The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

You dont need sun for a beautiful garden.

Many perennials are long-lived and spread over time.

Once they are established, these plantsrequire only minimal care.

Front view of multiple types of hostas

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

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Levels of Shade

Thelight requirements for plantsthat tolerate shade distinguish between full and partial shade.

This level of shade is typically found in a woodland setting.

Closeup of hostas

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Common periwinkle is considered aninvasive speciesin parts of the United States.

They grow in low mounds with tall bell-shaped flowers appearing in spring.

In warmer climates, coral bells are often evergreen, adding color to gardens year-round.

Front view of hellebore plants

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Bleeding heart does best in a woodland setting with partial shade.

In summer and fall, there are soft light green and yellow flowers that float above its tall blades.

These thick-leafed plants grow in clumps that spread easily and cover the ground with their dense green leaves.

Periwinkle vinca minor plants

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

The foliage fades to yellow in fall.

These stunning plants add vibrant color to a shade garden and they self-seed, spreading their tall blooms year-after-year.

Its purple and blue blooms are known to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators in native gardens.

Closeup of purple columbine flowers

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Deadnettle thrives in shady, moist woodland areas, where it adds vibrant color to green groundcover.

It fills in a shady yard as a thick groundcover and will come back year-after-year.

Another plus of shade is that there are generally fewer weeds than in full sun.

Overhead view of coral bells

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Water-wise, a garden in the shade also has pros and cons.

If there is excessive moisture, however, soil that remains wet for longer may lead to fungal diseases.

Always ensure that there is adequate air circulation among perennials in a shade garden.

Closeup of bleeding heart flowers

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

If you don’t have a lot of vertical space, considerplanting a shade-loving vine.

Some varieties are more shade-tolerant than others so check that to select one that best fits your light conditions.

Yellow corydalis (Corydalis lutea) is one of the longest-blooming perennials, flowering from late spring through frost.

Tufted Hairgrass

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It is suitable for USDA zones 4 to 8.

Most ferns succeed with little sun.

Some thrive in dry shade while others need consistent moisture.

Overhead view of Japanese painted fern

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Select a fern according to the natural soil moisture.

Closeup view of pink astilbe plants

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Lily of the Valley plants

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Closeup of Solomon’s Seal

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Closeup of purple foxglove plants

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Closeup of woodland phlox

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Closeup of Virginia bluebells

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Overhead view of creeping Jenny

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Overhead view of dead nettle

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Overhead view of bunchberries

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Overhead view of calendula plants

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Front view of purple primrose

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Siberian bugloss plants

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova