We all want to enjoy our backyard, but it’s often hard to find plants that will thrive in the shade. Discover how to combat this problem with these 20 gorgeous shade-loving plants.
1. Angelwing FERN
The best way to care for an Angelwing Fern is to keep it out of direct sunlight. When watering this type of plant, be sure to water it evenly and allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Fertilize your Angelwing Fern every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.
If you live in an area that gets cold winters, you may need to move your Angelwing Fern indoors during the winter months. Place the plant in a spot that receives indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
The Angelwing Fern is a beautiful, shade-loving plant that is perfect for your garden. This plant is known for its delicate fronds and its ability to prosper in shady areas.
The Angelwing Fern does best in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for. This fern is also tolerant of rabbits and deer, making it a great choice for gardens that are frequented by these animals.
If you are looking for a plant that will add some beauty to your shady garden, the Angelwing Fern is the perfect choice!
2. Hostas
Hostas are one of the best shade-loving plants that you can add to your garden. They are perfect for shady areas that get little to no sunlight.
Hostas come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can easily find one that will fit into your garden. They are also easy to care for and maintain.
When planting hostas, be sure to give them plenty of space to grow. They can spread out quite a bit, so make sure you leave enough room for them to do so.
Hostas are a great addition to any garden, especially if you have a shady area that you need to fill. With their beautiful leaves and easy care, they are sure to make your garden look amazing!
3. Forget Me Not Flowers
If you’re looking for a splash of color in your garden that can tolerate some shade, then forget-me-not flowers are a great option. These delicate blooms come in a variety of colors including blue, pink, and white.
Forget-me-nots are easy to care for and don’t require a lot of maintenance. They’re also perfect for container gardens. Just make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent the roots from getting waterlogged.
If you live in an area with cold winters, you’ll need to protect your forget-me-nots from the frost by mulching them with straw or leaves. Otherwise, they should come back each spring without any problems.
4. Wild Ginger
If you’re looking for a plant that loves the shade, wild ginger is a great choice. This plant is native to North America and can be found in wooded areas. It has heart-shaped leaves and small, white flowers. Wild ginger is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require much care.
Another great option for a shady spot in your garden is hosta. Hostas are perennial plants with large, green leaves. They come in a variety of colors and can tolerate both sun and shade. Hostas are also low-maintenance and make a great addition to any garden.
Ferns are another type of plant that does well in shady areas. Ferns come in many different varieties and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your garden. They’re easy to care for and make a beautiful addition to any landscape.
If you’re looking for color in your shady garden, impatiens are a great option. These annual plants come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, red, and white. Impatiens are easy to care for and make a beautiful addition to any landscape.
5. Lemon Lilies
Lemon lilies (Hemerocallis citrina) are beautiful, fragrant flowers that thrive in shady areas. These perennial plants are native to Asia and grow best in zones 4-9.
Lemon lilies prefer moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of pH levels. They do best in partial shade, but can also grow in full sun if the soil is kept moist.
Lemon lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants and are resistant to most pests and diseases. They can be propagated by dividing the root ball or by seed.
Lemon lilies produce beautiful, fragrant flowers that range in color from yellow to orange. The flowers bloom in summer and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
If you are looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance plant for your shady garden, consider lemon lilies!
6. Violets
Violets are one of the best shade-loving plants that you can add to your garden. They are very easy to grow and they will thrive in areas that do not get a lot of sun.
Violets come in a wide variety of colors, so you can easily find one that will match your garden’s color scheme. They are also very low maintenance, so you won’t have to spend a lot of time caring for them.
If you are looking for a plant that will add some color to your garden, violets are a great choice. They will also provide you with some lovely fragrant flowers that you can enjoy all spring and summer long.
7. Astilbe
If you’re looking for a plant that loves the shade, Astilbe is a great choice. These beautiful perennials are perfect for shady areas of your garden, and they come in a variety of colors.
Astilbes are easy to care for and they make a great addition to any garden. If you’re looking for a plant that will add some color to a shady area, Astilbe is a great option.
