31 Perennial Flowers For Shaded Gardens With Limited Sun
If you have a shaded gardening area, finding the right flowers to plant can be quite a challenge. It's important to have the right balance of sunlight for perennials to come back year after year. In this article, hobby gardener Jason White looks at 31 shade loving perennials that will come back each year if properly cared for.
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Before planting, you need to plan your garden based on the amount of sun each flower receives. You may think that you can only grow beautiful flowers in full sun. However, there are many fantastic shade-loving floral plants out there. Even better, many of these plants are perennials, returning year after year.
When assessing your garden, observe how much shade the garden gets. A fully shaded garden may still receive a bit of reflected sunlight. A garden in partial shade may get some sun through other leaves or during non-peak times.
Shade perennials can provide you with a retreat that gets you out of the sun. They bring many beneficial pollinators in as the spring season starts to kick off. Read on to learn about 31 beautiful blooms for planting in your shade garden.
Barrenwort
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botanical name Epimedium grandiflorum |
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If you are looking for a reliable groundcover with unique spurred flowers, barrenwort may be what you are looking for. It loves shade, but it can tolerate some sunlight. While it prefers moist soil, it has been known to handle some drought. It’s hardy in zones 5 through 8, and it stays right around a foot tall.
Barrenwort flowers come in every color you may want, and sometimes in multiple colors at once. Choose between white, pink, purple, red, orange, and yellow blooms. In the fall when it’s not blooming, barrenwort displays its showy foliage.
Bellflower
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botanical name Campanula spp. |
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You can find bellflowers in a variety of sizes and colors. Their blooms are blue, pink, or white, growing tall or in dwarf size. These plants have a long blooming season from late spring to mid-fall depending on the species. It’s a common flower in partially-shaded gardens, and grows well in hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Bigfoot Geranium
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botanical name Geranium macrorrhizum |
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Bigroot geranium is a hardy groundcover with a rhizomatic habit, and aromatic, lobed foliage. It grows up to one and a half feet tall, and is hardy in zones 3 through 8. Its magenta flowers rise above its foliage in gentle bursts starting in late spring.
Bigfoot geranium does best in full sun to partial shade. After it blooms, you do not need to prune it back. Instead, you can just remove the flower stems. Other than that, this plant does not require maintenance.
Black Cohosh
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botanical name Actaea racemosa |
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This is a shade perennial that adds height to gardens, and is hardy in zones 3 to 8. In summer, from the lovely dark foliage spring sprigs of tiny white flowers. Black cohosh can reach six feet tall, which makes it a larger selection compared to others on this list.
This plant blooms from late spring through summer, depending on your zone. Like other shade plants, black cohosh withstands a range of growing conditions, including some dryness. It generally prefers consistently moist soil, though.
Bleeding Heart
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botanical name Lamprocapnos spectabilis |
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Bleeding heart grows to two or three feet and is hardy in zones 3 to 9. This popular plant produces unique heart-shaped flowers in white or pink. Other species of bleeding heart produce beautiful red flowers. But the name of this plant comes from the shape of its petals that produce blooms that look like they are bleeding. These are visible in spring.
This plant requires a bit of care to get optimum results. After blooming, it goes dormant, and appreciates a bit of trimming at this point. Find a spot for bleeding hearts where they can stay, as they don’t appreciate being moved.
Columbine
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botanical name Aquilegia spp. |
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Attract pollinators to your shade garden with columbine. These perennials bloom uniquely shaped flowers that come in a plethora of colors, including white, pink, red, yellow, blue, and purple. They thrive in zones 3 through 8 and generally top out around two feet tall.
Columbine does well in sun or partial shade, but it does not do well in poorly drained soil. Amend heavier soils with compost to improve drainage. Columbines are easy to start from seed, as long as they are given the appropriate cold stratification period.
Corydalis
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botanical name Corydalis spp. |
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Corydalis is very versatile, and comes in several varieties that usually grow under a foot tall. It grows in small clumps, or as a groundcover thanks to its tendency to spread. Slender, tubular-shaped flowers bloom in several colors from species to species, including yellow, purple, white, and blue.
Corydalis has a very long blooming period compared to other shade plants, beginning in spring and continuing through fall. It is hardy in zones 5 through 8.
Deadnettle
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botanical name Lamium purpureum |
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Deadnettle not only blooms all summer long with white, pink, and purple blooms, but it has beautiful silver and green foliage. It’s a popular choice because it grows well in many conditions – full sun and full shade included. It prefers moist, well-drained soil in zones 4 through 8.
Only growing about eight inches tall, deadnettle is also a great groundcover. However, it is invasive in parts of North America, so avoid planting it in these areas.
False Spirea
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botanical name Sorbaria sorbifolia |
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False spirea has feathery plumes that are white. They grow to eight feet, and do well in full sun to partial shade. These plants have a wide hardiness range, from zones 2 through 8.
