• Columbine plants produce attractive geometric flowers.columbine image by Andrew Orlemann from Fotolia.com
  
  New Jersey hardiness zones, as set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, range from zone 5 to zone 7, with most of the state falling in zone 6 or 7. Generally, home gardeners should opt for plants with more cold tolerance for their zone, rather than looking for best growing success. This is particularly true of perennials, which winter over and bloom again the following growing season if grown in the appropriate hardiness zones.
  
  

Columbine

• Columbines are flowering perennials that thrive in partial shade. Ideally, columbines should be planted in a location that receives approximately half a day of sun and half a day of shade. Flower hues include white, blue, pink, red and yellow, and the plants grow up to 3 feet tall. Columbines also produce an attractive leaf with rounded edges. Allow significant space between plantings, as the columbine is a clumping perennial, which means it will grow nearly as wide as it grows tall. Expect a spread between 24 and 36 inches. Plant columbines in a well-drained area, and keep the soil moist with regular watering if needed.
  
  

Bleeding Heart

• Bleeding heart produces delicate, heart-shaped flowers in white, pink, purple and red hues that hang gently from tall stems. Plant bleeding heart in partial to full shade locations. Flowers appear in spring to early summer in New Jersey. The maximum height for bleeding heart is typically 18 inches; however, the plant may grow up to 36 inches in width. The foliage adds a delicate touch to the shade garden as well. Bleeding heart prefers loose, well-drained soil; avoid heavy, clay soils, as they inhibit growth. Bleeding heart has many varieties, so be sure to identify those types that are hardy for zones 5 to 7. Some possibilities for the New Jersey gardener are the King of Hearts, Adrian Bloom and Luxuriant varietals.
  
  

Hostas

• Enrich the greenscape of your shade garden with the addition of hostas. These foliage plants prefer partial to deep shade; dappled shade also works well. Seek a range of varietals for an eclectic look, or opt for a single type for a consistent and streamlined look. Leaf colors range from solid deep greens to variegated varieties with yellow white and lime green. Hostas also produce tall spikes of small purple flowers, which add a touch of color to a shade garden. Hostas do well in the cool springs and falls of the New Jersey climate. Expect your hostas to reach a maximum height of 24 inches. Plant them in slightly alkaline soil, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Hostas prefer approximately 1 inch of water per week; water regularly for best results.