- Perennials planted within a woodland garden face the constant threat of animal pests that also reside in the forest. Tree squirrels, deer, skunks and raccoons can kill young plants. Consider planting deer resistant perennials for the best chance of success. Raccoons and skunks do not usually eat the plants, but they do dig up flower gardens in search of grubs and worms. Tree squirrels enjoy nibbling on the bark of woody varieties.
- The astilbe and false indigo (Baptisia) offer deer resistance, according to the University of Vermont Extension System website. They will tolerate moist soil and grow with minimal care. False indigo tolerates partial shade and grows as a large shrub-like perennial. A legume, it has the ability to fix nitrogen into the surrounding soil for the benefit of other plants. The astilbe tolerates full or partial shade. Varieties range in height from 1 to 5 feet. Flower plumes appear in shades of white, pink, red and lavender.
- In woodland areas with extreme shade cover, consider pruning away limbs to allow filtered sunlight to reach the plants. In areas where limbs cannot be pruned back choose perennial plants that tolerate full shade. The Utah State University website lists the bleeding heart (Dicentra hybrid) and the lenten rose (Helleborus hybrid) as perennials that grow well in full shade. The bleeding heart produces nodding heart-shaped flowers in shades of white and red. The lenten rose flowers appear in shades of pink, green, red and dark, almost black colors.
- Woodland settings often have poor drainage. Perennials that tolerate wetlands must be planted in such difficult locations. North Carolina State University's website suggests the turtlehead (Chelone glabra) and the goldenrod (Solidago rugosa) for areas with overly wet soil. The goldenrod grows to a height of up to 5 feet and produces yellow daisy-like flowers in the late summer. The turtlehead stands 3 feet tall and has a spreading growth habit. It produces white flower spikes each fall.
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