8. Dwarf Trees
Dwarf trees are perfect for small gardens or areas where space is limited. They are also a great choice for gardeners who want to add some interest and height to their gardens without having to worry about the tree getting too big.
There are many different varieties of dwarf trees available, so you’re sure to find one that will suit your needs. Some of the most popular dwarf trees include bonsai trees, Japanese maples, and weeping cherries.
Bonsai trees are a type of dwarf tree that is trained to grow in a specific way. They are a popular choice for gardeners who want to create a unique and beautiful garden.
Japanese maples are another type of dwarf tree that is perfect for small gardens. They have a weeping habit and come in a variety of colors, so you’re sure to find one that will complement your garden.
Weeping cherries are a type of dwarf tree that is covered in beautiful pink blossoms in the springtime. They make a stunning addition to any garden and are relatively easy to care for.
9. Helleborus Flowers (Lenten Rose)
Helleborus Flowers are a great choice for a shaded garden. They are perfect for areas that do not get a lot of sun and they are also deer resistant.
The flowers of the Helleborus plant come in a variety of colors including white, pink, and purple. They bloom from late winter to early spring.
The Helleborus plant is easy to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance. It is a good choice for beginner gardeners.
If you are looking for a beautiful flower to add to your shaded garden, consider the Helleborus plant!
10. Indian Warrior Flower (Tommy Thumb)
Indian Warrior Flower, also known as Tommy Thumb, is a beautiful annual plant that produces small, bright flowers. The flowers are typically red, orange, or yellow and have a diameter of about 1 inch.
This plant is native to India and thrives in warm climates. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Indian Warrior Flower is drought tolerant and does not require much water once it is established.
This plant is a great choice for gardens that get a lot of sun. It is also a good choice for gardeners who do not want to water their plants too often. Indian Warrior Flower is a low-maintenance plant that will add color to your garden.
11. Columbine Flowers
Columbine flowers are a great addition to any garden. They are beautiful and come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red.
Columbine flowers are easy to grow and care for. They prefer shady areas and moist soil. Columbine flowers will bloom from early spring to late summer.
If you are looking for a plant that is low maintenance and easy to care for, columbine flowers are a great option. They are also deer resistant, which is an added bonus!
12. Coral Bells
CORAL BELLS are a great choice for a shady garden. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, and white. They thrive in shady areas and require little maintenance.
CORAL BELLS are also known as Heuchera. They are native to North America and prefer cool temperatures. They are drought-tolerant and can even tolerate some shade.
CORAL BELLS are a great addition to any garden. Their beautiful flowers add color and interest to shady areas. They are low-maintenance and easy to care for. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that CORAL BELLS are one of the best shade-loving plants for your garden!
They prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant once they are established.
Coral bells can be propagated by division in the spring or fall. They can also be grown from seed, but it takes several years for the plant to reach maturity.
Coral bells can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. These diseases are more likely to occur in humid or wet conditions.
If you are looking for a beautiful plant that does well in shade, coral bells are a great option!
13. Caladium
Caladium are a genus of 7–12 species of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to South America. Most of the species are grown as ornamental plants because of their large, brightly colored leaves. They are commonly known as elephant ears, heart of Jesus, and angel wings.
Caladium like shady or semi-shady areas with moist soil. They will not tolerate full sun or dry conditions. They can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Caladium are annuals that die back in the winter. In colder climates, they must be dug up and stored indoors over the winter months. In warmer climates, they will often re-emerge in the spring on their own.
The most popular caladium varieties include ‘Red Flash’, ‘Pink Cloud’, and ‘White Christmas’.
14. Japanese forest grass
Japanese forest grass is a beautiful, shade-loving plant that is perfect for your garden. This plant is native to Japan and grows to be about two feet tall. It has long, thin leaves that are green in color. Japanese Forest grass is very easy to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance.
This plant is perfect for shady areas of your garden that get little direct sunlight. Japanese forest grass is also tolerant of drought and can survive in poor soil conditions. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that will add some beauty to your garden, Japanese Forest grass is a great choice.