False Spirea is not a shade plant that can tolerate dry soil. It is a good idea to divide the roots of this plant every few years to help them maintain their vigor. Spread the divisions to other areas of the garden to enjoy their puffy flowers elsewhere.
Fern-Leaf Bleeding Heart
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botanical name Dicentra ‘Luxuriant’ |
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The fern-leaf bleeding heart is hardiest in zones 3 through 9, and doesn’t usually get taller than two feet. It needs moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It has a somewhat similar silhouette to the traditional bleeding heart.
The main difference between these two plants is that fern-leaf bleeding heart has long-lasting foliage and multiple bloom periods, while traditional bleeding hearts lose their foliage partway through the season.
Foamflower
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botanical name Tiarella cordifolia |
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This rich soil lover does best in zones 3 through 8, and grows up to one foot tall. Foamflowers are known for their unique white flowers and foliage. The leaves are shaped like maple leaves, and sometimes take on stunning reddish accents. From this foliage rises spikes of delicate blooms.
Foamflower blooms in spring. In warmer zones, this plant can be evergreen. It spreads rapidly, filling in areas quickly. So, if you want an ethereal groundcover, this is a great choice for your shade garden.
Foxglove
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botanical name Digitalis purpurea |
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While foxglove is not necessarily a shade plant, it does enjoy the shade if the weather is hot. This perennial is typically grown in full sun, but it thrives in many conditions. However, it needs well-drained soil to thrive. It is hardy in zones 3 through 9, and reaches two to five feet tall.
Foxglove has tall, stalks made up of pinkish to fuchsia tubular blooms with speckled throats. Depending on where they are grown, common foxglove can be a biennial, meaning it blooms in its second year.
Fuchsia
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botanical name Fuchsia spp. |
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Fuchsia flowers come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, none of which are cold hardy. If you want to grow them as a perennials, you need to be in zone 10 or 11, or shelter them in cool seasons. Otherwise, grow these as an annuals. Just make sure there’s some partial shade to keep them happy.
Ground Orchid
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botanical name Bletilla striata |
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Ground orchids thrive in zones 5 through 9, and reach one to two feet tall. You may think orchids are difficult to care for, but this orchid is very hardy. Blooming in spring and summer, this plant has few disease or pest problems. Ground orchids can spread via seeds and through reproduction of their corm-like root structure.
Delicate, colorful funnel blooms emerge over the foliage of this plant. This flower is generally purple, but can be pinkish or even whitish. Ground orchids need moist, well-drained soil. Some mulching over the winter is a good idea in the colder parts of its hardiness range in zone 5.
Hardy Begonia
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botanical name Begonia grandis |
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Grow this begonia in zones 6 through 9, and it will thrive, growing up to two feet. Living up to its name, the hardy begonia is easy to care for. Its only requirement is that it be planted in well-drained soil.
Hardy begonias have beautiful dark green leaves and delicate, white or pink flowers. They grow from tubers, and sprout very slowly, forming new tubers to reproduce.
Hellebore
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botanical name Helleborus spp. |
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Hellebore are hardy in zones 5 through 8, growing up to 15 inches tall. Also known as a Lenten roses, these plants are very tough, tolerating different soil types and deterring browsing animals.
Hellebores bloom early, in late winter. There are many types of hellebore, which bloom white, pink, maroon, and even green flowers. These last for a long time. Give these plants light to full shade and they will take off.
Hostas
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botanical name Hosta spp. |
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With a height under three feet, hostas grow best in zones 3 through 9. There are many types of hostas, and they vary in size and color. One thing that they have in common is that they enjoy the shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Not all hostas produce flowers, but when they do they are often white or purple. Some are even fragrant. Hostas are good shade plants, but some are suited to full sun. They make great edging plants because they grow low to the ground.
Ligularia
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botanical name Ligularia spp. |
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This plant grows best in zones 4 through 8, reaching two to six feet tall. With heart-shaped green foliage and yellow or orange flowers, ligulara adds a lot of character to your shade garden. These plants tolerate partial to full shade, as they are sensitive to heat. They do not do well with dry soil, so make sure you water them regularly. Ligularia doesn’t have many pest problems, but slugs will take a nibble here or there.
Lily of the Valley
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botanical name Convallaria majalis |
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Hardiest in zones 3 through 7, lily of the valley grows as tall as six to 12 inches in moist, well-drained soil. Known for its delicate, white bell-like flowers and sweet fragrance, it’s a wonderful addition to your shade garden. The white blooms turn into red berries in the fall. However, these berries (as well as the rest of the plant) are highly toxic to humans and animals.
Lily of the valley spreads quickly when left unchecked, and it can be invasive in certain conditions. As a result, you may want to grow this plant in a container.
Lilyturf
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botanical name Liriope spp. |
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Lilyturf is a shade plant known for its grassy foliage and its purple or white flower spikes that form in late summer. It is hardy in zones 4 through 10, reaching no more than a foot tall. Just like lily of the valley, it can be invasive and grows very easily, with very little intervention.
