Plants That Thrive in Shade (2024)

Gardening

• 01 of 24

  Hetz's Japanese Holly

  

  It's easy to overlook shrubs when planning a shade garden but they provide structure and background for planting beds with showier plants. Grow evergreen shrubs, like Hetz's Japanese holly (Ilex crenata'Hetzii'), for its small oval leaves that resemble boxwood foliage. Hetz’s Japanese holly is evergreen, so it will stay green all year. It grows in full sun and partial shade, but it will struggle in heat or hot afternoon sun.
  

  • Name: Hetz's Japanese holly (Ilex crenata'Hetzii')
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
  • Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: No

  Warning

  Japanese holly is a non-native species that is included on invasive plant lists, including in Georgia and Rock Creek National Park in Washington, DC.

• 02 of 24

  Inkberry Holly

  

  Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra), also known as gallberry, is another easy evergreen shrub to grow around damp, woodland gardens, bogs, and ponds with partial shade. This shrub offers good winter color because of its dark berries and evergreen foliage. The leaves and berries are toxic to humans and pets.
  

  • Name: Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Average rich or clay, moist, well-drained, acidic
  • Mature Size: 5-10 ft. tall, 5-8 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes
    

• 03 of 24

  Hemlock

  

  Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) includescultivars in shrub form that make excellentshade-loving hedges where the taller tree might not be appropriate. For shrubs forms, try 'Gentsch White', 'Aurea Compacta', or 'Pendula' and Sargentii' which are both weeping hemlocks that grow only to about 12 feet tall.

  If you prefer a hemlock tree, it is unlike other large trees and prefers to grow in full to partial shade though it does like full sun in colder northern regions. Hemlocks have tiny fragrant needles and oval-shaped seed cones. This stately tree looks beautiful throughout the seasons and grows about one to two feet annually.
  

  Important

  Be aware that woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae)is anaphid-like insectthat feeds mainly onEastern hemlock trees,

  See Also

  The loveliest zone 7 perennial flowers to add to your garden51 Shade Perennials For Full and Partially Shady Garden Spaces15 Colorful Perennials to Spice Up the Zone 7 Garden20 Great Shade Plants & Flowers for a Lush, Shady Oasis - Garden Design

  • Name: Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
  • Light: Full to partial shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
  • Mature Size: 70 ft. tall, 25-35 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: No
    

• 04 of 24

  Yew

  

  Yews (Taxus spp.) are adaptable evergreen trees and shrubs that tolerate many growing conditions. The shrub form is useful wherever it is shady whether it's in front of a sun-dappled house as a foundation plant or used as privacy hedges in a shady yard. Yews can be grown in all types of light conditions, including full and partial shade but a few hours of sun every day will result in a lush growth. Too much shade can cause it to be less robust. You'll find over 400 cultivars of yew that all grow at different heights and widths. Yew bark, needles, and its fruits are toxic to humans and animals.
  

  • Name: Yew (Taxus spp.)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
  • Light: Full, partial shade
  • Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained, neutral
  • Mature Size: 4-60 ft. tall, 4-20 ft. wide, depending on the variety
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

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• 05 of 24

  Bleeding Heart

  

  Perennial plants, such as bleeding hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerlyDicentra spectabilis) provide the color variety and drama that evergreen shrubs can't provide. The plant gets its name from its blossoms, which are dangling, puffy, heart-shaped, and pink with a dangling white "droplet." Because the flowers are delicate, the plant does best in partial to full shade because direct sun and the heat of summer can diminish its bloom. Consider other types of flowers in the Dicentra genus, such as fringed bleeding heart(Dicentra eximia) with the addition of fern-like leaves and Dutchman's breeches(Dicentra cucullaria) with white breech-shaped flowers and feathery ferns.

  As whimsical as these flowers look, plants in the Dicentra genus are toxic to humans and pets.

  • Name: Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerlyDicentra spectabilis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
  • Light: Partial to full shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral
  • Mature Size: 1–3 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 06 of 24

  Jack-in-the-Pulpit

  

  Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), also called bog onion, is an unusual perennial wildflower with a hooded striped spathe surrounding a tiny flower. Sparkling berries catch visual interest throughout the seasons in a shade garden. The plant thrives in the shade and even better in deep shade that mimics its native damp forest-like habitat. The plant is mesmerizing to watch but its also highly toxic to humans and animals.

  • Name: Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
  • Light: Partial to full shade
  • Soil: Moist, humusy, acidic
  • Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, with a similar spread
  • Deer Resistant: Yes
    

• 07 of 24

  Lenten Rose

  

  Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), though not a rose, is an evergreen perennial that grow well in shade and blooms in late winter and early spring. Its blooms are long-lasting and provide an early source of pollen for bees. The flowers come in various colors and can have markings such as freckling or veining. Its sepals look like petals and can have either smooth or ruffled edges depending on the variety. All parts of this plant, include its roots, are toxic to humans and animals.
  

