Selecting the Perfect Shade Plants: A Guide to Perennials, Annuals, Flowers, Shrubs, and Trees for Gardens or Pots
Shade plants are an essential component of any garden, bringing life and color to areas where sunlight is limited. These plants are specially adapted to thrive in lower light conditions, making them perfect for spots under trees, on the north side of buildings, or in any area that doesn’t receive direct sunlight for most of the day. They come in a variety of forms, from lush, leafy ferns to flowering shrubs, offering a range of textures and colors to enhance your garden’s beauty.
In choosing plants for shaded areas, it’s important to consider not just the level of shade, but also the soil type, moisture level, and climate. Some shade plants prefer dry soil, while others need moist conditions to flourish. With the right selection, you can transform a dimly lit area into a vibrant, verdant retreat that provides interest throughout the year.
Here are the top 33 best and popular shade plants that can add life to your shaded garden spaces:
Hardy geraniums are a garden favorite, boasting abundant flowers and lush foliage that adds texture. They are incredibly resilient, resisting pests and diseases, making them low-maintenance. These plants are known for their easy growth, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Hardiness | 4 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Lifting our spirits with their bright colors in the first months of the year, Primulas, also known as Primroses, belong to a huge genus of more than 430 species. Hardy, these cheerful perennials provide a wide range of sizes, shapes and come in almost every color imaginable. They range from tiny rock garden plants to statuesque candelabras.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Impatiens are valued for their shade tolerance and continuous bloom throughout the growing season. They are native to various regions worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and North America. Impatiens are relatively low-maintenance, making them a popular choice for adding color to gardens and landscapes in shady spots.
Hardiness | 7 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant type | Annuals, Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 10" - 2' (25cm - 60cm) |
Begonia plants are popular flowering plants with over 2,000 species and countless hybrids. They are native to subtropical and tropical regions and are used as ornamental plants both indoors and outdoors. Begonias are prized for their vibrant flowers, which come in a range of colors and sizes, as well as their attractive foliage.
Hardiness | 7 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant type | Annuals, Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Among the most spectacular summer flowers, Fuchsias are outstanding garden plants with their continuous display of ravishing, dancing blossoms, dangling in clusters like prize jewels. Often blooming from late spring until the first frosts, they are available in a wide range of colors, from luscious pinks and purples to whites and even peach.
Hardiness | 6 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Astilbes are highly sought-after plants, perfect for shady and moist environments. With their elegant, vibrant flower plumes that rise above fern-like foliage, these plants remain visually appealing throughout the season. Their long-lasting blooms bring brightness to shade gardens and create a stunning burst of color in any landscape.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 6" - 5' (15cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Helleborus, commonly known as Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose, is a delightful perennial that blooms in late winter or early spring, adding much-needed color to the garden. With its nodding flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, or green, and attractive evergreen foliage, it is a resilient and long-lasting plant that thrives in shade or partial shade.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid), Winter |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Dicentra, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is a favorite among gardeners. These rhizomatous or tuberous perennials showcase heart-shaped flowers that hang delicately in arching clusters above attractively divided leaves. They thrive in shade and offer a long blooming season, from late spring to early fall in cooler climates. Their graceful foliage adds beauty even before the blooms emerge.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort, is a versatile perennial prized for its unique foliage that showcases stunning variegation and attractive silver spots. Its early spring blooms, ranging from pink to blue, add a burst of color to the garden and attract pollinators, making it a favorite among gardeners.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Actaea simplex (Bugbane), formerly known as Cimicifuga simplex, is a stunning perennial that adds architectural height and late summer blooms to shaded borders. Its long, fluffy spires are filled with strongly fragrant, creamy-white flowers, creating an eye-catching display in the garden.
Hardiness | 4 - 8 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Summer (Late), Fall |
Erythronium, also known as Trout Lily, is a delightful bulbous perennial in the Lily family. These plants are prized for their elegant, nodding, lily-shaped flowers with gracefully reflexed petals that bloom in spring. Equally enchanting are their elliptic leaves, often adorned with abundant purple-bronze marbling.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Mid, Late) |
Height | 4" - 1' (10cm - 30cm) |
Trilliums are cherished woodland wildflowers, adored for their symmetrical beauty. These rhizomatous perennials boast exquisite blooms and mottled foliage, creating a captivating display in shade gardens. With their resilience and harmonious blending among other woodland plants, Trilliums are a true gem of the spring season.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Foam Flower, a charming woodland perennial, is celebrated for its delicate, airy blooms and striking foliage. Ideal for shady gardens, it forms lush carpets of heart-shaped leaves, often with beautiful markings. In spring, it produces feathery flower spikes, creating a whimsical, foam-like display. Low-maintenance and shade-loving, it’s a gardener’s delight.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early), Fall |
Height | 6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
Spread | 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm) |
Coleus is a vibrant, eye-catching plant known for its stunning, colorful foliage that comes in a wide array of patterns and hues. It is typically grown as an annual but can be a tender perennial in warmer climates. Coleus is low-maintenance, versatile, and thrives in a range of light conditions, making it a popular choice for adding visual interest to gardens, containers, and indoor settings.
