what are good plants for shaded areas

by Hal Halvorson Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Best Shade Plants – Busy Lizzie (Impatiens) DeadNettle (Lamium maculatum) Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) – Best Plants for Shade

Image result for what are good plants for shaded areas

Full Answer

What bushes are good for shaded areas?

Some other trees or shrubs that tolerate shaded areas are:

European beech ( Fagus sylvatica)
Witch-hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana)
Silverbells ( Halesia carolina)
Sassafras ( Sassafras albidum)
Japanese snowbell ( Styrax japonica)
Viburnums ( Viburnum spp.)
Japanese yew ( Taxus cuspidita)
Black alder ( Alnus glutinosa)
White birch ( Betula papyrifera)

What is the best shade plant?

it’s best to plant a shade-tolerant groundcover such as mondo grass, liriope or dwarf ruellia. They don’t make a manicured carpet like surface cover, but they are attractive, easy to grow, require little water and are pest resistant.

Which indoor plants like shade?

Which Indoor Plants Like Shade?

Silver inch plant
Ficus
Parlor palm
Ponytail palm
Peace lily
ZZ plant
Snake plant
Chinese evergreen
Cast iron plant
Philodendron

More items...

What plants grow in a shade garden?

Impatiens ( Impatiens spp .; zone suitability varies by type)
Wax begonia ( Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum; zones 7 to 11)
Coleus ( Plectranthus and Solenostemon; zone 11)
Fuchsia ( Fuchsia; zone 10 to 11)

What plants grow in shade no sun?

These 25 sensational shade plant species thrive without much light.Hydrangeas. istockphoto.com. ... Chaenomeles. istockphoto.com. ... Lady Ferns. istockphoto.com. ... Bleeding Hearts. istockphoto.com. ... Dogwood. istockphoto.com. ... Begonias. burpee.com. ... Dutchman's Pipe. istockphoto.com. ... Impatiens. burpee.com.More items...•

What kind of potted plants do well in shade?

34 Shade-Loving Plants for Containers and Hanging BasketsHens-and-Chicks. Another popular succulent, hens and chicks (sempervivums) are both shade and sun tolerant. ... Hosta. This common shade garden plant can make a happy home in pots. ... Lamium. ... Brunnera. ... Begonia. ... Fuchsia. ... Herbs. ... Hydrangea.More items...•

What can I grow in my shaded backyard?

Try these shade-tolerant vegetables in your garden:Salad greens. arugula, endive, lettuce, sorrel, spinach. ... Leafy greens. collards, kale, mustard greens, swiss chard. ... Root veggies. beets, carrots, potatoes, radishes, rutabaga, turnips. ... Brassica veggies. Broccoli and cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage. ... Herbs.

Can plants grow in full shade?

Many plants can survive in full shade, but that is not sufficient for the purposes of most gardeners. Ornamental gardens are meant to beautify a property, and a plant that underperforms (for example, by not flowering as much as it should) is not helping the garden live up to this goal.

Does lavender grow in shade?

Lavenders thrive in an open site in full sun in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil (got acid soil? Try French lavender, Lavandula stoechas, instead). They cope well with drought conditions and may suffer in wet, heavy soils, particularly over winter.

Do hydrangeas do well in shade?

Hydrangeas like dappled or occasional shade, but they will not bloom in heavy shade. It isn't so much a question of do they prefer sun or shade, but rather more of a question of how much sun do hydrangeas need? The further north your garden is located, the more sunlight your hydrangeas need.

What flower does best in shade?

22 Easy-to-Grow Annual Flowers That Thrive in the ShadeBegonia Mistral Yellow Container. Bring on the blooms with Mistral Yellow begonia. ... Hippo Rose Polka-Dot Plant. ... 'Velvet Elvis' Plectranthus. ... Sweet Alyssum. ... Gryphon Begonia and Impatiens. ... Lobelia And Nemesia Hanging Basket. ... Red And Violet Fuchsia. ... Coleus Container Garden.More items...•

What to do with a garden that gets no sun?

Read on to find out how best to achieve a thriving plot, even when your garden is mostly in the shade.Embrace lush greenery. ... Consider the impact of ground cover. ... Know your shade. ... Plant on repeat. ... Make the most of natural light. ... Create more light. ... Generously plant bulbs. ... Choose plants that thrive in shade.More items...•

What is the best perennial for shade?

