36 Beautiful Plants that Thrive in Full Shade
Almost every garden has a full shade area that can be tricky to cultivate, but gardening in shady areas can be a rewarding challenge! Finding the right plants that thrive with less sun and bring life to your garden’s dark corners requires some knowledge and planning. Whether you’re dealing with partial shade, deep shade, or those tricky spots under large trees, here’s a guide to 36 shade-loving plants that will transform your shady locations into a vibrant garden.
Types of Garden Shade
Understanding the different types of garden shade is crucial for selecting the right plants. Full shade areas receive less than three hours of direct sunlight per day, often shaded by structures or a dense tree canopy. Partial shade refers to spots that get three to six hours of sun, usually morning sun or late afternoon sun. Dappled shade mimics the light filtering through the leaves of deciduous trees, providing intermittent sunlight. Deep shade is found in places with minimal direct sunlight, like under evergreen trees. Knowing the type of shade in your garden helps you choose plants that will thrive in those specific light conditions.
Dry Shade vs. Damp Shade
It's also important to know if your shady locations in your garden are dry shade or damp shade areas. Dry shade areas, often found under large trees or near structures, receive little moisture and require drought-tolerant, shade-loving plants like Epimedium or Heuchera. On the other hand, damp shade involves moist soil conditions commonly found in low-lying areas or near water sources. These areas are perfect for shade-tolerant plants that thrive in moist soil, such as Astilbe and Ligularia. Understanding the degree of shade and soil moisture is essential for choosing the right plant for your shady garden.
How to Care for Perennial Shade Plants
Caring for shade perennials starts with understanding their unique needs. Ensure they have well-drained soil, as waterlogged conditions can harm the roots. Regularly check the soil moisture, especially during dry spells, since shade gardens can still dry out. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Feed your plants with compost or a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Pruning is essential to remove dead or damaged foliage and to allow light to penetrate through dense plantings. Lastly, monitor for pests and diseases, as shady areas can sometimes harbor fungal issues due to higher humidity levels.
36 Beautiful Plants that Thrive in Full Shade
Finding the perfect plant for your shady garden can be a challenge, especially when dealing with low light and shade conditions. This guide will introduce you to 36 shade-loving plants that thrive in dense shade, part sun, and everything in between. Whether you're looking for plants with attractive foliage or perennials with red flowers and tiny white flowers, there are options for every garden style. These plants are suitable for various hardiness zones and will help you turn those tricky spots in you garden into a good place for vibrant plant growth.
1. Hostas
Hostas are a classic choice for a shade perennial. Their lush, broad leaves come in various shades of green, blue, and even variegated patterns. Hostas are hardy and low maintenance, making them perfect for filling large shady spots.
Light levels: Partial to full shade
Soil type: Well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Late spring to early summer
2. Ferns
Ferns, with their delicate fronds, add texture and elegance to any shady garden. They thrive in moist soil and can tolerate heavy shade.
Light levels: Partial to full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Year-round foliage
3. Astilbes
Astilbes are known for their beautiful, feathery plumes of flowers that bloom in early summer. They prefer moist soil and can brighten up any shady garden with their vibrant colors.
Light levels: Partial shade to full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Early summer
4. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells are prized for their colorful foliage and delicate flowers. They do well in part shade and can add a pop of color to your garden throughout the growing season.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to late summer
5. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra Spectabilis)
Bleeding Heart, also known as Lamprocapnos Spectabilis or Dicentra Spectabilis, features heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems. They prefer light shade and cool, moist conditions.
Light levels: Light to partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to early summer
6. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
This ornamental grass thrives in shady spots and adds a touch of elegance with its graceful, arching leaves. It’s perfect for ground cover or edging pathways.
Light levels: Partial to full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to late fall
7. Brunnera
Brunnera, with its heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue flowers, is a charming addition to any shade garden. It prefers part shade and moist soil.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
8. Pulmonaria
Pulmonaria, or lungwort, has spotted leaves and vibrant flowers that can add interest to your garden. They thrive in moist soil and light shade.
Light levels: Light to partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
9. Hellebores
Hellebores are known for their early spring blooms, often flowering in late winter. They thrive in part shade and are relatively low maintenance.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Late winter to early spring
10. Wild Ginger (Asarum)
Wild ginger is a great ground cover for shady areas. Its heart-shaped, glossy leaves create a dense mat that can suppress weeds.
Light levels: Full to partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
11. Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxgloves are tall plants with spikes of tubular flowers that attract pollinators. They thrive in light shade and add height to your garden.
Light levels: Light shade to partial sun
Soil type: Well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Early summer
12. Trillium
Trilliums are native woodland plants that produce stunning, three-petaled flowers. They are perfect for a woodland garden setting.
Light levels: Partial to full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
13. Solomons Seal (Polygonatum)
Solomon’s Seal has arching stems and bell-shaped flowers. It is a graceful addition to any shady spot.
Light levels: Partial to full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to early summer
14. Toad Lily (Tricyrtis)
Toad lilies have unique, orchid-like flowers that bloom in late summer. They thrive in moist soil and part shade.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Late summer
15. Epimedium
Epimediums are versatile perennials known for their colorful foliage and delicate flowers. They thrive in dry shade and are great for ground cover.
Light levels: Partial to full shade
Soil type: Well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
16. Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbines are airy plants with delicate, nodding flowers. They do well in light to partial shade and add a whimsical touch to your garden.
