bright yellow f...
SKU: #7342 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $100.00

Farfugium japonicum 'Yaezaki Hoshifu'

Farfugium japonicum 'Yaezaki Hoshifu'

Fairly new and rare form of an evergreen shade perennial from Japan. The leaves are covered with yellow spots, with the addition of showy double yellow flowers in fall that last for a long time. Likes rich well-drained soil. USDA Zones 7-10. Grown...
SKU: #234 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $25.00

Farfugium japonicum 'Yaezaki'

Farfugium japonicum 'Yaezaki'

This is the rare double-flowered form of a beautiful evergreen shade perennial from east Asia. The green, glossy leaves set off the fall floral display. The bright yellow double flowers are particularly long-lasting. USDA Zones 7-10. Grown in 3.5...
SKU: #233 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $30.00

Fritillaria camtschatcensis

Fritillaria camtschatcensis

Late spring to early summer blooming bulb from NE Asia with black, nodding, bell-shaped flowers. Requires excellent drainage in moist gravelly or humus-rich soil. Easier in cool-summer climates. USDA Zones 3-7 (9 on west coast). Grown in 3.5" pots...
SKU: #235 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $16.00

Fritillaria japonica var. koidzumiana

Fritillaria japonica var. koidzumiana

Dainty Japanese woodland species with an inflated creamy bell-shaped flowers heavily dotted with red-purple inside. Likes a rich well-drained woodland soil. Good trough plant. USDA Zones 4-7 (9 on west coast). Grown in 2.5" pots. Counts as 1/2 of...
SKU: #236 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $16.00

Geum japonicum 'Star Splash'

Geum japonicum 'Star Splash'

Geum japonicum is a tough NE Asian perennial found in open woods and wood edges, with lobed, entire or compound leaves at the base. The flowering stems are about 15" tall, with bright yellow showy flowers in summer and early fall. The leaves of this ...
SKU: #862 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $22.00

Glaucidium palmatum

Glaucidium palmatum

Star of the early spring garden, this Japanese woodlander unfolds its large silky purple-pink blossoms to great sighs of pleasure. The handsome foliage resembles maple leaves. Requires moist, well-drained soil in light to medium shade. Large blooming...
SKU: #238 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $22.00

Glaucidium palmatum, white-flowered

Glaucidium palmatum, white-flowered

This very rare variant has all the beauty of leaf and flower of the purple-flowered species, but with pure white flowers. These were all checked in bloom so the color is right. Here it is just as vigorous as the pink/purple-flowered form. It requires...
SKU: #239 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $45.00

Gymnostemma pentaphyllum 'Gold Chain'

Gymnostemma pentaphyllum 'Gold Chain'

Herbaceous perennial vine in the pumpkin family that dies to the ground each year. The leaves are made up of 5 leaflets, looking like a miniature Virginia creeper. This rare variegated form has leaves brightly splashed and flecked golden yellow. The ...
SKU: #600 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $18.00

Helleborus thibetanus

Helleborus thibetanus

This is the only hellebore native to Asia (western China). It doesn't get much respect from helle-bores who want the biggest flowers on obese plants, but it has considerable charm. The foliage is dissected and fresh bright green. The elegant pale pin...
SKU: #240 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $20.00

Heloniopsis orientalis 'Sunburst'

Heloniopsis orientalis 'Sunburst'

This is a rare variegated form of a rosette-forming liliaceous plant that is the Asian counterpart of Helonias bullata, the swamp pink. It requires moist well-drained soil that does not dry out, or grow in sphagnum with your pitcher plants. Needs som...
SKU: #242 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $28.00

Heloniopsis orientalis var. yakusimensis

Heloniopsis orientalis var. yakusimensis

Beautiful evergreen perennial from the high mountains of the islands of southern Japan, growing along rocky streams and on cool moist slopes. This has an evergreen rosette of leaves remaining green in winter. Does well in moist, well-drained soil in ...
SKU: #243 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $14.00

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica - Double purple

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica - Double purple

Japanese cultivated forms with full double flowers.USDA Zones 5-8. Grown in 2.5" pot. Counts as 1/2 of a plant unit for shipping calculations....
SKU: #422 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $65.00

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica - Double white

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica - Double white

Japanese cultivated selections with fully double pure white flowers. Vigorous. USDA Zones 5-8. Grown in 2.5" pot. Counts as 1/2 of a plant unit for shipping calculations....
SKU: #420 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $65.00

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica - Mixed wild type

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica - Mixed wild type

This is the wild hepatica seen on mountain slopes along the Japan Sea side of Japan. It is cheerful in early spring with white, pink, purple or bicolored flowers. Glossy green or mottled foliage. USDA Zones 5-8. Grown in 2.5" pots....
SKU: #416 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $14.00

