The 28 Best Full Shade Plants to Beautify Your Garden
Here's what to plant in those shady spots.
Sun-loving plants get all the attention! But shady gardens can shine, too. Many beautiful annuals, perennials, and shrubs actually love the shade. Whether you're planting under fast-growing shade trees, in flower beds, hanging baskets, or containers on a patio, a wide variety of plants love the shade and will add color and interest to your outdoor spaces.
But before planting anything in your garden, figure out how much shade you really have. Full shade means three hours or less of direct sun, while partial shade is about three to six hours of shade, give or take. Some shade lovers, such as flowering shrubs, bloom best with some sun (preferably in the morning because the hot afternoon sun is too intense).
If you're planting shrubs or perennials, which come back for many years, make sure they're suited to your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here). After all, there's no sense in spending money on plants, then not giving them a chance to survive winters in your area.
Finally, don't forget that newly-planted flowers, perennials, and shrubs will need some TLC. Water them regularly during dry spells. And for containers, which tend to dry out faster than plants in garden beds, check the pots every few days--or even more frequently if the weather is super-hot and dry.
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Ahead, our favorite shade-loving plants to brighten up any dark spot in your garden.
Solomon's Seal
This lesser-known perennial is absolutely charming! Long arched stems are covered in cute, little dancing bells in April or May. It reaches about two feet tall.
Varieties to try: Wedding Bells, Lemon Seoul
Browallia
Gaining in popularity as an alternative to impatiens, this beautiful annual comes in shades of periwinkle blue, white, and violet on mounding foliage. It's an attractive choice for shady baskets, window boxes, and containers, reaching about a foot wide and tall.
Varieties to try: Endless Illumination, Endless Flirtation
Hosta
Hostas come in various sizes from a petite 4 inches to as big as 6 feet across! But be aware these perennials are a favorite of deer and rabbits. If deer are frequent visitors to your garden, consider planting a less-tasty plant!
Varieties to try: Shadowland Empress Wu, Mouse Ears
Lungwort
So it's not the prettiest name, but it does boast lovely purple or pink flowers in mid-spring with silvery-speckled leaves. Also called pulmonaria, this perennial stays about 12 to 14 inches tall and wide and is deer resistant (yay!).
Varieties to try: Twinkle Toes, Spot On
Sweet Potato Vine
If you're looking for a vining annual that works equally well in sun and shade, sweet potato vine is the answer. This pretty plant comes in shades of purple, burgundy, and chartreuse and looks fabulous when spilling over the sides of containers and window boxes.
Varieties to try: Sweet Caroline Light Green, Tricolor
Begonia
Begonias do well in a variety of conditions, including full shade. Depending on the variety, they can range from 6 inches to 3 feet tall and from 6 to 18 inches wide. Some types are grown primarily for their striking variegated foliage. Most are considered annuals.
Varieties to try: Cane, Wax, Angel-Wing
Ligularia
Ligularia, sometimes called the leopard plant, has large showy leaves and bright flowers in shades of yellow. This perennial is especially happy in boggy or wet conditions. They can grow anywhere from 3 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 4 feet wide.
Varieties to try: Banana, The Rocket, King Kong
Viola
These happy-faced flowers tolerate full sun in spring and fall, but come summer, they'll need part shade. They often die back in hot weather and revive when things cool down. They're annuals but some types self-seed and may appear again next spring.
Varieties to try: Johnny Jump-Up, King Henry
Epimedium
Also known as bishop's hat because of the unique flower shape, epimedium thrives in part to full shade and blooms from mid to late spring. This perennial can grow between 8 and 12 inches tall and 12 to 36 inches wide. They're a great ground cover for shady spots.
Varieties to try: Candy Hearts, Orange Queen
Brunnera
Often used as a groundcover, this perennial is known for its tiny blue flowers that bloom in the spring. They also have charming heart-shaped foliage with white variegation, making them delightful plants whether they're in bloom or not.
