“Made in the shade” was an expression from the 1950’s when the “cool cats” were cruising the drive-ins, combing their ducktails and listening to rock and roll on the juke box. You still hear this phrase from time to time, but usually from those 50 and older.
Made in the shade is also a gardening term, but mostly it’s “not made in the shade.” Very little seems to grow in shady areas, which is a problem in our back yard because we have so many mature maple trees, and it’s hard to get stuff to grow.
A couple years ago, our son Jimmie helped solve part of our problem when he gave us some Lenten Rose plants. We needed some border growth, we planted the Lenten Roses, they did famously and now, if we’re not careful, they take over everything.
Lenten Roses are thus named because they flowers look like roses and they bloom in and throughout the Lenten season. They grow well in dark, gloomy areas – like beneath old trees – and the flowers are heavenly.
They are great along walkways, beneath fences or any areas that lack a lot of sunlight, but require cover. They grow in both partial and full shade. The Lenten flowers begin to bloom as early as late winter. We have seen ours in full bloom with snow on the ground.
Lenten Roses are among the plants that have “babies.” Their seeds fall, are covered by the plant’s leaves and quickly develop into new plants. Nancy is constantly pulling up unwanted sprouts, so they won’t take over her hostas.
These perennials herbs grow to about 18-inces tall and are native to Greece and Turkey. They peaked in popularity in the late 19thcentury, then fell out of favor – probably because of their rapid reproduction. Horticulturist, Helen Ballard, helped revive the plant, which is now making a favorable comeback.
They are spectacular plants with beautiful blooms, so if you ever need something “made in the shade”, plant a few.