Hardiness | 10 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant type | Annuals, Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Caladium is a tropical plant known for its vibrant and colorful foliage. With large heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, pink, red, and white, it adds a striking visual appeal to gardens and indoor spaces. Caladiums thrive in shaded areas and require well-drained soil to flourish. They are popular choices for adding a splash of tropical beauty to any setting.
Hardiness | 9 - 12 |
---|---|
Plant type | Houseplants, Bulbs |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Hosta, beloved for its lush foliage, is a versatile and low-maintenance perennial. With a wide range of leaf colors, shapes, and sizes, Hosta adds texture and elegance to shady areas of the garden. From small, compact varieties to large, dramatic specimens, Hosta plants bring beauty and tranquility to any landscape.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm) |
Spread | 1' - 4' (30cm - 120cm) |
Grow Heuchera for its stunning foliage colors, ranging from deep burgundy to vibrant lime green, adding year-round beauty to your garden. These versatile and low-maintenance perennials attract pollinators and thrive in various conditions, making them perfect for adding color and texture to borders, containers, and rock gardens.
Hardiness | 4 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Prized by gardeners, Athyrium are mostly deciduous ferns, with feathery, finely divided foliage in a wonderful array of color and forms. The genus includes about 180 species that are suitable to a wide range of garden conditions, including shady borders and woodland gardens, alongside other ferns or shade-loving plants.
Hardiness | 4 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Ferns |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 6" - 6' (15cm - 180cm) |
Resembling Forget-Me-Nots, Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) are perennials boasting heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, blue flowers. With their vibrant blooms and lush foliage, they create a captivating display in spring, adding a cool burst of color to the garden.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Hakonechloa macra, commonly known as Hakone grass or Japanese forest grass, is a graceful and ornamental grass that forms cascading mounds of slender, arching leaves. Its foliage ranges in color from bright green to golden yellow, adding a beautiful texture and color to shady areas.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Ornamental Grasses, Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Renowned as winter floral royalty, Camellias are prized evergreen shrubs adored for their stunning blooms, lush foliage, and elegant form. These compact beauties grace the garden with an abundance of flowers for weeks, from fall to spring, providing a vibrant display when other plants are dormant. Camellias are celebrated as among the finest flowering shrubs available.
Hardiness | 6 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring, Fall, Winter |
Height | 2' - 20' (60cm - 6.1m) |
Spread | 2' - 10' (60cm - 3m) |
Hydrangea macrophylla, or Big Leaf Hydrangea from Japan, is a garden favorite. This deciduous shrub has a rounded habit with large leaves and long-blooming summer flowers. It’s divided into Mophead Hydrangeas with large, showy flower heads, and Lacecap Hydrangeas with flat clusters of radiant sterile florets surrounding tiny fertile ones.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm) |
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea), native to the United States, is a stunning and adaptable deciduous shrub that offers year-round beauty. Its distinctive leaves lend it its name, and in late spring and early summer, it produces abundant clusters of creamy-white flowers, up to 12 inches long (30 cm). As fall approaches, the flower clusters gradually transform into a lovely pink hue.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm) |
Native to the Eastern United States, Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea) is a widely branched deciduous shrub, acclaimed for its creamy-white flower clusters that brighten shady areas and bring life to the garden. Blooming profusely from early summer to fall, the distinctly domed to nearly rounded blossoms open lime-green and change to brilliant creamy-white before switching to a tan shade in the fall.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Native to China and Japan, Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea) is a deservedly popular deciduous shrub. Tough, cold-hardy, easy-care, long-lived, it is laden with large, conical, snowy flowers from midsummer to fall. Each lacy flower cluster is composed of small fertile flowers, and larger showy sterile blossoms that are subtended by showy petal-like sepals. As an added bonus, they change color as fall approaches, gradually turning pink, and ultimately brown.