Light levels: Light shade
Soil type: Well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to early summer
17. Foamflower (Tiarella)
Foamflowers produce small, star-shaped flowers and have attractive, lobed leaves. They thrive in moist soil and partial shade.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to early summer
18. Lamium
Lamium, or dead nettle, is a fast-growing ground cover with variegated foliage and tiny flowers. It thrives in various shades of light to deep shade.
Light levels: Light to full shade
Soil type: Well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to summer
19. Ligularia
Ligularias have large, bold leaves and striking yellow flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. They prefer moist soil and part shade.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Moist soil
Season of Interest: Mid to late summer
20. Ajuga
Ajuga, or bugleweed, is a low-growing ground cover with dark green or variegated foliage. It produces spikes of blue flowers in spring.
Light levels: Partial to full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
21. Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium)
Jacob’s Ladder has fern-like foliage and clusters of blue or purple flowers. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to early summer
22. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla)
Lady’s Mantle has soft, scalloped leaves and clusters of tiny, yellow-green flowers. It thrives in part shade and moist soil.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to early summer
23. Bluebells (Hyacinthoides)
Bluebells produce clusters of bell-shaped blue flowers in spring. They are ideal for naturalizing in shady woodland gardens.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
24. Bugbane (Actaea)
Bugbane, or black cohosh, has tall spikes of white flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. It thrives in part shade.
Light levels: Partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Late summer to early fall
25. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium Niponicum)
This fern features striking silver and purple foliage. It thrives in moist soil and partial to full shade.
Light levels: Partial to full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to fall
26. Canadian Wild Ginger (Asarum Canadense)
This native plant has heart-shaped leaves and small, hidden flowers. It thrives in moist soil and full to partial shade.
Light levels: Full to partial shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
27. Christmas Fern
Christmas Ferns are evergreen perennials that provide year-round interest with their dark green fronds. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are perfect for woodland gardens.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Year-round
28. Japanese Spurge
Japanese Spurge is an excellent ground cover with glossy leaves and small white flowers in spring. It thrives in dense shade and is perfect for shady spots under trees.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
29. Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley produces fragrant, tiny white flowers in spring and thrives in deep shade. It's a great option for shady gardens and forest edges.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
30. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff is a low-growing perennial with fragrant, star-shaped white flowers in spring. It prefers shady locations and is ideal for ground cover.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
31. Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s Seal has graceful, arching stems with bell-shaped flowers in spring. It thrives in full shade and is perfect for woodland gardens.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
32. Yellow Corydalis
Yellow Corydalis produces clusters of bright yellow flowers from spring to fall. It thrives in full shade and is perfect for adding a splash of color to shady areas.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring to fall
33. Japanese Holly Fern
Japanese Holly Fern is a hardy fern with dark green, holly-like fronds. It thrives in full shade and is perfect for shady spots.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Year-round
34. Foamflower
Foamflower produces delicate, foam-like white flowers in spring. It thrives in full shade and is ideal for woodland species gardens and ground cover.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Spring
35. Wood Anemone
Wood Anemone produces delicate white flowers in early spring. It thrives in full shade and is perfect for naturalizing in woodland gardens.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Early spring
36. Leopard Plant
The Leopard Plant has large, round leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers in late summer. It thrives in full shade and adds unique texture to shady spots.
Light levels: Full shade
Soil type: Moist, well-drained soil
Season of Interest: Late summer
FAQs About Gardening in Full-Shade
What is the best plant for deep shade?
The best plant for deep shade is the Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa). This versatile perennial thrives in low light conditions and adds a graceful touch with its arching, bamboo-like leaves. It’s perfect for filling in spaces under a large shade tree or along the forest edge where little sun reaches.
Do any plants grow in full shade?
Yes, many plants thrive in full shade. Hostas, ferns, and wild ginger are excellent examples of shade-tolerant plants that do well in areas with frequent shade and lack of light. These plants are ideal for bringing life to the darkest corners of your garden.
Do any flowers bloom in full shade?
Yes, several flowers bloom in full shade. Astilbes and hellebores are great choices. Astilbes provide feathery plumes of flowers in various shades, while hellebores offer early blooms in late winter to early spring, making them perfect for shady locations.
What is the easiest plant to grow in shade?
The easiest plant to grow in shade is the Hosta. Known for its attractive foliage, this low-maintenance perennial thrives in shade conditions and adapts well to different soil types. Hostas are perfect for new plants in shady gardens.
Can hydrangeas grow in full shade?
Hydrangeas can grow in full shade, but they perform best in partial shade with morning sun and protection from hot afternoon sun. They need well-drained soil and consistent moisture to thrive in shade conditions.
What plant requires the least amount of sunlight?
Ferns require the least amount of sunlight. They thrive in dense shade and low light conditions, making them ideal for areas with little sun. Ferns add texture and lushness to any shady spot.
What is the longest blooming perennial for shade?
The longest blooming perennial for shade is the Astilbe. With its feathery plumes, Astilbes bloom from early summer to late summer, providing continuous color in shady gardens. They thrive in moist soil and partial shade.
What shrubs are best for full shade?
Evergreen shrubs like Japanese Aucuba and Mahonia are best for full shade. These shade-loving shrubs provide year-round interest with their glossy leaves and are ideal for shady locations with low light levels.
What flower does not need a lot of sunlight?
The Bleeding Heart (Dicentra Spectabilis) does not need a lot of sunlight. This perennial thrives in partial shade to full shade, producing stunning red flowers in late spring. It's perfect for woodland gardens and rock gardens.
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Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