  • Name: Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
  • Light: Partial to full shade
  • Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to alkaline
  • Mature Size:1 2-18 in. tall and wide
    
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 08 of 24

  Leopard Plant

  

  Leopard plant (Farfugium japonicum), also known as the tractor seat plant, is a shade-loving perennial with clusters of golden daisy-like flowers that bloom in early spring or summer depending on the climate. The plant is known for its huge disk-like leaves that span about 12 inches across and look like tractor seats. Other than plenty of shade and water, this plant is trouble-free. Leopard plant is toxic to humans and animals.
  

  • Name: Leopard plant (Farfugium japonicum)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
  • Light: Partial to full shade
  • Soil: Moist, acidic to alkaline
  • Mature Size: 1-4 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes
    

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• 09 of 24

  Virginia Bluebells

  

  Virginia bluebells (Mertensiavirginica) are maintenance-free ephemeral plants that will grow well under the sun-dappled shade of a tree. The plant is aptly named for its clusters of buds that open to display delicate, frilly blue trumpet-shaped blossoms. The faintly fragrant flowers bloom for three weeks in the early spring and then go dormant and disappear in summer.
  

  • Name: Virginia bluebells (Mertensiavirginica)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
  • Light: Partial shade
  • Soil: Moist, neutral
  • Mature Size: 2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 10 of 24

  Toad Lily

  

  Toad lily (Tricyrtis) can stand out in a shade garden as this hairy perennial looks almost like a Phalaenopsis orchid. It's known for purple or white petals with vibrant purple spots and speckled stamens bursting forth from tall arching stems. This plant prefers shade or partial shade and regular water. Toad lily is toxic to cats.
  

  • Name: Toad lily (Tricyrtis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Light: Partial sun, partial shade
  • Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral
  • Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 11 of 24

  Siberian Bugloss

  

  Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) is a long-lasting perennial that brings a delicate-looking, yet durable ground cover to a shady area. It's also a long bloomer with small, airy blue flowers with white centers topping dark green and sometimes variegated heart-shaped leaves. Note that the plant won't profusely bloom if it receives too much sunlight.
  

  • Name: Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
  • Light: Full to partial shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, any pH
  • Mature Size: 12–18 in. tall, 18–30 in. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 12 of 24

  Impatiens

  

  Supplement the flowers provided by your perennials with well-placed and brightly colored flowering annual plants, like impatiens (Impatiens spp.). Impatiens are popular bedding plants in North America for adding color to shady areas. Gardens will be filled with profuse and delicate blooms in colors from white to red, pink, violet, coral, purple, or yellow from spring to fall.

  Important

  Common garden impatiens, Impatiens walleriana,are greatly affected by downy mildew disease, so be sure to plant impatiens varieties that are resistant to the disease.

  See Also

  The 17 Best Shade Perennials for Gardens That Overflow with Color

  • Name: Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
  • Light: Partial to full shade
  • Soil: Well-draining, acidic
  • Mature Size: 6–36 in. tall; 1–3 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: No

  Continue to 13 of 24 below

• 13 of 24

  Wax Begonia

  

  Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens) can be grown as an annual in cold climates and as a perennial in warm regions. In shady areas, they stand out for their glossy, waxy-looking leaves that are green, bronze, or maroon with white, pink, or red flowers. This low-maintenance plant (though it needs adequate water) grows best in shady areas especially in very sunny and hot regions.
  

  • Name: Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
  • Light: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic
  • Mature Size: 6-18 in. high and 6-12 in. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 14 of 24

  Coleus

  

  Coleus is grown for its exquisitely patterned and variegated foliage. The fast-growing plant creates a stunning swath of vivid color in a shady area. Foliage often looks as though shades of purple or red paint have been strategically splashed onto its foliage. It is toxic to animals.
  

  • Name: Coleus (Plectranthusscutellarioides)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 11
  • Light: Partial shade to full shade
  • Soil: Rich, moist, loose soil, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
  • Mature Size: 6-36 in. tall and wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 15 of 24

  Fuchsia

  

  The Fuchsia genus has over 100 woody shrubs and trees, all ideal for growing in partial to deep shade where other types of plants tend to struggle. Though typically grown as an annual in containers, fuchsias with upright growth habits are grown as a perennial garden plant in warmer areas. Varieties with a cascading growth habit are typically grown in hanging baskets. The plant's teardrop-shaped single or double flowers add a splash of red, pink, salmon, violet, or purple blooms from spring through fall.
  

  • Name: Fuchsia
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
  • Light: Partial to deep shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic
  • Mature Size: 1 to 2 ft. tall, with a similar spread, depending on variety
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 16 of 24

  Spotted Dead Nettle

  

  Spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) is an attractive perennial ground covering best grown in shady areas where other plants find it impossible to thrive. It is a tough and aggressive plant, though, and it's generally grown for its silvery leaves rather than its pink, purple, or white flowers.
  

