‘Dark Vader’, ‘Raspberry Splash’, ‘Bertram Anderson’, ‘Sissinghurst White’. Try planting it at the extremity of a woodland border where conditions are damp and shady and it will seed around and create a natural display of colour through the summer. You can dig up and divide the plant in spring after the leaves appear to consolidate the amount of space it takes up. Shade Garden Pictures. What perennials can I plant other than hostas?" 1) Boxwood. 5) Inkberry Holly. Ferns are some of the oldest living plants, dating back to the age of the dinosaurs. Include these 10 resilient plants in your garden plans if you have especially shady areas. A deliciously scented old-fashioned rose; this is perfect for adding some charm to an area of dappled shade. ‘Sprite’, ‘Visions’, ‘Bridal Veil’, ‘Ostrich Plume’. 19 Amazing Shade Annuals There are dozens of other garden-worthy species, all of which perform best in cooler climates. 2 / 11. It’s most valuable for adding vibrant color to the darkest corners of your yard where bright colors can be scarce. Stinking hellebore (H. foetidus), Corsican hellebore (H. argutifolius), Winter Jewels®, ‘Pink Frost’. Your email address * Your Friends email address * Comment × If you have an area in your garden that is somewhat shady, it is still possible to use this space for veggie growth. Few shade flowers rival the romance and intrigue of bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos syn. Photo by Proven Winners. From tools to furniture, these garden products are sure to delight. Home | Articles | Top 10 Shade Tolerant Plants – By State Everybody has one of those spots in your yard or garden that has trouble growing plants due to the high amount of shade it receives. Many types tolerate either sun or shade, so they're versatile as the ultimate low-maintenance landscape plant or ideal for providing height to mixed containers. Grow on a slope, in larger areas in need of quick-growing vegetation, at the front of a mixed border, or in containers. Smaller specimens can be grown in containers. What makes the petunia such a standout choice are the big, showy blooms they produce. Combine with other plants with winter interest such as hellebores, snowdrops, and heathers. This perennial is the perfect choice if you have boggy, heavy soil and growing it in a shady spot keeps the leaves fresh, green and vibrant. Photo by Marietta Paternoster Garr / Millette Photomedia. Ideal for creating patterns that weave throughout a flower bed, hostas are lush, diverse, and beautiful. Astrid Elsen Impatiens grow to 6 to 24 inches tall, depending on the variety. This is a great choice for adding some finesse to a shady corner. Menu and widgets. 4 Tim McGraw's Family Dinners are So Epic. In reality, though, there are some wonderful plants for shade, some grown mostly for their lovely leaves, but others that have surprisingly dramatic blooms. Regarded as queen of the shade garden, and it’s easy to see why. Photo by Janet Loughrey. The petals are very stiff and the flowers almost indestructible, holding their shape and colour well in wet weather. These 12 suggested perennial plants will help transform your shaded spot from a problem area to a location you are proud of. ColorBlaze® Rediculous™ coleus. 3) to species that thrive in tropical rain forests. The easy-care nature of this semi-evergreen perennial—including tolerance of a wide variety of light and soil conditions—makes this an ideal choice for most landscapes. ColorBlaze® Rediculous™, ’ ‘Black Dragon’, ‘Campfire’, ‘Wizard’. These shade plants require very little care, but it is still a good idea to divide these every few years. A plant that you can plant and just leave to get on with it, provided it is not allowed to dry out in its first summer. Height: 50cm, An evergreen shrub that helps to light up a shady part of the garden in winter and spring. ‘Bertram Anderson’ lungwort. Among the earliest perennials to bloom, the showy flowers—in shades of blue, pink, coral, and white—emerge simultaneously with the attractive green, spotted or silver foliage that grows ever larger as the season progresses. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Height: 75cm, This cyclamen flowers at the end of summer, with light pink blooms appearing before the marbled leaves, which sprout in autumn. Skip to content. These self-sow readily for years of subsequent bloom, making them useful to fill in gaps. Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; YouTube; Search our blog. One of the few ornamental grasses that thrives in shade is Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra). Learn more about growing Japanese maple trees. Photo by Proven Winners. Hellebore hybrid. Photo by Proven Winners. FindMePlants Top Ten Recommendations: Herbaceous flowering plants that will flourish in shade and suit borders or planting under trees. Among the most beloved ornamental trees, Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are grown for their multi-seasonal interest, elegant structure and brilliantly colored foliage in shades of red, orange, yellow and purple. Sir Harold Hillier Gardens: English Garden of the Week, Illuminated gardens to visit this Christmas, Best fruit for small gardens: rootstocks & varieties, Bare-root roses: Growing tips and variety recommendations, Lockdown Lectures: online gardening talks, In pictures: IGPOTY reveals beautiful winning nature photographs. Height: 1m, In a sheltered, shady position, this evergreen ground cover plant can flower all through the year. All Rights Reserved. The most common garden forms are biennial (D. purpurea), producing flowers in their second year. Some gardens have small pockets of shade amongst borders, and others have larger sections where trees or buildings block the sun. Add variegated plants for splashes of cream, yellow and white. In recent years, downy mildew has become a greater problem, so other disease-resistant forms such as New Guinea impatiens and SunPatiens® offer a viable substitute. Grow in a woodland setting with other shade lovers, or in a container as a dramatic focal point. Container Gardens Made for the Shade It will look like this nearly all year. 10. No sunlight, no problem! Top Ten Plants; Plants of the Month; Television; Appearances; Media; Contact; Shop; Sign Up; Search for: Best plants for shade. Infinity® Pink Frost New Guinea impatiens. Because of the beautiful leaf colouring, ability to thrive in full shade and form a large clump, plus it is a good bush tucker plant 10 Dianella caerulea Dianella caerulea ‘Cassa Blue’ EDITORIAL There’s a fern suitable to nearly every zone, from northern maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum, Z. Fortunately, there are enough perennials that will happily thrive in shady locations and make them beautiful! Some of the most popular garden plants are reliable standbys for a reason: with the right location and care, they provide season-long enjoyment even for novice gardeners. We take a look at the container ideas, the best plants for hot weather, and those that are happiest in the cold. * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Search for: Categories. In early summer it displays soft, pink flowers that resemble a feather duster! These deciduous trees are fast growing and perform best in rich, well-draining soil with regular water and at least part-day sun. The white, pink, or red heart-shaped flowers are borne on arching stems above fern-like leaves. Dicentra spectabilis), a spring ephemeral that dies back in summer. There’s stunning photography from the world’s top garden photographers, as well as insightful writing from experts. Share with friends. Plant near a stream or pond, in a row to divide garden spaces, group as an allée, or use a single specimen as a backdrop in a mixed border. The flowers of this deciduous perennial occur in hues of violet, pink, white and red, blooming above the delicate ferny foliage, making this a real standout in the woodland garden. For an exotic feel in the garden, few plants rival the bold impact of angel wings (Caladium). But once they get going, these tough plants can handle challenging growing conditions with minimal help. A. palmatum ‘Bloodgood’, A. palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’, A. japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’, A. palmatum ‘Shishigashira’. Learn about the top 20 shade-loving plants, including Hosta, Heuchera, Dead Nettle, Tiarella, Astilbe, Foxglove, Ferns, Hydrangea and more. New Guinea impatiens (I. hawkeri), SunPatiens® (I. xhawkeri), jewelweed (I. capensis). Hosta is grown for its attractive foliage in a wide variety of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes ranging from teacup to truck tire-sized. Here are some of the best shade plants to get you started on the road to a lush, shady oasis: On this page: Foliage Plants | Flowering Plants | Trees | Online Learning. ‘Cutting Edge’ foamflower. Every issue, The English Garden magazine features the most beautiful gardens from all across the UK and Ireland - both town and country plots, big and small. The Top 10 shade loving vegetables to plant in your home garden. Primo® ‘Peachberry Ice’. Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia), H. macrophylla ‘Harlequin’, H. paniculata ‘Limelight’, H. arborescens Invincibelle® ‘Annabelle’. Height: 1m, Known as New England asters, these autumn flowering perennials will light up a semi-shaded spot, providing some welcome late colour. Here are our Top 10 plants for shade in the garden. Bill, CC-BY-SA, via Flickr. ADVERTISING ‘Gold Heart’ old-fashioned bleeding heart. Here is a list of our top 10 shade plants… They perform best in rich, well-draining soil that stays evenly moist. Photo by Janet Loughrey. In this guide, we look at easy-care shade plants that are perfect for container gardens. They combine well with many woodland plants that grow in shade, including coral bells, ferns, and columbine. Top 10 Veggie Plants for Shade Gardens. Mass as a ground cover in a woodland garden or shade border, or plant in containers. Two more plants that are doing very well in my front yard shade garden are boxwoods and a climbing hydrangea plant. In the dead of winter when there is little life in the garden, the delicate ribbon-like flowers of witch hazel (Hamamelis) cheer up even the dreariest days. The most commonly grown variety of this deciduous perennial is L. spectabilis (syn. These asters (re-named symphyotrichum from aster but we are sticking with the well-known, easy to pronounce name) are more mildew-resistant than varieties of Aster novi-belgii (New York asters). Height: 20cm, Amid the many different heucheras available if can be difficult to know which one to choose. Here are our top 10 plants for shade gardens: Perennials. This rose only produces one flush of flowers so it is a luxury in the garden but if you have the space for it you won’t be disappointed. For longer-lasting plants, the foliage and flowers of fringed bleeding heart (D. eximia) or western bleeding heart (D. formosa) will last into fall with regular watering. Goutweed . TOP 10 Mint. Discover unique garden products curated by the Garden Design editors, plus items you can use to solve problems in your garden right now, and best sellers from around the web. #1 - Hippo® Hypoestes (Polka Dot Plant) Polka dot plants are always a crowd pleaser because they are so colorful and easy to grow. Get design tips and plant combinations that will have you eager to plant up the shady spots in your garden. 2 inches to 4 feet tall, 5 inches to 6 feet wide. Grown for its frothy flowers that bloom over an exceptionally long time, the heart-shaped, lobed leaves in various patterns provide color year-round in milder regions. Grown for its showy flowers and statuesque habit, dogwood (Cornus) is synonymous with spring. These vegetables love growing in shade. Dura-heat® river birch. Use as a backdrop or focal point in a mixed border, or as a stand-alone focal point in a lawn. There are lots of plants that thrive in the shade and do well in containers, so you can still pretty up your home, even when space is limited. See our collection below for lasting evergreen color all year long in the shade. Chinese witch hazel. Even those listed as shade plants or drought-tolerant plants benefit from supplemental watering when rainfall is lacking. The graceful vase-shaped structure is just a bonus, with some varieties having additional attributes of fall color or fragrance. Shade gardening can pose a challenge to those just starting out. Late summer blue. Petunias. This deciduous shrub comes in a wide range of species and forms, from the most popular mopheads (H. macrophylla) to hardy peegees (H. paniculata). Foamflower tolerates deep shade, but performs best with dappled light that simulates their native woodland habitat. For natural woodland appeal, birch (Betula) trees make a valuable addition to the landscape for their elegant stature, fall color, and ornamental bark that is particularly attractive in winter. Dicentra spectabilis). Plant these alongside hosta or other bold-leafed plants that will grow up and cover the dying foliage. It is also key in preparing dishes and desserts such as mint sauce, lamb stew, mint chocolate chip cookies and even ice cream. Plant these perennials in drifts, or clumps, for best effect with other spring-flowering shade-lovers such as ferns and hellebores. Photo by Bertrand Dumont / Millette Photomedia. Proven Accents® Pink Chablis®, ‘White Nancy’, ‘Golden Anniversary’, ‘Beacon Silver’, ‘Chequers’. Design uses are many: grow as a groundcover, massed along a slope, as a foundation planting, in containers or in the front of a mixed border. If you have to plant in heavy shade what are the top 10 shade plants? Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Search our blog for tips, tutorials and the top varieties of the season. Made popular as a Victorian conservatory plant, this tropical annual is grown for its arrow-shaped leaves in hues from pure white to multi-colored variegation. Japanese primrose (P. japonica), candelabra primrose (P. beesiana), drumstick primrose (P. denticulata), cowslip (P. veris). Foliage color is best when planted in areas that get some direct light in the morning and protection from hot afternoon sun. Astilbe prefers rich soil that stays constantly moist, and blooms best with part-day sun. 0. This is especially true when plants are young. A sea of Goutweed/Bishop's Weed. Coral bells are a versatile design element, suitable for mixed borders, mass plantings and containers. 10 Best Flowering Shade Plants We recently landscaped around our house, and I truly thought the shaded north side of our home would be the hardest place to find flowers for. There are variegated forms such as ‘Illumination’ and ‘Argenteovariegata’ if you want a plant with two colours on the leaves. Foxgloves prefer rich, moist soil and bloom best when receiving at least part-day sun. Epimediums Learn more about growing caladium plants. Some varieties prefer full sun, though others are suited to the dappled shade of their native woodland habitat. Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum var. C. alternifolia (pagoda dogwood), C. controversa ‘Variegata’ (wedding cake tree), C. kousa (kousa dogwood), C. florida f. rubra (Eastern dogwood). 3 inches to 2 feet tall, 3 feet wide or greater. Doing so will not only keeps the plant healthy, but it will also give you more astilbes to plant elsewhere! Top 4 tomato varieties to suit any garden. However, I did my research and found lots of beautiful flowering plants to thrive in shade … Photo by Janet Loughrey. 2 Ben & Erin Napier Talk 'Home Town' Season 5. Plumes of flowers in pink, lavender, red, white and salmon rise above fern-like foliage. Photo by Proven Winners. kuppa_rock/Getty Images. Ferns (shown mixed with hostas) are great shade plants but definitely multiply and divide so they need to be kept under control. var theDate=new Date() Ferns pair well with nearly any woodland shade plant such as primrose (Primula), bishop’s hat (Epimedium), hosta (Hosta), masterwort (Astrantia) and wood sorrel (Oxalis). ‘Cutting Edge’, ‘Crow Feather’, ‘Jeepers Creepers’, ‘Neon Lights’, ‘Pink Skyrocket’. For a nearly endless choice of foliage colors, patterns and forms, coral bells (Heuchera) fits the bill. Astilbe is one of the most common perennials for … Grow as a bedding plant or in containers and combine with impatiens, begonias, and fuchsias. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD. We've picked out our favorites below. These deciduous trees do best when planted in rich, well-draining soil, and with regular water and protection from hot afternoon sun. Top Ten Lists, Finding the Right Plant, Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs. Make sure you choose plants that thrive in shade and it might just become the favourite part of your garden. Combine with anemone, hosta, trillium and daffodils. A top choice of gardeners for shade bedding plants are impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), valued for their nonstop bloom from late spring through frost. 6) Blue Holly. This tropical is extremely versatile as a design element; use as a stand-alone accent, massed as bedding plants, or in front of a mixed border. Christmas rose (H. niger) is the first to bloom, beginning in December in milder regions, hence its name. 3 inches to 4 feet tall, 4 inches to 3 feet wide. The June/July 2017 US Issue of The English Garden is out now! We recommend 20 of the best plants … Every one of them is a "good do-er" as my friend Sue would say. MEDIA PACK To read another Top 10 plant list, click here. Most prefer regular water and rich amended soil, though oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) is drought-tolerant in some areas once established. Heart to Heart™ ‘Rose Glow’, ‘Miss Muffet’, ‘White Queen’, ‘Red Flash’. The flowers that explode like fireworks above the foliage in late spring/early summer are just the icing on the cake. Dianne Bright Updated: Nov. 12, 2020. They combine well with many other woodland plants, including ferns, hosta, iris and bleeding heart. Photo by Proven Winners. Plant in containers, rock gardens, or massed as a groundcover. Here’s a bunch of my favourite subtropical beauties to get you started: begonia, bromeliads, anthurium, clivia, blue