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica - Single purple

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica - Single purple

Selected lavender to purple shades of this early spring gem. Requires excellent drainage in light to medium shade. Perfect for rock gardens. USDA Zones 5-8. Grown in 2.5" pots. Counts as 1/2 of a plant unit for shipping....
SKU: #430 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $16.00

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica -Single pink

Hepatica asiatica var. japonica -Single pink

Selected pale pink to dark pink shades of this cheerful and charming early spring bloomer. Requires excellent drainage; ideal for rock gardens in light to medium shade. USDA Zones 5-8. Grown in 2.5" pots. Counts as 1/2 of a plant unit for shippin...
SKU: #417 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $16.00

Hepatica henryi

Hepatica henryi

A rarely-offered species from western China, with small white flowers and dark green, 5-lobed leaves. For those who long to have the whole hepatica set. USDA Zones 5-8. Grown in 2.5" pot. Counts as 1/2 of a plant unit for shipping calculations....
SKU: #424 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $16.00

Hepatica insularis

Hepatica insularis

Charming but rarely-seen species from the coast of Korea and nearby islands. Leaves are 3-lobed, small, but beautifully patterned. The white or pink flowers bloom very early, the first hepatica to bloom here. Deciduous in colder climates.USDA Zones 5...
SKU: #425 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $22.00

Hepatica yamatutai

Hepatica yamatutai

A rare evergreen hepatica species from western China. The somewhat hairy leaves have many lobes, with purplish new growth and usually purple leaf undersides. The flowers in bud have a pink stripe on the back of the tepals, then the flowers open pure ...
SKU: #428 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $22.00

Hosta albomarginata 'Ogon' NEW!

Hosta albomarginata 'Ogon' NEW!

One of many new mutations of Japanese native species found in the wild and now introduced to Japanese hobbyists. This is a variant of the wild form of H. albomarginata, which is not margined, but with yellow new foliage mellowing to chartreuse. USDA ...
SKU: #1112 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $40.00

Hosta clausa var. normalis

Hosta clausa var. normalis "Jilin"

I received this collection from Dr. James Waddick of Kansas City, MO, years ago. He received this as a wild collection from Dr. Zhao Yu Tang, who collected it along the North Korean border in Jilin Province, PRC. It has proved to be an exceptional pl...
SKU: #1224 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $22.00

Hosta kikuchii var caput-avis 'Chabo Unazaki'

Hosta kikuchii var caput-avis 'Chabo Unazaki'

This is a dwarf creeping form of the "birds head" hosta, so named because of the shape of the lavender inflorescence. Makes a nice mat that is a good groundcover. USDA Zones 4-9. Grown in 3.5" pots....
SKU: #621 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $15.00

Hosta longissima 'Aki Kaze'

Hosta longissima 'Aki Kaze'

This is one of several beautiful variegated form of the "mizu giboshi" or water hosta, referring to its habit of growing on rocks in and around springs and streams. This Japanese selection has short spatulate leaves with a narrow cream border. USDA...
SKU: #870 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $22.00

Hosta longissima 'Ki Fukurin'

Hosta longissima 'Ki Fukurin'

This is one of several beautiful variegated form of the "mizu giboshi" or water hosta, referring to its habit of growing on rocks in and around springs and streams. This Japanese selection has narrow leaves, very glossy, with a creamy yellow border....
SKU: #868 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $38.00

Hosta longissima 'Manzo'

Hosta longissima 'Manzo'

This is one of several beautiful variegated form of the "mizu giboshi" or water hosta, referring to its habit of growing on rocks in and around springs and streams. This Japanese selection has somewhat twisted dark green leaves with a white center. ...
SKU: #871 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $36.00

Hosta pulchella 'Bedspread'

Hosta pulchella 'Bedspread'

A charming small-scale groundcover with petite leaves and short racemes of nodding dark purple flowers. This clone is highly stoloniferous and spreads quickly. USDA Zones 4-9. Grown in 3.5" pots....
SKU: #595 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $25.00

Hosta rectifolia 'Nishiki'

Hosta rectifolia 'Nishiki'

Hosta rectifolia is unaccountably neglected in the U.S. It is has long oval foliage that is fairly erect and very tall flower stalks, to 3 feet, in late summer. Japanese cultivars are becoming very popular in Japan. This Japanese selection has leaves...
SKU: #168 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $35.00

Hosta rectifolia, white flower

Hosta rectifolia, white flower

Hosta rectifolia is unaccountably neglected in the U.S. It is has long oval foliage that is fairly erect and very tall flower stalks, to 3 feet, in late summer. Japanese cultivars are becoming very popular in Japan. This one has pure white, showy flo...
SKU: #169 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $40.00