  • Name: Spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Light: Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, loamy, acidic
  • Mature Size: 6-9 in. tall, 12-24 in. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

  Warning

  Spotted dead nettle is consideredinvasive, depending on where you live. Check with your local county extension for any warnings before planting this perennial.

  Continue to 17 of 24 below

• 17 of 24

  Creeping Myrtle

  

  Creeping myrtle (Vinca minor), also known as periwinkle, is a fragrant annual ground cover that thrives in shady areas. The plant is a perennial in warmer climates. It's also tough, low-maintenance, and pest-free. It is, however, toxic to pets. The vine will most commonly bloom with small blueflowers in spring, but blooms can also be lavender, purple, or white.For larger flowers, consider its sister, bigleaf periwinkle.

  • Name: Creeping myrtle (Vinca minor)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
  • Light: Full, partial, shade
  • Soil: Loamy, sandy, clay, and any pH
  • Mature Size: 3-6 in. tall with trailing vines up to 18 in. long
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

  Warning

  All types of periwinkle are consideredinvasivespecies in parts of the United States. Consult your local cooperative extension office before planting to learn the status of the plant in your area.

• 18 of 24

  Cast Iron Plant

  

  Indoors or outdoors, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is nearly indestructible, even in deep shade. And although deer might browse the plant, it's typically not demolished by foraging. This plant has glossy green leaves, and when grown outdoors, produces insignificant cream or purple flowers. This slow-growing plant can tolerate neglect, has some drought tolerance (though prefers water), and thrives in a wide range of soils if the soil drains well.
  

  • Name: Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-11
  • Light: Partial sun, shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, acidic to neutral
  • Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: No

• 19 of 24

  Japanese Pachysandra

  

  Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), also sometimes called spurge, is tolerant of many conditions, including shade and drought. Grown for its leathery, dark green leaves and small white springtime flowers, it's also popular in the eastern U.S. for weed, rabbit, and deer control, though it can aggressively spread via rhizomes.
  

  • Name: Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Light: Partial and full shade
  • Soil: Enriched with compost, tolerates clay-heavy and acidic soil
  • Mature Size: 6 in. tall, 12 in. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 20 of 24

  Hosta

  

  Hostas, also known as plantain lilies, are some of the fastest-growing plants you can grow in the shade. Hostas do survive in full shade, but many types grow best grown in dappled sun for a few hours each day. They can be all green, shades of green and blue, or variegated, most developing tall stalks with white, purple, or pink flowers by mid to end of summer. Hostas are toxic to pets.

  • Name: Hosta (Hosta spp.)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 or 9, typically
  • Light: Partial or full shade
  • Soil: Loamy, well-drained, acidic
  • Mature Size: 6–48 in. tall, 10–60 in. wide
  • Deer Resistant: No

  Continue to 21 of 24 below

• 21 of 24

  Bunchberry

  

  Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) is the perfect perennial ground cover for shady areas with wet soil. It's most at home in a shady woodland or forest setting, thriving in colder regions—the plant even grows wild in Alaska, where it is commonly known as dwarf dogwood. This ground cover is ornamental, To protect its pretty white dogwood-like flowers that bloom in spring and summer and its scarlet red berries, do not plant it where people are likely to walk.
  

  • Name: Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
  • Light: Full or part shade
  • Soil: Wet, acidic
  • Mature Size: 4-9 in. tall
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 22 of 24

  Japanese Painted Ferns

  

  The Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) adds color to a shaded area with itssilvery leaves(fronds). It's also considered variegated because it has hits of grayish-green in the foliage and purplish midribs. The fern is a slow-growing plant.
  

  • Name: Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
  • Light: Partial sun, shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, any pH
  • Mature Size: About 18 in. tall and wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 23 of 24

  Climbing Hydrangeas

  

  Options for shade-tolerant vines are somewhat limited, especially if you are in search of a flowering vine that is hardy in a cold-winter climate. The climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris) flowers nicely even when grown in full shade, making it the favorite vine for gardeners in cold climates. Fragrant white flowers bloom in spring and summer and add visual interest to walls and fences. Climbing hydrangea is toxic to animals.
  

  • Name: Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
  • Light: Full sun, shade
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
  • Mature Size: 30-50 ft. tall, 5-6 ft. wide
  • Deer Resistant: Yes

• 24 of 24

  Boston Ivy

  

  Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is grown for its foliage, not its flowers. The vibrant green foliage it provides in summer shade adds elegance and privacy to a shady nook.Not only can it climb up walls, fences, and pergolas, it creeps along as a ground cover, as well. There are a few caveats with Boston ivy: don't let it climb up a tree because it will disrupt the tree's growth. It is toxic to humans and animals.
  

  • Name: Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
  • Light: Full sun, partial shade
  • Soil: Loamy, moist, acidic, alkaline
  • Mature Size: 30–50 ft. long
  • Deer Resistant: Yes