The entire point of curating a home garden is to imbibe principles that work for your particular space. The crops you see growing in a random virtually scrollable garden might not necessarily be the ones that would stand tall in your own.
So you need to consider everything from space to the sun when cultivating your own space. And among the most seemingly tricky gardening concepts to broach is that of a yard that receives less than optimal sunlight. Perhaps your outdoor area is shielded by neighboring buildings, or nearby trees or maybe you just live in a place that doesn't get many rays.
No matter the reason, there's no need for this to stand as a hurdle between you and your ideal garden. In fact, there are plenty of shady garden ideas that would work wonderfully for your home and we've collated a list of expert-approved shade-loving plants that'll bring your garden to life in no time.
1. Bleeding Heart
Starting off strong with these incredibly visually intriguing flowers, bleeding hearts or dicentra spectabilis is actually one of our favorites and the best perennial plants for shade — but remember, they love light shade. Landscape designer Alexander Betz tells us that these plants are also one of the top shade varieties in his book.
"Bleeding hearts prefer the cool, shaded environment of partial shade, where they can produce their unique, heart-shaped flowers without the stress of full sun," he says. "They also benefit from the cooler temperatures."
Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9
2. Foxgloves
If you're looking for shade plants for containers, most foxgloves thrive in shade, while some species may require full sun. But they certainly are a definite garden hit. They do require a larger container than most, but their rewarding vertical blooms are well worth the necessary growing space.
Alexander tells us that foxgloves adapt well to partial shade, especially in cooler climates. This is primarily because here's where they can avoid the harsh midday sun that can scorch their leaves. "They also appreciate protection from the intense afternoon heat," he adds.
Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9
3. Coral Bells
Coral bells are one of the best perennial shade plants around and it only helps that they are impressively versatile. Whether you grow them as border plants, groundcover, or even in a container garden setting, these plants will thrive with ease.
"Coral bells thrive in partial shade as their colorful foliage and delicate flowers can flourish without the intense sun," says Alexander. "They are also adaptable to various soil types and benefit from cooler, shaded conditions."
Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9
4. Hostas
Hostas are dense shade-compatible plants that sprout beautiful green foliage, making them one of the best plants for a tranquil patio. If you value curb appeal but have found yourself struggling to keep your patio garden alive, it might be time to throw some hostas in the mix.
Kelly Funk, gardening expert and CEO of Jackson & Perkins tells us that hostas are among the top shade garden plants she recommends. "They are well-suited to partial shade because their broad leaves capture limited sunlight effectively," she explains. "Plus, they also tolerate cooler, moist conditions found in shaded areas."
Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9
5. Astilbe
In our opinion, astilbe is an underrated crop, overall. And when we found out about their shade-hardiness, it only proved to us that this plant should be higher on everyone's radar.
Kelly tells us that astilbes enjoy the dappled light of partial shade and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. She also finds that their feathery flower spikes add color and texture to shaded gardens. Moreover, if you opt for modern hybrids of astilbe, you'll find yourself with tall plants for shade that offer plenty of visual interest to your space.
Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8
6. Lungworts
Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort is yet another fabulous shade plant to add to your backyard. And don't be fooled by the less-than-pleasant plant name, as this crop actually blooms some very pretty multi-hued flowers. And they're known for their ability to draw beneficial garden insects into your space.
When we asked Kelly why these plants thrive in dappled zones, she explained that lungwort is well-adapted to shady areas. She also commented on the fact that these flowers with their attractive spotted foliage and early spring blooms flourish in cooler, moist conditions.
Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9
7. Hydrangeas
According to Kelly, hydrangeas are a great option for backyards that are not blessed with an abundance of sunlight. "Hydrangeas prefer morning sun or filtered light and benefit from moisture retention in shaded areas," she notes. "They also thrive in the cooler conditions found in partial shade."
Hydrangea shade plants are vibrant yard editions and their enviable clustered blooms are undeniably beautiful. And once they're done growing, you can always cut yourself your very own bouquet of beautiful hydrangeas.
Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9
With all these brilliant shade garden plants to go off, there's no reason you can't breathe some life into your sun-avoidant space. Plus, the fact that these crops don't require plenty of steady light, only means that they're hardier than the rest.
So if you've been wanting to create your own backyard garden patch but you've had a lack of sunlight standing in your way, then this is your chance to take this list of plants and get to growing.
FAQs
What is the longest-blooming perennial for shade?
If you're looking for a pretty flower that blooms endlessly, the best planting option for your shade garden is the never-tiring yellow corydalis. These bright clustered blooms continue to flower from late spring to frost and they have the ability to thrive in even the less-lit spots of your backyard.
To bring them into your home and enjoy their long-blooming qualities, we recommend planting these corydalis flower seeds from Amazon. And after a little tending to, you'll soon have a beautiful garden dotted with yellow flowers.