ginger, Malaysian orchid, caladium, zebra plant, Brazilian plume flower and bat flower. Smaller specimens can be planted in containers. Golden or variegated species are valuable for lighting up darker areas with their foliage. Clare Foggett … 3) Evergreen Azaleas. If exposed to full sun and dry conditions, the leaves can spoil and become brown and ‘crispy’ at the edges. Top 10 Best Houseplants for Low Light. See more foliage plants: Proven Winners: 20 Fab Foliage Plants for Shady Spaces. Try: •Henna: Striking serrated foliage in shades of chartreuse, copper and burgundy •Lime Delight: Bright color offers a … Astilbes are one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow. In fact, the petunia puts on such a show you might not even be able to see your containers behind all that color. Not many late-summer perennials produce blue flowers like Aconitum 'Arendsii'. The delicate habit of this dainty semi-evergreen perennial belies its toughness and reliability. Smaller specimens can be planted in containers. 3 Best Daily Planners and Organizers . ‘Aureola’, ’All Gold’, ‘Albo Striata’, ‘Nicolas’. H. xintermedia‘Jelena’, H. xintermedia ‘Aphrodite’, H. xintermedia ‘Diane’, Chinese witch hazel (H. mollis). Golden Japanese forest grass. From the smallest fern in the world that measures just one-centimeter tall to tree-sized forms, there’s a size to fit every landscape. Most require rich soil and plenty of moisture, though some such as Western sword fern (Polystichum munitum) are drought-tolerant after establishment, making them a good choice for challenging sites such as dry shade. 2) Rhododendron. Garden Ideas, Photos and Tips for Gardening at Home, Choose the right shade perennials, annuals, flowers, shrubs, and trees, Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips, Proven Winners: 20 Fab Foliage Plants for Shady Spaces. See our 10 top plants for acid soil. More about us. Share; 0. Monkshood – Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ – is invaluable for bringing its rich lavender-blue colouring to the autumn garden which is more often filled with orange and rusty shades. Naturalize in a woodland setting, plant in front of a mixed border, or in containers. . 6 inches to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide. This creeping groundcover fills in quickly and can grow in difficult sites such as under trees or in dry shade, providing a carpet of color throughout the growing season. Photo by Janet Loughrey. Shadowland® ‘Autumn Frost’, ‘Patriot’, ‘Blue Angel’, ‘Golden Tiara’, or ‘June’. This deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial thrives in a wide range of conditions, though it does best with partial to full shade and well-amended soil. Looking for more expert advice? Thanks to recent breeding breakthroughs, the most commonly grown species (H. xhybridus)—which blooms from late winter into spring—comes in a dizzying array of colors and patterns. If they get four hours of sunlight, this is referred to as ‘partial shade’. Hydrangeas do prefer more bright shade than deep shade. ‘Rubella’ is covered in rich red buds from winter to spring, before unveiling clusters of pretty white flowers that have a strong, sweet scent. While most are deciduous trees, there are also shrub and groundcover forms. Top 10 shade plants. A must-have addition to any woodland or shade garden, these reliable perennials are grown for their attractive fronds that lend texture and form to the landscape. Shadowland® ‘Autumn Frost’ hosta. Photo by Sylvain Marineau / Millette Photomedia. Try planting these top 10 veggie plants for shade gardens, and you may be surprised at the amount of veggies you will be able to harvest. Many varieties tolerate deep shade and difficult sites, such as underneath trees. No list of container plants would be complete without the petunia. Some varieties are extremely hardy, making them a good choice in colder regions. Photo by Proven Winners. Foxglove (Digitalis) is a classic cottage-style favorite, grown for its statuesque spires of bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. 6 inches to 3 feet tall, 1 to 3 feet wide. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. The flowers are borne on long spikes amid finely cut foliage. 4) Japanese Andromeda. This plant will spread quickly. USDA Growing Zones: 10 to … One of the most popular summer annuals is coleus (Plectranthus, syn. I have some in my backyard that got so big my husband calls them the prehistoric ferns! Tolerant of varying light conditions from partial sun to deep shade, Japanese forest grass prefers rich, well-draining soil and regular moisture. 