Hosta tardiflora 'Tortifrons'

Hosta tardiflora 'Tortifrons'

This is the curious twisted-leaf hosta that is apparently a variant of H. tardiflora, with its very late flowers. It makes a tufted clump of great interest in the garden, with showy flowers in October. USDA Zones 4-9. Grown in 2.5" pots. Counts a...
SKU: #170 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $15.00

Hosta venusta 'Crater's Rim'

Hosta venusta 'Crater's Rim'

The cultivars of Hosta venusta are excellent garden plants. They are small but vigorous. There are many Japanese forms; this one has a broad cream/white edge. USDA Zones 4-9. Grown in 2.5" pots. Counts as 1/2 of a plant unit for shipping....
SKU: #171 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $24.00

Hosta venusta 'Ki Nakafu'

Hosta venusta 'Ki Nakafu'

This is a fairly new Japanese selection of the "thumbnail hosta" which is a fair description of its foliage size; the leaves are actually little hearts. This selection has a green margin with a yellow-green center. The variegation is clear in the sp...
SKU: #874 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $24.00

Hosta venusta 'Kin Botan'

Hosta venusta 'Kin Botan'

This is a fairly new Japanese selection of the "thumbnail hosta" which is a fair description of its foliage size; the leaves are actually little hearts. This selection has a gold margin on each leaf, neat and pretty. There are 6" scapes of lavender b...
SKU: #173 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $12.00

Hosta venusta 'Ogon'

Hosta venusta 'Ogon'

This is a new Japanese selection of the "thumbnail hosta" which is a fair description of its foliage size; the leaves are actually little hearts. This selection is gold all over, neat and pretty. There are 6" scapes of lavender bells too. USDA Zones ...
SKU: #873 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $25.00

Hylomecon erectum

Hylomecon erectum

Cheerful Chinese woodland buttercup with attractive foliage and bright golden yellow flowers. Thrives in any woodsy soil in light to medium shade, not too dry. New and rare. USDA Zones 4-8. Grown in 2.5" pots. Counts as 1/2 of a plant unit for ...
SKU: #431 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $16.00

Iris ensata 'Variegata' NEW!

Iris ensata 'Variegata' NEW!

The Japanese iris is an essential perennial for filling the gap between spring-blooming and summer-blooming perennials. Its gorgeous purple flowers on 3' tall stalks are unmatched for June bloom. In this variegated form, the leaves are striped green ...
SKU: #7292 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $16.00

Iris gracilipes

Iris gracilipes

Charming woodland iris from Japan with grassy leaves and showy purple-blue flowers in spring. Good for rock gardens and as a small-scale groundcover. Easy in light to moderate shade, or with morning sun. Blooming size plants. USDA Zone 5-8. Grown...
SKU: #244 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $14.00

Iris gracilipes - White flower

Iris gracilipes - White flower

Charming woodland iris from Japan with grassy leaves and showy white flowers in spring. Good for rock gardens and as a small-scale groundcover. Easy in light to moderate shade or with morning sun. Blooming size plants. USDA Zone 5-8. Grown in 2.5"...
SKU: #245 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $15.00

Iris sanguinea, wild source Korea NEW!

Iris sanguinea, wild source Korea NEW!

This iris loves wet soil, but will do well in ordinary garden soil if it is not too dry. It blooms in June in that gap between the spring and summer flowers when any beautiful flower is doubly welcome. The showy blue flowers stand above the leaves, 2...
SKU: #7278 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $18.00

Isopyrum nipponicum

Isopyrum nipponicum

Elegant early spring blooming perennial for rich woodland soil in shade. The leaves are like a columbine or Thalictrum; the flowers are pale yellow, nodding above the leaves, with a contrasting brown tepal. Likes moist soil. This is also known as Dic...
SKU: #666 2.5 inch pot  (1 ) $18.00

Jeffersonia dubia

Jeffersonia dubia

Justly famous woodland rock garden plant from Korea, long cultivated in Japan. This is the essential rock garden plant, easy in light shade or morning sun, in gritty or gravelly soil where it will form large clumps. Pretty up-facing light blue flower...
SKU: #364 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $20.00

Keiskeia japonica var. hondoensis

Keiskeia japonica var. hondoensis

A little-known and sadly neglected Japanese woodland perennial valuable for late summer bloom, with pretty spikes of white flowers on 2-3' stalks. Thrives in light to moderate shade, or with morning sun, becoming many-stemmed and shrub-like in time. ...
SKU: #365 3.5 inch pot  (1 ) $15.00