15 Top Perennials for Shade'Silver Bouquet' Pulmonaria. Brighten shady beds with the silvery leaves of 'Silver Bouquet' pulmonaria. ... 'Fanal' Astilbe. ... 'Red Lightning' Heuchera. ... Bleeding Heart. ... Japanese Painted Fern. ... Pink Frost Lenten Rose. ... 'Blue Heron' Corydalis. ... 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' Hosta.More items...•

What flower does not need sunlight?

Annual flowers to grow in shade will fill even the shadiest corner with plenty of color.Alyssum.Baby Blue Eyes.Begonia.Calendula.Cleome.Fuchsia.Impatiens.Larkspur.More items...•

Can geraniums tolerate shade?

Hardy Geraniums form low mounds and bloom from spring through fall in white, red, purple, pink, or blue. They will thrive in part shade, and some cultivars do perfectly in full shade. Another bonus is that hardy geraniums tolerate dry soil—a common problem when planting under trees.

What plants only need indirect sunlight?

19 Plants That Require Indirect LightCalathea.Palms like kentia, sago, and bamboo palms.White bird of paradise.Most ferns.Alocasia.African violets.Many ficus varietals (including rubber plants)Dragon trees.More items...•

Can succulents grow in shade?

Plants in full shade (or "deep shade") don't get much sun at all, and if they do, it's brief and not intense. Full shade is OK for a few succulents, such as sansevierias, but most need some sun to thrive and look their best.

Which flowers grow in shade?

What is a full shade plant?

A full shade plant is a plant that can thrive in mostly shaded areas and typically only need a few short hours of direct sunlight per day.

Which plant grows the fastest in the shade?

Rhododendrons and Azaleas grow the quickest in the shade. Rhododendrons have hundreds of varieties to choose from and are relatively low-maintenanc...

Which flowers bloom in the shade?

Geranium Spiderwort Campanula Impatiens Heuchera

What is the best plant to grow in shade?

1. Hostas . Hostas are first on the list because they are pretty much the go-to plants for shade. Hostas are available in many varieties and are attractive perennials with big, showy leaves that vary widely in color and texture. They are easy to grow, do well in shade and add great color to your garden.

Where do ferns grow?

Ferns. When ferns are growing in the wild, it is often in woodland areas beneath the canopy of trees or interspersed in crevices on rocky slopes. So, it should come as no surprise that many varieties of ferns can be perfect additions to shade gardens.

How tall does an alyssum plant grow?

Alyssum is a shorter plant and grows to only about four to eight inches high, so it is best at the front of a border or as a ground cover between other plants.

What color are hydrangeas?

Since hydrangeas prefer moist soil, they are not the best choice for drought-conscious gardeners, but they do offer stunning bunches of blooms in shades of pink, white, purple, blue, and red.

What color are Astilbe flowers?

Astilbe is a colorful shade plant with showy plumes that attract butterflies to your garden. Flowers are generally shades of white, red, pink or purple, and you can choose varieties with foliage that ranges from light green to deep red for even more color throughout the year.

Can shade gardens be used in summer?

Shade gardens are a welcome retreat in the hot months of summer, but it can be difficult to find plants that will add color and texture to your flowerbeds without full sun.

Do coprosmas need sun?

While coprosmas prefer full sun, they will survive in partial shade. You will need to water your mirror plant regularly until established. Once established, it will need extra irrigation during hot or dry spells. Annual fertilizing and pruning will also help your coprosma thrive. 10.

What is the best flower for shaded spots?

Columbine ( Aquiligia ) comes in a variety of flower colors. Types with brightly-colored blooms may be the best choice for shaded spots, where they bring cheer to otherwise gloomy areas. Generally speaking, the unique shape of columbine is what makes them so special.

What is a good shade plant for dappled shade?

Bunchberry is ideal for dappled shade and works well in naturalized areas and along shaded walkways.

What is the best ground cover for shady areas?

The popular cultivar, L. maculatum Purple Dragon, has vibrant purple blooms. Like other plants with silver foliage, this ground cover can help brighten shady areas and make them seem less gloomy. Be aware that deadnettle can spread aggressively, so plant it only in an area where you seek a true groundcover.

What flowers have golden leaves?

