Choosing Perennial Plants for West Side of House

Choosing the right perennial plants for the west side of your house can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered.

The west side of your house receives partial shade to full sun, depending on the time of day and the surrounding trees or structures. This means you'll want to choose perennials that can tolerate a range of light conditions.

Some great options for the west side of your house include coneflowers, which can thrive in full sun and produce stunning purple flowers. These drought-tolerant plants are perfect for busy gardeners who don't have time to water every day.

Coral bells are another excellent choice for the west side of your house, as they prefer partial shade and can add a pop of color to your garden with their beautiful leaves and delicate flowers.

Consider reading: Best Time to Water House Plants

Garden phlox is a great choice for a west-facing garden, as it can tolerate a range of soil conditions and prefers moist soil, but be aware of the risk of powdery mildew.

Roses are a versatile option for a west-facing border, and shrub roses will provide a lovely display of flowers.

Hardy geraniums are another great option for a west-facing garden, as they can grow well in either direct sunlight or partial shade and make great companions for ferns.

Lavender is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a west-facing garden, especially in areas with hot, dry summers, and it's a great option for attracting pollinators.

Daylilies are a hardy perennial plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including intense afternoon sun exposure, and they produce a wide range of flowers in various colors.

Coneflowers are a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that can add a pop of color to your west-facing garden, and they attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Plant Flowers

Phlox is a great choice for a west-facing garden, as it loves partial shade and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.

Fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white are a hallmark of phlox, and they bloom in summer through autumn.

Phlox can thrive in west-facing gardens with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

However, be aware of the risk of powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can affect the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and wilt.

To prevent powdery mildew, plant phlox in a well-ventilated area, water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, and avoid overcrowding the plants.

With proper care, phlox can add a lovely pop of color and fragrance to your garden, making it a great addition to any west-facing garden.

For a west-facing border, you'll want trees that can thrive in the shade and provide interest throughout the seasons. Amelanchier lamarckii is a great choice, with its stunning white flowers in spring.

These trees are relatively small, making them perfect for borders. Amelanchier canadensis is another option, with its edible berries that attract birds and other wildlife.

For your interest: House Plants That Look like Palm Trees

Arbutus unedo, also known as the strawberry tree, produces red berries that are a favorite of birds and other animals. Crab apples are another great choice, with their fragrant flowers and edible fruit.

In addition to these options, Cercis canadensis is a great choice for a west-facing border. Its heart-shaped leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for other plants.

Here are some specific trees to consider for your west-facing border:

These trees will add structure and interest to your border, and provide a haven for wildlife in your garden.

When choosing perennial plants for the west side of your house, it's essential to consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. A west-facing garden can receive direct sunlight for several hours during the afternoon and evening, particularly during the summer months when the sun is higher in the sky.

On average, a west-facing garden in a temperate climate can receive between 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day during the summer. This is plenty of sunlight for most perennial plants to thrive.

However, during the winter months, the west-facing garden receives significantly less sunlight, typically around 2-3 hours per day. Be sure to choose plants that can tolerate these reduced sunlight hours.

Here's an interesting read: House Plants That Grow without Sunlight