These plants are tolerant to drought, resistant to pests, and generally require little special care.
Lungwort
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botanical name Pulmonaria saccharata |
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Grown in zones 4 through 8 and reaching under a foot in height, lungwort needs moist, well-drained soil. Despite its odd name, this plant is uniquely beautiful. You can recognize it from its white dappled green leaves and its spray of multicolored flowers.
Within a single plant, you’ll see flower colors ranging from pink to blue. This range is due to the small pink flowers that turn blue as they mature. Keep this plant in the shade and keep its soil watered to help it thrive.
Meadow Rue
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botanical name Thalictrum aquilegiifolium |
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Meadow rue reaches two to three feet tall, and thrives in zones 5 through 8. With tiny flowers like lilac stars, meadow rue is a charming perennial to add to any shade garden.
At maturity, these plants creep along the ground. While meadow rue can survive the full sun, it prefers at least some shade and moist, well-drained soil. If you live somewhere warm, shade is essential.
Monkshood
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botanical name Aconitum napellus |
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Monkshood grows well in zones 3 through 8. With its purple blooms and medium two to four foot height, it’s a good choice for your garden if you want a tall plant that provides late-season color. Some plantings may need stakes when they reach a certain height.
This perennial is another shade-lover that can grow in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Monkshood possesses uniquely-shaped blooms that give the plant its name. It is not prone to any pests or diseases.
Primrose
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botanical name Primula spp. |
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Primrose reaches anywhere between six and 20 inches, and has blooms that are red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, or white (or a combination of these). In many zones this plant is grown as an annual since it does not appreciate warm weather. In general, it thrives in cooler parts of zones 3 through 8.
It is an early bloomer, and tolerates some sun. However, they in warm areas, shade is a must. There are many kinds of primroses out there, and each has their own needs. Pay attention to them to ensure your care is suited to the kind you plant.
Siberian Bugloss
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botanical name Brunnera macrophylla |
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Siberian bugloss grows to around 1.5 feet tall in zones 3 to 8. This perennial can easily burn from too much sun. It does very well in the shade, especially in large groups. Though it needs moist, well-drained soil to thrive.
This mid-sized plant provides blue flowers, and blooms in late spring. It has dark green, heart-shaped foliage. Siberian bugloss is known to last a long time with very little maintenance. It’s a good groundcover once established.
Solomon’s Seal
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botanical name Polygonatum spp. |
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Solomon’s Seal reaches between six inches and three feet, and it is hardy in zones 3 through 9. With some similarities to lily of the valley, this perennial has a sea of tapered green leaves and slipper-shaped white flowers that dangle along a thick stem.
This plant blooms in late spring into summer, and the flowers develop into blue-colored berries by the time fall rolls around. Solomon’s seal takes a few years to sprout when begun from rhizomes or plant starts. It needs moist, well-drained soil.
Spiderwort
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botanical name Tradescantia spp. |
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Thriving in zones 4 through 12, this groundcover gets to be between six inches and three feet when planted in moist, yet well-drained soil. Though the flowers on this plant are simple, the overall effect can be quite striking when planted en masse. Spiderwort has long, slender leaves and delicate purple, pink, or blue blooms.
Grow this one in partial shade, rather than full shade. It can even tolerate full sun. It’s is easy to care for, and pollinators love it. However, it can spread vigorously, so you may want to keep it contained unless you want a lot of it.
Toad Lily
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botanical name Tricyrtis hirta |
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Grow toad lily in zones 4 through 8 in moist, well-drained soil for best results. This plant usually stays under two feet tall, and its white speckled flowers closely resemble that of orchids.
It has purplish-green leaves, and small but numerous blooms. The toad lily is easy to grow, and it loves shade. If you want pollinators in your garden, this is a great option.
Trillium
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botanical name Trillium spp. |
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Plant this perennial in zones 5 through 9 in moist, well-drained soil. It grows to one to two feet with yellow, pink, purplish, or white flowers. Trilliums are native to the U.S. and grow happily in woodland areas. There are quite a few different types, with some that are common and others that are endangered.
This plant has a three-petaled flower. Propagation through division is a great way to spread this lovely plant around.
Viola
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botanical name Viola spp. |
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At a petite four to ten inches, violas are hardy in zones 3 through 8. They need moist, well-drained soil to really take off. There are many different types of violas, all with different forms. They come in white, cream, yellow, blue, peach, and purple.
While they can handle a bit of sun, they do much better in partial or full shade. In some zones, these plants are grown as annuals. Violas are some of the first flowers to bloom in the spring.
Virginia Bluebells
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botanical name Mertensia virginica |
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Reaching two feet, this plant thrives in zones 3 through 9, as long as it has moist, well-drained soil. Living up to its name, the Virginia bluebell flowers look like tiny bells. It is also native to Virginia. The foliage of this plant fades after it blooms in early spring. Therefore, it is a good idea to pair them with other plant types so you don’t end up with a bald spot in your garden in the summer.