Hardiness | 3 - 8 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Summer (Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 8' - 20' (240cm - 6.1m) |
Spread | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Coveted for their spectacular blooms which come in a wide range of shapes and colors, Azaleas and Rhododendrons are members of the genus Rhododendron, one of the largest genera in the plant world which includes over 900 species and over 20,000 named hybrids. All are fascinating.
Hardiness | 4 - 10 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2' - 20' (60cm - 6.1m) |
Spread | 3' - 15' (90cm - 4.6m) |
Buxus, commonly known as boxwood, is a versatile evergreen shrub appreciated for its dense foliage, compact growth habit, and ability to be shaped into various forms. Its glossy, dark green leaves and tolerance to pruning make it a popular choice for hedges, topiaries, and formal garden designs.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 20' (30cm - 6.1m) |
Spread | 2' - 8' (60cm - 240cm) |
Native to Japan, Korea, and China, Acer palmatum encompasses a diverse range of deciduous shrubs and small trees. Known as Japanese Maples, they exhibit graceful habits, intricately lobed leaves, and stunning foliage that transitions to vibrant hues of gold, red, purple, and bronze in autumn.
Hardiness | 5 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Fall |
Height | 4' - 25' (120cm - 7.6m) |
Spread | 4' - 25' (120cm - 7.6m) |
Serviceberry, a versatile shrub or tree, offers year-round beauty. In spring, it blooms with delicate white flowers, followed by edible berries. Its vibrant fall foliage adds to its charm, and it maintains an attractive winter silhouette. Serviceberry is a valued addition to landscapes, providing beauty throughout the seasons.
Hardiness | 2 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 3' - 30' (90cm - 9.1m) |
Spread | 3' - 30' (90cm - 9.1m) |
Dogwoods is a diverse group of plants prized for their stunning springtime blooms, often featuring petals or bracts in white, pink, or red. Native to various regions, including North America and Asia, these versatile plants range from tall trees to low-growing shrubs or ground covers. Their flowers, attractive foliage, and sometimes colorful stems make them a popular choice for landscaping, and some species produce berries that attract wildlife.
Hardiness | 2 - 10 |
---|---|
Plant type | Perennials, Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 40' (30cm - 12.2m) |
Spread | 1' - 40' (30cm - 12.2m) |
The redbud, either a large shrub or a small deciduous tree, brightens spring landscapes with its dazzling pink blossoms. Beloved for its delightful heart-shaped leaves and distinctive, irregular branching, it thrives in various soil types, endearing itself to gardeners. Its early spring flowers also serve as an essential nectar source for pollinators.
Hardiness | 4 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid), Fall, Winter |
Height | 5' - 30' (150cm - 9.1m) |
Spread | 3' - 35' (90cm - 10.7m) |
Resilient and easy to care for, Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree that remains largely unaffected by pests. Its captivating beauty shines through when its fragrant and vibrant flowers take center stage, making it a standout choice for any garden.
Hardiness | 3 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Early), Fall, Winter |
Height | 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Spread | 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Birch trees, scientifically known as Betula, are renowned for their graceful appearance and distinctive bark. These deciduous trees encompass numerous species, including the iconic silver birch (Betula pendula) and river birch (Betula nigra). Birch trees add natural beauty to landscapes and offer shade, making them popular choices in gardens and parks.
Hardiness | 2 - 9 |
---|---|
Plant type | Shrubs, Trees |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Seasons | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 80' (30cm - 24.4m) |
Spread | 1' - 50' (30cm - 15.2m) |
Shade-loving annuals offer a whole new world of vibrant colors and unique textures for your garden!
While most roses perform best in full sun (more than 6 hours a day), a number of English roses also enjoy partial shade where they will reward you with their sumptuous blooms. However, they will need to receive at least 4 to 5 hours of sunshine daily.
Discover the enchanting world of ferns, perfect for revitalizing your home and garden. From the elegant Boston Fern to the unique Staghorn, these vibrant varieties bring life to any setting. Ideal for shady garden spots or indoor corners, ferns like Maidenhair and Bird’s Nest add lush greenery and a touch of tranquility, effortlessly transforming your living spaces into serene green havens.
If your garden is small, you need to choose Azaleas and Rhododendrons that won’t overwhelm the space or create a maintenance chore for you, trying to keep them small.
There is an endless variety of flower bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees that are suitable for companion planting with your hostas. Here are a few rules to follow to create successful plant combinations.
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!