Evergreen woody plants and shade-loving perennials

Shade-loving perennials adorn the entire botanical garden, particularly the Wood exposition in the northern part of the garden. However, they also extend to the southern part, for example, the serene Japanese Garden.

Within these lush surroundings, visitors have the opportunity to marvel at shade-loving bulbs and tuberous plants such as snowdrops, summer snowflakes, various species of the Corydalis genus, and iconic woodland flora like anemones, liverworts, hellebores, and pileworts. The majority of these woodland plants thrive and bloom during the spring, preceding the moment when the undergrowth becomes shaded by the leaves of trees and shrubs.

The exposition peaks in interest during the latter half of April. Although the first blooms emerge in February and the final ones grace the scene in October, the true splendor of this botanical display unfolds when the undergrowth is alive with vibrant hues in the springtime.

In the summer, the dominant feature of the exposition is the array of hostas (Hosta). Approximately 250 cultivars grace the display, each distinguished by unique shapes and colors of leaves. Particularly sought-after are cultivars boasting distinctively striped leaves, although those with grey foliage also capture attention.

Shade-loving groundcover perennials hold significant value, often serving as substitutes for lawns or thriving as understory beneath shrubs and trees in gardens. Our garden boasts an extensive assortment of barrenworts (Epimedium), encompassing approximately 100 species and cultivars. Additionally, the lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) enjoys popularity, showcasing not only the familiar variety with blue flowers found in the wild but also captivating burgundy or white forms, both in single and full-flowered variations.

Situated within the heart of the Grove exposition is an unheated greenhouse dedicated to the cultivation of rare shade-loving tuberous plants demanding specialized care. Among the captivating specimens, cyclamens (Cyclamen), plants from the Arisaema genus, and trilliums (Trillium) stand out as particularly intriguing.

The exposition is enhanced by the presence of evergreen shrubs, and surrounding the greenhouse, natural structures support climbing plants that thrive in shade. Notable among these species are climbing monkshoods (Aconitum) and thorny, woody smilaxes (Smilax).

Hollies

In the wooded areas adjacent to the main entrance from Bohnice, there is a collection of evergreen shrubs, including hollies and various Osmanthus species. Among the hollies commonly utilized are the English holly (Ilex aquifolium) and its variegated cultivars, such as 'Argenteomarginata' or the variegated and spiny-leaved 'Ferox Argentea'. While some cultivars showcase traditional red berries, others may take on a yellow tint, as observed in Ilex aquifolium 'Bacciflava'. Our collection also features crossbreeds of hollies, such as the blue holly (Ilex x meserveae) or the chestnut-leafed holly (Ilex x koehneana). Additionally, less cultivated species in the area include the American holly (Ilex opaca) and the Japanese holly (Ilex crenata).

The Osmanthus genus is represented by species such as the holly osmanthus (Osmanthus heterophyllus) and the Burkwood osmanthus (Osmanthus x burkwoodii).