Finding the right plants for shady spots can feel like a challenge—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’ve got a tree-covered yard, a north-facing balcony, or just a few shadowy corners, there are loads of plants that actually prefer less sun.
In fact, with the right mix, your shaded space can become one of the lushest, most peaceful areas of your garden.
Here are 15 of my favorite shade-loving plants. They’re all low-maintenance, beautiful, and perfect for bringing dark corners to life.
1. Hostas – The Classic Shade Garden Staple
If you’ve got shade, hostas are a no-brainer. These leafy perennials come in a gorgeous mix of greens, blues, and variegated whites. I plant them under trees or along shady borders for bold texture and structure. They also look great in large containers. Find Colorful Hosta Varieties to Grow ➾
2. Japanese Forest Grass – Graceful and Flowing
This ornamental grass brings softness and movement to shady spots. Its arching blades look great tumbling over rocks, lining shaded paths, or spilling out of pots. The golden-green leaves glow in low light, adding contrast to bolder foliage. Find Japanese Forest Grass Varieties ➾
3. Jack Frost Brunnera – Brightens Up Dark Corners
With silver-patterned leaves and tiny blue flowers in spring, Jack Frost is a winner for dull spaces. I like using it as ground cover or tucking it into shady beds under trees. It also holds its own in a container. Find Brunnera Varieties ➾
4. Astilbe – Feathery and Fabulous
Astilbes offer height, color, and softness in the shade. Their feathery plumes come in pinks, reds, and whites, and they look incredible in groups. I often use them in borders or pots for a burst of summer color. Find Astilbe Bulbs ➾
5. Ferns – A Touch of the Wild
Ferns bring that lush, woodland feel to any shaded area. Whether it’s a classic Boston fern in a hanging basket or a Japanese painted fern in a bed, their textured fronds add instant depth and greenery. Find Fern Plants ➾
6. Hydrangeas – Big Blooms, Big Impact
Bigleaf hydrangeas love dappled shade and reward you with huge, showy flower heads. I grow mine near fences and foundations, where they light up the space with blue, pink, or purple blooms. Find Hydrangea Varieties ➾
7. Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Year-Round Color
Coral bells are foliage heroes. Their leaves range from lime green to deep plum, and they look good all year. Use them in containers, mix them into borders, or plant them under trees for a pop of long-lasting color. Find Heuchera Varieties ➾
8. Bleeding Heart – Romantic and Delicate
These charming plants bloom in spring with heart-shaped flowers that dangle like tiny pendants. I plant them in woodland beds or under trees for a soft, storybook look. They’ll go dormant in summer, so pair with something that picks up the slack. Find Bleeding Heart Bulbs ➾
9. Caladiums – Tropical Foliage With Attitude
For bold color and drama, caladiums are hard to beat. Their heart-shaped leaves come in striking mixes of red, pink, white, and green. I love using them in pots on shaded patios for a tropical feel. Find Caladium Bulbs ➾
10. Foamflower – The Soft Ground Cover
Foamflower forms a lovely green carpet under trees or along shady paths. The white blooms in spring are a nice bonus, but it’s the dense foliage that really makes it shine. It’s also a top choice for softening the edges of shaded containers. Find Foamflower Plants ➾
11. Lungwort – Spotted Leaves and Spring Cheer
Lungwort offers something a bit different—freckled leaves and clusters of pink, purple, or blue blooms in early spring. It’s brilliant for shady borders and also works well in pots. Once established, it’s surprisingly tough. Find Lungwort Plants ➾
12. Toad Lily – Late-Season Surprise
This one’s a bit of a show-off—but in the best way. The orchid-like flowers bloom in late summer and fall, adding a splash of exotic color when most other shade plants are winding down. Ideal for under trees or near a garden bench. Find Toad Lily Bulbs ➾
13. Japanese Anemones – Elegant and Airy
These tall, graceful perennials bloom from late summer into fall, bringing soft white or pink flowers on swaying stems. I plant them in shaded beds or large planters for a romantic, naturalistic look. Find Anemones Bulbs ➾
14. Hellebores – Winter’s First Blooms
Hellebores are one of the earliest bloomers in the garden, with nodding flowers that appear in late winter or early spring. They’re evergreen too, so they keep shady beds looking good all year. Find Hellebore Shrubs ➾
15. Impatiens – Easy Color for Containers
Impatiens are brilliant for filling shady containers or flower beds with nonstop color. They bloom in bright shades of red, pink, purple, and white and are perfect for porches, patios, or anywhere you want an instant pick-me-up. Find Impatien Seeds ➾
Clive’s Tips for a Brilliant Shade Garden 🌿
🌳 Match the plant to the setting: Dry shade under trees? Try foamflower, lungwort, or hellebores. Got a moist, shaded border? Astilbe and ferns will thrive there.
🪴 Use containers creatively: Shade doesn’t mean boring! Try bold-leaved plants like caladiums or coral bells in pots on patios and balconies.
🌱 Layer your plants: Use a mix of tall, mid-height, and low-growing plants to build up depth and interest in your garden beds.
💧 Mulch makes a difference: Shady spots can still dry out—especially under trees. Add mulch to keep the soil moist and healthy.
🧤 Mix it up for year-round interest: Combine evergreens like hellebores and ferns with seasonal bloomers like bleeding hearts and impatiens for constant color and texture.
Even if your garden doesn’t see much sun, it can still be full of life, texture, and color. With the right mix of shade-loving plants, you can turn those dark, forgotten corners into your own private retreat.
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