15. Coleus
Coleus is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant that can add a splash of color to any garden. These plants are known for their ability to thrive in shady areas, making them ideal for gardens that don’t get a lot of sun.
Coleus plants come in a variety of colors, including shades of green, red, purple, and pink. They can be planted in both sun and shade, but they will produce the brightest colors when grown in partial shade.
Coleus is a drought-tolerant plant, so it is perfect for gardens that don’t get a lot of water. These plants are also relatively low-maintenance, so they are ideal for busy gardeners.
If you are looking for a plant that can add some color to your garden, consider growing Coleus. These plants are easy to care for and will thrive in shady areas.
16.Deadnettle
Deadnettle is a great plant for shady gardens. This perennial herb has dark green leaves and produces small purple flowers. Deadnettle is easy to care for and does not require much maintenance.
This plant is also known as Lamium purpureum. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is native to Europe and Asia.
Deadnettle prefers shady areas with moist soil. It can grow in sun or partial shade, but it will not tolerate full sun. This plant will do best in soil that is rich in organic matter.
Deadnettle is a low-growing plant that reaches a height of about 12 inches. It has a spread of 18 inches. This plant can be invasive if it is not kept in check.
Deadnettle is an easy plant to care for. It does not require much fertilizer or water once it is established. This plant can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
If you are looking for a plant that can add color to a shady garden, Deadnettle is a great choice!
17. Lungwort
Lungwort is a great plant for shady gardens. It is an evergreen perennial that blooms in the spring. The flowers are white, pink, or blue and they are borne on spikes.
Lungwort prefers moist, shady conditions and it will tolerate some sun if the soil is kept moist. It is a good choice for gardeners who want to add color to their shady garden without having to worry about too much sun exposure.
This plant is relatively easy to care for. It does not require a lot of fertilizer or water once it is established. Lungwort is also resistant to deer and rabbits.
If you are looking for a plant that will add color and interest to your shady garden, lungwort is a great choice!
18. Foamflower
Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) is a beautiful shade-loving plant that blooms in spring. The flowers are white or pink and have a foamy appearance, hence the name.
This perennial is native to North America and can be found in woodlands from Quebec to Georgia. It prefers moist, humus-rich soil and does not tolerate drought well.
Foamflower is an excellent groundcover for shady areas. It forms dense mats of foliage that suppress weeds and prevent erosion. The plant also provides habitat for wildlife such as rabbits, mice, and birds.
This plant is relatively easy to care for and is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases in poorly drained soils.
If you are looking for a beautiful groundcover for your shady garden, foamflower is a great choice!
19. Foxgloves
Foxgloves are one of the best shade-loving plants for your garden. They are easy to grow and they produce beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors.
Foxgloves do best in soil that is rich in organic matter. They also prefer shady areas, so they are a great choice for gardens that are mostly shaded.
Foxgloves can be propagated by seed or division. If you are growing them from seed, start them indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date for your area.
Once they have germinated, transplant them into individual pots and then place them in a cool, dark place until they are ready to be transplanted into your garden.
If you live in an area where foxgloves are not winter hardy, you can grow them as annuals. Just sow the seeds outdoors in late spring or early summer and enjoy their blooms all summer long!
20. Hydrangea
Hydrangea is a genus of about 70–75 species of flowering plants native to southern and eastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, the Himalayas, and Indonesia) and North and South America. The majority of the species are deciduous, but a few subgenera are evergreen.
Hydrangeas are loved for their large, showy flower heads that come in a variety of colors including white, pink, blue, and purple. They are relatively easy to care for and make an excellent addition to any garden.
Hydrangeas prefer shady locations and moist, well-drained soil. They can be planted in sun or partial shade but will flower best in shady areas.
If you live in an area with hot summers, it is best to plant hydrangeas in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. This will help to protect the flowers from the heat of the day.
Hydrangeas are relatively low-maintenance plants that do not require a lot of extra care. However, they do benefit from occasional fertilization and pruning.