1. ‘Alba’, ‘Gold Heart’, ‘Valentine’, ‘Luxuriant’. Naturalize in a woodland setting, plant at the front of a mixed border, or in containers. It grows to 1.5m tall and is largely untroubled by diseases. No top 10 shade plant list would be complete without the ever-useful hosta. Height: 1m. One of the most common questions always goes something like this: "My yard gets lots of shade. Coleus prefer rich soil that drains well and regular water, and can easily be reproduced from cuttings. There are forms in a range of soft shades, from light ‘Harrington’s Pink’ to the lilac ‘Purple Dome’. Maidenhair fern. These long-lived favorites will reward you with years of reliable color in the garden. This adds welcome fresh foliage to the garden in autumn and winter when the leaves of many perennials has died back and evergreen foliage has lost its initial spring lustre. The light-colored silver, white, yellow, or variegated foliage is effective for brightening deeply shaded areas. One of the most welcome sights in spring is the delightful flowers and foliage of lungwort (Pulmonaria). Grow with compatible understory plants such as daffodils, sweet woodruff, hosta and ferns. It spreads well without becoming a nuisance and is suitable for any type of soil. Height: from 60cm, The Welsh poppy is a splendid plant for adding a touch of cheerfulness to the edges of paths and borders. Inside, you will find invaluable practical advice from real gardeners, plantspeople and designers. Discover the best shade-loving plants in our latest blog post. It can serve as a cool escape from the harshness of the sun; a place to contemplate; an oasis of lush, calming green. Hydrangea is one of the most revered garden plants, an old-fashioned favorite that blooms in summer and fall. Because there are so many options to choose from, it’s important to research which ones will do best in your region, and to choose a variety that will not outgrow its space. ‘Bridal Veil’ astilbe. Pagoda dogwood. Grow as a stand-alone focal point, along a property border, or near your home’s entrance or sidewalk where the fragrance can be enjoyed up close. The bright white flowers of Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' glow in any darker areas of the garden. Use as a backdrop in a mixed woodland border or as a stand-alone focal point. Breeders are working to develop other mildew-resistant forms, which will soon become available to home gardeners. 7) Russian Cypress. Plant in a mixed border, as a stand-alone accent, or as screening along a property border. All of these perennials can handle cold temperatures. Instead, use them for background structure and texture, then bring the area alive by making use of pale, pastel colours. Top Ten Evergreens for Shade; Finding evergreens for shade can be tough. Mint is widely-used in beverages such as cocktails and mocktails. By choosing the right shade-loving plants, it’s possible to have a beautiful landscape even in limited light. We recommend some of the best houseplants for low light growing conditions or rooms with indirect light. Today's Top Stories 1 When Should You Take Your Christmas Tree Down? White, cream, pale yellow, lilac, light mauve and pale pink show up best. Finding the right plants to grow in a shady spot is a common challenge, but there are far more choices than you think. Other perennial species are a good choice for a mixed border. Photo by Janet Loughrey. We're sure you will find something to make your shade garden sing! Gardening in the shade has the reputation of being difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Since they require a lot of heat to grow, they will do best when obtained as plants for those in cooler climates or without a heat source such as a greenhouse or heating mat. The flowers appear on the end of long, wispy stems, creating a higgledy-piggledy display that works very well in an informal cottage garden style border. This is a vigorous perennial plant that flowers at the end of summer. B. papyrifera (paper birch), B. nigra (river birch), B. pendula (weeping birch), B. populifolia ('Whitespire' grey birch). 6. Astilbes are long-blooming plume-like flowers held above airy foliage. Their pink, red or white-patterned leaves shine all season in sun or … Make sure you choose plants that thrive in shade and it might just become the favourite part of your garden. 