Relying on hostas and ferns in the shadier garden is still a successful approach to addressing color and texture in those low light conditions. While there are also a wide range of other herbaceous treasures for the shade, including sedges, hellebores, lungwort's and barrenworts, having additional large and bold plants in the design is warranted. Yellow wax bells have an increasing popularity and availability, they are indispensable for color and texture and are a favorite among gardeners. They are graceful additions to shadier gardens with their bold, maple-like foliage and yellow summer flowers.

 Native to mountainous area, this member of the Hydrangeaceae family is a clump-forming plant, with large, palmate, deeply lobed and coarsely toothed leaves that really catch the eye. The exotic leaves have a nice gold fall color as well. This, bold, herbaceous plant will quickly grow to the shrub-like proportions of 4' tall and wide on average. The stems are solidly sturdy and have a purplish tint. Preferring part shard or shade, yellow wax bells does need moisture and will exhibit more flowering in brighter locations. This plant has no significant pest of disease issues and is deer resistant.

The dramatic backdrop first-rate foliage becomes the foil for pale, buttery yellow and pendulous blooms (1.5" long) held in clusters of 3-5 flowers. The flowers start as spherical buds on branched structures in mid-summer and the tubular flowers partially open to feature five petals with pointed tips turned outwards. It's interesting that visually, the flowers don't truly open all the way up. The flowers last for many weeks in the head of summer, blooming early with flowers held a bit more open and upright. 

The long-lasting flowers of yellow wax bells are certainly noteworthy, but the foliage contributions of this perennial are significant from spring emergence until hard frost. The late season fruiting structures are a unique, horned fruit with three "horns" protruding from a swollen capsule. Having another textural marvel for the shade that will achieve shrub-size proportions should be on everyone's design radar.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Jim Borland 1946-2024

DEFOLIATING insects in CO- if left uncontrolled, will kill the trees