Gardening in shady areas can seem challenging, but with the right selection of plants, you can create a lush, vibrant space even in spots where the sun barely reaches. Not all plants need direct sunlight to thrive; many are well-adapted to lower light conditions, adding beauty and variety to shaded gardens. Whether you are planting under trees, along shaded garden borders, or on the north side of a house, plenty of plants can flourish in these less sunny conditions. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best plants for growing in the shade, including perennials, shrubs, ground covers, and flowers.
Hostas
One of the most popular shade-loving plants, hostas (Hosta spp.) are prized for their beautiful foliage. These hardy perennials come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, ranging from deep green to bright yellow, even variegated patterns. Hostas thrive in partial to full shade and are relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for shady garden borders or as ground cover under trees.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial to full shade.
- Soil: Well-drained, rich, and slightly moist.
- Care: Keep soil evenly moist and watch for slugs, which can damage the leaves.
Ferns
Ferns (Polypodiopsida spp.) are classic shade plants that add a touch of elegance to any garden. Their delicate, lacy fronds are perfect for creating a woodland feel in shaded areas. There are many types of ferns, including maidenhair fern, lady fern, and ostrich fern, each with its own unique appearance. Most ferns prefer consistently moist soil, making them a great choice for damp, shaded spots in the garden.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial to full shade.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Care: Keep the soil consistently moist and trim dead fronds to maintain plant health.
Astilbe
Astilbe (Astilbe spp.) is a great option for adding color to a shady garden. This perennial produces feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, standing out against the plant’s fern-like foliage. Astilbes are especially useful for brightening up darker areas with their colorful blossoms.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial shade to full shade.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, and rich in organic material.
- Care: Water regularly, as astilbes do not tolerate drought. Mulch to help retain soil moisture.
Heuchera
Commonly known as coral bells, heuchera (Heuchera spp.) is another fantastic shade plant, known for its striking foliage. Heuchera varieties come in a wide range of colors, from deep purples and reds to silvery greens and bright lime. While the small, bell-shaped flowers are charming, it’s the vibrant leaves that make heuchera a favorite in shade gardens.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial shade (some tolerate full shade, but colors may be less intense).
- Soil: Well-drained, moderately moist soil.
- Care: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Divide plants every few years to maintain vigor.
Lungwort
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) is a shade-tolerant perennial with beautiful, speckled foliage and clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that range from blue and pink to white. This plant thrives in partial to full shade and works well in both garden borders and as ground cover. The attractive foliage of lungwort persists through the growing season, adding texture to shady spots even after the flowers have faded.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial to full shade.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
- Care: Keep the soil consistently moist and remove old, tattered leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.
Bleeding heart
Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is a shade-loving perennial known for its heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems. These unique blooms come in shades of pink, red, and white and appear in late spring. Bleeding heart thrives in the dappled shade of woodland gardens, adding a romantic, old-fashioned charm.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial to full shade.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained, and consistently moist.
- Care: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and allow the plant to go dormant in summer without overwatering.
Japanese forest grass
For a striking ornamental grass that thrives in the shade, consider Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra). Its arching, bamboo-like leaves add movement and texture to shady gardens. Varieties of this plant come in different colors, including shades of green, gold, and even variegated patterns. Japanese forest grass is particularly effective when used in shaded borders or as ground cover.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial to full shade.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil.
- Care: Water regularly during dry periods, and prune back in late winter to allow new growth in spring.
Toad lily
Toad lilies (Tricyrtis hirta) are unique, shade-loving perennials that produce exotic-looking, orchid-like flowers in late summer to fall. Their speckled blooms appear on arching stems, providing interest in the garden when many other plants have finished blooming. Toad lilies thrive in shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial to full shade.
- Soil: Moist, rich, and well-drained.
- Care: Water consistently to prevent soil from drying out and mulch to help retain moisture.
Foamflower
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) is a lovely shade plant known for its delicate, frothy-looking white or pink flower spikes that rise above heart-shaped leaves. The foliage is often deeply lobed and may have striking dark veining, adding visual interest even after the flowers have faded. Foamflower makes an excellent ground cover in woodland gardens and shady borders.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial to full shade.
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
- Care: Keep the soil evenly moist and trim back old flower stalks to encourage new growth.
Hellebores
Hellebores (Helleborus spp.), also known as Lenten roses, are shade-loving perennials that bloom in late winter to early spring, providing color when little else is in flower. The blossoms come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and green. Hellebores are evergreen in many climates, making them a great addition to shady gardens year-round.
Growing tips:
- Light requirement: Partial to full shade.
- Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich soil.
- Care: Water regularly during dry spells and mulch around the plants to keep the roots cool.
Gardening in the shade doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice color, texture, or variety. Many plants, from foliage-rich perennials to colorful flowers, thrive in low-light conditions, allowing you to create a vibrant garden in even the shadiest spots. Whether you’re looking for lush ground covers like hostas and ferns, or colorful flowers like astilbes and bleeding hearts, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. By selecting the right shade-loving plants and providing them with the care they require, you can transform any shady area into a beautiful, thriving garden.