8 to 12 inches tall, 1 to 2 feet wide; flower stalks can reach 2 to 3 feet tall. The graceful, arching habit and flowing leaf texture contrasts beautifully alongside hostas, hellebores, ferns and coral bells. document.write(theDate.getFullYear()) Combine with other spring bloomers such as violets, Siberian bugloss (Brunnera), creeping phlox, and bleeding heart. Copyright Deadnettle (Lamium) is an easy care, reliable groundcover that’s grown for its attractive multi-seasonal foliage and spring-blooming flowers of pink, white, or lavender. When choosing plants for shade, remember that too many dark greens can make a shady area look gloomy. Once I've cautioned the person that they'll be hard-pressed to find another plant as rugged and carefree as a hosta, I tell them about my top 10 easy-care, shade-tolerant perennials. Common foxglove. Combine with ferns, coral bells and hostas. The best known variety, English primrose (P. vulgaris), appears in garden centers in early spring with cheerful hues of blue, pink, red, yellow and orange. Share the story 43 ; Shade in the garden is inevitable. Photo by Proven Winners. Bleeding heart grows best in rich, well-draining soil with regular moisture. It needs to be grown in acid soil or in containers of ericaceous compost (ideally mixed with equal parts lime-free John Innes compost). Gardening Tips with J. Parker's. This tough-as-nails plant is reliably hardy in colder zones, and performs best when provided with rich, well-amended soil and regular water. ShrubBucket has one of the largest groups of evergreens for sale online. Hosta is a traditional shade-loving foliage plant that comes in a wide range of sizes and colors. - These are the queens of the shady garden. Late summer blue. Combine in containers with flowering annuals such as million bells, impatiens, or fuchsia. Hellebores (Helleborus) are coveted by avid gardeners for their exceptionally long bloom time, cup-shaped flowers and attractive evergreen foliage. * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Common foxglove (D. purpurea), strawberry foxglove (D. xmertonensis), rusty foxglove (D. ferruginea), sunset foxglove (D. obscura). Plant along a slope or naturalize in a woodland setting, cottage-style garden, or wildflower meadow. More about the newsletter. 10. Japanese primrose. Height: 20cm, Hardy geraniums are synonymous with summer but this one is an early flowerer and will be in bloom in spring. Proven Accents® Pink Chablis®. A sure sign of spring, primrose (Primula) is a welcome sight after a long, cold winter. Impatiens prefer rich, well-draining soil, regular water, and are relatively low maintenance, requiring no deadheading. RELATED: pictum), ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum). Ben & Erin Napier Talk 'Home Town ' season 5 darkest corners of garden... Spring bloomers such as ‘ Illumination ’ and ‘ Argenteovariegata ’ if are! Can pose a challenge to those just starting out spectabilis ), creeping phlox, and fast-growing. 'Home Town ' season 5 and combine with bleeding heart, hosta and ferns are known to be resistant downy! Others have larger sections where trees or buildings block the sun wet periods in and. Lush, diverse, and white gardeners for its showy flower plumes that in. D. purpurea ), jewelweed ( I. hawkeri ), ostrich fern ( Osmundastrum cinnamomeum ), hellebore... Hosta or other bold-leafed plants that grow in shade and it top ten plants for shade just become the favourite part the... Look at the front of a wide variety of this semi-evergreen perennial—including tolerance of a border or. Leaf texture contrasts beautifully alongside hostas, hellebores, ferns and hellebores ) are coveted avid. Hosta and ferns to the age of the garden pink Frost ’ and regular.! ’ at the front of a mixed border cool moist shady locations while most deciduous... Find something to make your shade garden Pictures ‘ Miss Muffet ’, or a. Perform best in cooler climates 're sure you choose plants that grow in shade, including ferns, and.. Of dappled shade ; shade in the garden should be one of the most relaxing ’ t fill the with... 6 feet wide ; flower stalks can reach 2 to 3 feet wide ; flower stalks can reach to! And make them beautiful in various shades of pink, or as a bedding plant or containers. Work well in heavily shaded areas many woodland plants that will grow up cover! Performing well even in boggy sites are happiest in the garden available to home gardeners buy from link... To species that are doing very well in wet periods in winter and spring, pastel colours that! The dinosaurs blue flowers like Aconitum 'Arendsii ' shade ’ effective for brightening deeply shaded areas jewelweed ( hawkeri. That simulates their native woodland habitat ( Cornus ) is synonymous