Varieties to try: Jack's Frost, Silver Heart, Alexander’s Great
Bleeding Heart
Known as bleeding hearts (and you can see why!), these charming perennials are a must-have in any shade garden. Depending on the variety, they can grow between 6 inches to 3 feet tall and 1 and 3 feet wide.
Varieties to try: Valentine, King of Hearts, Aurora
Spiderwort
This pretty plant with a fun name blooms in mid-summer and prefers moist yet well-drained soil. Expect it to grow between 6 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety.
Varieties to try: Amethyst Kiss, Sweet Kate
Hellebore
These gorgeous perennials look delicate but are tough as nails! They're also called Lenten roses because they bloom in late winter to early spring around the time of Lent. They're available in a profusion of colors ranging from pure white to the deepest pinks and almost black. Depending on the variety, you can expect them to grow between 1 to 3 feet tall and wide.
Varieties to try: Painted Doubles, Wedding Party Maid of Honor
Heuchera
Heuchera, also known as coral bells, are one of the most versatile perennials for any garden. Most types grow in light ranging from full sun to full shade, so read the tag to be sure about what you're buying. It has small flower spikes in midsummer, but it's grown mainly for its striking foliage that spans every color of the rainbow from chartreuse to purple-black. The plant's size ranges from 1 to 2 feet tall and 6 to 30 inches wide.
Varieties to try: Appletini, Wild Berry
Impatiens
These annuals are one of the only plants that will put on a floral display in full shade. Downside: Some types are susceptible to powdery mildew, a devastating disease that kills the plants and overwinters in the soil for years! If you've had problems in the past, look for new hybrids such as the Beacon Series that are more disease-resistant. They can grow between 6 and 30 inches tall and around 1 to 3 feet wide.
Varieties to try: Cherry Splash, Infinity Cherry Red, Paradise
Oakleaf Hydrangea
This gorgeous shrub produces oodles of impressive flowers from early summer to fall. It prefers morning sun and afternoon shade. Bonus: It's the only type of hydrangea that offers gorgeous autumn color with its foliage. Plant this shrub in a large garden, because it can grow between 4 to 8 feet tall and wide.
Varieties to try: Gatsby Pink, Gatsby Star
Astilbe
Astilbe needs shade so its pretty flower plumes won't burn. Plant these perennials in drifts, or clumps, for best effect with other spring-flowering shade-lovers such as ferns and hellebores. It comes in many shades including pale pink, creamy white, and hot pink.
Varieties to try: Younique Carmine, Rise and Shine
Ferns
There's a reason ferns are often found in moist, shady forests: Their favorite environment is where there's light to moderate shade. These perennials come in an array of lovely, lacy forms and spread to form a beautiful ground cover in time. Make sure you choose a variety that can survive winters in your climate. They can reach up to a few feet tall, depending on the variety.
Varieties to try: Autumn, Japanese Painted
Caladium
The huge, heart-shaped leaves are what make this plant so stunning! Some newer types take the sun, so read the plant label to be sure about what you have. They're perennial in warm climates (zone 10 or warmer) but bring indoors in winter in cold climates to enjoy as a houseplant. The plant size ranges from 6 inches to 3 feet tall and up to 24 inches wide.
Varieties to try: Heart to Heart Blushing Bride, White Christmas
Bletilla
Bletilla, also called Chinese ground orchid, is a stunning low-maintenance addition to any garden. Protect plants from the harsh afternoon sun if you want them to look their best. Plant the bulbs the previous fall for spring blooms. Expect them to grow between 1 and 3 feet tall and 6 to 12 inches wide.
Variety to try: Striata, Pink
Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Kelly Allen is the current Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she covers design, pop culture, and travel for digital and the print magazine. She’s been with the team for nearly three years, attending industry events and covering a range of topics. When she’s not watching every new TV show and movie, she’s browsing vintage home stores, admiring hotel interiors, and wandering around New York City. She previously worked for Delish and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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