Tall Flowers for Shade in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a state known for its diverse climate, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and varying levels of rainfall depending on the region. Gardeners in Oklahoma often face the challenge of finding plants that thrive in the shade, especially tall flowers that can add vertical interest to shady areas of the garden. If you’re wondering which tall flowers will flourish in Oklahoma’s shady environments, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the best options.

1. Understanding Oklahoma’s Climate and Shade Requirements

Before diving into specific plant recommendations, it’s important to understand Oklahoma’s climate and what “shade” really means in gardening terms. Oklahoma has a humid subtropical climate in the east and semi-arid conditions in the west, so plants that thrive in one part of the state may struggle in another. Shade in your garden can range from full shade (no direct sunlight) to partial shade (a few hours of filtered light).

Tall shade flowers need to be resilient to lower light conditions and adaptable to the varying moisture levels in Oklahoma. These flowers should be able to handle the state’s unique weather conditions, such as the high humidity and occasional droughts, while still bringing beauty to your landscape.

2. Top Tall Flowers for Shade in Oklahoma

Let’s take a closer look at some tall flowers that perform exceptionally well in Oklahoma’s shady spots:

1 Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)

Joe Pye Weed is an excellent option for tall shade flowers in Oklahoma. This native perennial can grow up to 7 feet tall and produces large clusters of purple-pink flowers in late summer to early fall. Joe Pye Weed thrives in partial shade, and its height makes it an ideal choice for adding vertical interest to shaded borders.

• Growth Conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. It’s also drought-tolerant once established, which is important for Oklahoma’s occasional dry spells.
• Benefits: Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees. It’s deer-resistant, which is useful for rural Oklahoma gardens.

2 Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Foxgloves are a classic choice for shade gardens, known for their tall, spiky flower stalks that can reach up to 5-6 feet. Foxgloves bloom in late spring and early summer, offering a dramatic display of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow.

• Growth Conditions: Foxgloves prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil. They need consistent moisture to thrive but can handle some drought once established.
• Benefits: Their tall stature makes them ideal for the back of a shady border. Foxgloves are also great for attracting pollinators.

3 Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)

Astilbes are renowned for their feathery plumes of flowers, which can add both height and texture to a shaded garden. Some varieties of astilbe can grow up to 4 feet tall, making them a good choice for taller shade plants. They bloom in shades of white, pink, red, and purple.

• Growth Conditions: Astilbes prefer consistently moist soil and can tolerate partial shade. They are not drought-tolerant, so they need regular watering, especially in Oklahoma’s hot summers.
• Benefits: Astilbes are deer-resistant and attract beneficial insects like bees.

4 Goat’s Beard (Arenco’s dioicus)

Goat’s Beard is another tall flower that does well in shaded conditions. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces large, feathery white flower plumes in early summer. Goat’s Beard has a similar appearance to astilbe but is much larger and can make a bold statement in a shade garden.

• Growth Conditions: Prefers moist, rich soil and does best in partial to full shade. Goat’s Beard thrives in areas with high humidity, making it a perfect fit for eastern Oklahoma.
• Benefits: It’s a great plant for naturalizing in woodland gardens or along shaded streams.

5 Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

While hollyhocks are often associated with sunny gardens, they can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates like Oklahoma’s. Hollyhocks can grow up to 8 feet tall and produce tall spikes of flowers in a range of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white.

• Growth Conditions: Hollyhocks prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade, although they may not flower as profusely as they would in full sun.
• Benefits: Hollyhocks are easy to grow and add an old-fashioned charm to cottage-style gardens. They also attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

6 Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)

Japanese Anemones are known for their tall, graceful stems that can reach up to 4 feet in height, topped with delicate white, pink, or lavender flowers. They bloom in late summer to fall, providing color in the garden when many other plants have finished blooming.

• Growth Conditions: Japanese Anemones prefer partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil. They can spread via underground rhizomes, so be mindful of their space.
• Benefits: They add elegance to the garden and are relatively low-maintenance once established.

7 Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The Cardinal Flower is a tall, native perennial that produces spikes of brilliant red flowers, making it a stunning addition to shaded areas. This plant can grow up to 4 feet tall and is well-suited for Oklahoma’s moist, shaded spots like along streams or in rain gardens.

• Growth Conditions: Cardinal Flowers thrive in partial shade and consistently moist soil. They do best in areas with high humidity and frequent watering.
• Benefits: The vibrant red flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

3. Designing a Shade Garden with Tall Flowers

Incorporating tall flowers into your shade garden can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some tips for designing a garden that takes full advantage of these plants:

1.Layering for Visual Interest

Tall flowers are perfect for the back of garden beds or borders, where they can provide height and structure. Layer shorter shade-tolerant plants like ferns, hosts, or hellebores in front of them to create a lush, multi-dimensional garden. Mixing different textures, such as the feathery plumes of astilbe with the bold foliage of hosts, will add visual interest.

2 Creating a Focal Point

Use tall flowers to create focal points in the garden. For instance, Joe Pye Weed or Hollyhocks can act as eye-catching features in an otherwise green, shady landscape. Plant them in clusters for a more dramatic effect.

3 Maximizing Bloom Times

To ensure color throughout the growing season, choose tall flowers that bloom at different times. For example, Foxgloves bloom in late spring, while Japanese Anemones and Joe Pye Weed provide late-season color. This staggered approach will keep your shade garden vibrant for months.

4. Caring for Tall Shade Flowers in Oklahoma

While selecting the right plants is important, proper care is essential to ensure your tall flowers thrive in Oklahoma’s climate.

1 Soil Preparation

Shade gardens often suffer from poor soil drainage, so amend your soil with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility. Most shade-loving plants prefer rich, moist soil, so mulching can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

2 Watering Needs

Many tall shade flowers, such as Astilbes and Cardinal Flowers, require consistent moisture. In Oklahoma’s dry periods, be sure to water your shade garden regularly to prevent stress on the plants. A soaker hose or drip irrigation system can help deliver water directly to the roots.

3 Pest Control

Shade gardens in Oklahoma can be susceptible to pests like slugs, snails, and deer. Use organic pest control methods like beer traps for slugs, and consider planting deer-resistant varieties like Joe Pye Weed or Goat’s Beard.

Conclusion

Creating a shade garden with tall flowers in Oklahoma is a rewarding endeavor that adds beauty, vertical interest, and texture to your landscape. By choosing the right plants, such as Joe Pye Weed, Foxglove, or Japanese Anemone, and providing them with the proper care, you can transform even the shadiest parts of your garden into vibrant, colorful spaces. Whether you’re looking to attract pollinators, create a serene woodland garden, or simply enjoy the beauty of tall blooms, these flowers will thrive in Oklahoma’s unique climate and make your garden flourish.