Looking for something to plant in that shady area of your garden? These perennials thrive without sunlight and add great garden color in beds, borders, and containers.
What does “shade” really mean?
Before introducing you to the best shade-loving perennial flowers for your garden, it’s important to explain what “shade” really means when it comes to a garden.
Typically, shade conditions are divided into two categories: partial shade and full shade.
- Partial shade flowering perennials are happiest where they’re protected from the sun during the mid-day hours when the sun is at its strongest, or else they’re planted in a spot where the sunlight is dappled, perhaps under the shelter of a small shade tree or beneath a pergola or trellis.
- Full shade flowering perennials thrive in areas that receive no direct sunlight, even though they often do receive some sunlight, largely in the form of reflected or heavily filtered light. Full shade areas are often found under large trees or on the north side of structures.
Astilbe
This is a flowery fern-like plant that will grow up to two feet in size. Most of the blooms on the plant are pastels. Well-draining soil is ideal for these plants, but they will also grow well in shady places where the soil remains moist. They grow best in zones three through eight.
Bluebells
Best grown in zones three through eight, these brightly colored bluebells are a sight to see that will grow great in a shady location. They will not suffer in full sun though, so you can basically plant them anywhere. They also prefer to grow in well-drained soil.
Polygonatum
Also known as Solomon’s seal, this is another perennial that loves the shade. In zones three through eight, this is a plant that can grow up to three feet in size. The blooms are white, and even though the plant requires a lot of water, it is very easy to care for.
Pulmonaria
This is a perennial that can be used to treat lung ailments, which is why it is more commonly called lungwort. The plum-colored blooms appear in early spring, and they prefer a shady, moist location to grow properly. With the right conditions, the plant can grow up to 14 inches tall and two feet wide.
Viola
This is a pansy that has a bright-colored petal that is edible. It can grow in both full sun or a shady location, and it prefers to grow in well-draining soil. It grows best in zones three through eight, and the flowers can be white, purple, blue, or yellow.