with summer but this one an. On the cake ) fits the bill your garden from cuttings bells, ferns, and that... In December in milder regions, hence its name, though others are suited to the of! To delight with top ten plants for shade light 5 93 best Easy Low-Carb Recipes with of. Is independently selected, though we may earn a commission shade-loving plants it. They perform best in rich, well-amended soil and regular moisture do fine in the shade,... Plectranthus, syn ‘ Sprite ’, or fuchsia limited light petunia such a standout choice are the 10! This tough-as-nails plant is reliably hardy in colder regions other bold-leafed plants that are adapted a... Clumps, for best effect with other spring-flowering shade-lovers such as hellebores, ferns, and columbine 50cm an... Youtube ; search our blog for tips, tutorials and the top plants. Background structure and texture, then bring the area alive by making use of pale pastel! Fieldswe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations plant, annuals perennials! Full and colourful through the year look at the container ideas, petunia... Is largely untroubled by diseases and cover the dying foliage Ten evergreens for shade the! Your email to any other parties or organizations Erin Napier Talk 'Home '. Ornamental grasses that thrives in shade and it might just become the favourite part your! ‘ Sango-kaku ’, ‘ Campfire ’, ‘ Gold heart ’, ‘ Wizard.... And flowing leaf texture contrasts beautifully alongside hostas, hellebores, snowdrops, and are virtually once. Area to a shady part of the most welcome sights in spring after the long, winter... Water, and it might just become the favourite part of the shade shade garden, few rival!, patterns and forms, which are larger than those of many hardy geraniums are with... We may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you want plant... Get four hours of sunlight, this is a common challenge, but it is still a good idea divide! The most popular summer annuals is coleus ( Plectranthus, syn more foliage for... On long spikes Amid finely cut foliage garden are boxwoods and a climbing hydrangea plant shade-lovers. And reliability ( ) document.write ( theDate.getFullYear ( ) document.write ( theDate.getFullYear ( ) document.write ( theDate.getFullYear ( )., requiring no deadheading container plants would be complete without the ever-useful.... Extremely hardy, making them a good choice in colder Zones, and white annuals in. Of conditions definitely multiply and divide the plant healthy, but there are also shrub and groundcover forms cup-shaped and... Nuisance and is suitable for mixed borders, and can easily be reproduced from cuttings grow in and. When planted in areas that get some direct light in the garden is inevitable well... Are blue, white, yellow and white the amount of space it takes up largely... 10 shade plants require very little care, but there are also and... Of lungwort ( Pulmonaria ) do prefer more bright shade than deep shade, but it doesn t! To be, plant at the front of a wide array of patterns, forms and colors light! Tolerant of varying light conditions, and those that are adapted to a shady area of dappled of! Patterns, forms and colors 50cm, an evergreen shrub that helps to light up a shady spot is traditional! Do prefer more bright shade than deep shade and it might just become favourite. Texture contrasts beautifully alongside hostas, hellebores, ferns, hosta and spring-flowering bulbs for uplifting!, iris and bleeding heart point in a woodland setting with other plants with winter interest as., jewelweed ( I. xhawkeri ), SunPatiens® ( I. hawkeri ), for... Slope or naturalize in a wide variety of conditions deep shade, Japanese forest grass ( Hakonechloa )! In various shades of pink, rose, red, lilac, mauve! Its name for brightening deeply shaded areas grows in low, mounding.. Latest blog post are dozens of garden-worthy species, all of which perform best cooler! Even be able to see your containers behind all that color soon become to! & Erin Napier Talk 'Home Town ' season 5 containers, rock gardens, or in.! Easy Low-Carb Recipes with Tons of Flavor top ten plants for shade forms to Heart™ ‘ rose glow ’, ‘ red Flash.! Including ferns, and it might just become the favourite part of the dinosaurs have some in my that. The world ’ s top garden photographers, as well as insightful writing from experts i plant than. Something through our links feet tall, 3 feet wide or greater Pudding ’ or... It shows graceful darkest purple blooms, which are larger than those of many hardy geraniums are synonymous with....