If you are seeking attractive leaves to go along with the interesting blooms, fringed bleeding hearts are a great choice. But D. spectabilis 'Gold Heart' may turn the most heads with its leaves, which have a bright golden color.

Do hostas need sun?

Although hostas are known as shade plants, there are some exceptions. Cultivars with golden leaves, for example, need some sunlight to achieve their splendid color.

Does Ligularia have spots?

Some kinds of Ligularia have spots, thus the common name, Leopard plant. L. dentata "Britt-Marie Crawford" does not have those spots, but it has plenty else to purr about. It sports big, pretty leaves with tooth-like edges, and it has the most interesting flowers.

What is the best plant for shade?

Snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis. Plants for shade – snowdrops, Galanthus nivalis. The snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, flowers at the end of winter, often pushing up through frozen ground and blooming for weeks until the daffodils appear. It thrives in full shade, particularly in heavy, moist soils.

What does it mean when a plant is in partial shade?

Light shade means slight shade for all or most of the day; partial shade means plants are in sun for some of the day; dappled shade is blotchy shade created when the sun filters through overhead foliage. Plus, the soil in your shady spot could be damp or dry. All of these factors will determine what plants you can grow.

What is dappled shade?

What is the name of the plant with mottled leaves?

Lungwort, Pulmonaria. Plants for shade – lungwort, Pulmonaria angustifolia. Lungwort, Pulmonaria , is named after its mottled leaves, which are supposed to resemble lungs. Different varieties produce different leaf markings, which look their best in mid spring when putting on fresh growth after flowering.

What is the best ivy to use for a pergola?

English ivy, Hedera helix, is the ultimates shade-loving climber. It can be used to cover shady walls and trained to climb up or spread out along a low wall. Being evergreen, ivy is perfect for covering pergola poles, or creating a leafy backdrop beneath clematis and climbing roses.

Does a stinging iris grow in shade?

Stinking iris thrives in full shade, particularly beneath trees. It has architectural evergreen foliage and dull purple-green flowers, but it comes into its own in autumn when its large seedpods split open to reveal rows of orange-red seeds that remain well into winter. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Can plants thrive in shade?

Many gardens have shady areas, where sun-loving plants won’t thrive. The good news is that there are plenty of plants that can tolerate or even prefer a shaded position.

What does a Lily of the Valley shade plant look like?

Lily of the Valley shade plants look and smell nice. The pleasant fragrance overwhelms your senses before you even lay eyes upon this beauty. The dark green foliage of the Lily of the Valley grows from draping stalks adorned with white hanging flowers that look like little bells.

What color is a sage plant?

Standard foliage colors include lime and gold green, but there are variegated varieties with purple, red, or orange foliage during the fall and winter growing season. Cut dead ends off blades for a better-looking plant.

How to protect hostas from deer?

Plant your Hostas behind deer resistant border plants to protect the tasty young shoots. Opt for a planting location that offers fertile, well-draining soil on the acidic side. Be sure the ground isn’t too wet to prevent crown rot from occurring during their dormant season.

How tall does a white flower plant grow?

To improve soil conditions, add compost before planting and regularly apply a thin layer of organic mulch. The low growing plant reaches up to 14 inches tall with a width of two feet. White flower varieties pair well with other plants offering dark green foliage.

Is Coleus a low maintenance plant?

Coleus was a popular bedding plant during the Victorian age but became popular once again in the 1990s. This low light outdoor plant is a versatile annual that is the definition of low-maintenance. They belong to the mint family and feature the square stems with opposite leaves found on many mint plants.

Can foam flowers grow in full shade?

Foam Flowers are relatively easy to grow in partial to full shade. The only requirements they have are organically fertile soil with excellent drainage. Naturally rich soil ensures the soil retains the moisture the plant requires to thrive. Check the ground daily to ensure it doesn’t dry out, but avoid overwatering.

Is Lily of the Valley evergreen?

Hotter temperatures cause the plant to die back, while in colder regions, Lily of the Valley is considered evergreen. Lily of the Valley grows and spreads rapidly, making it an invasive plant. Know ahead of time where you wish to plant it and prune it back as needed to prevent it from growing wild.

What shrubs are evergreens?

The following shrubs are evergreens grown for their foliage and they can add great value to a shade garden. Hetz's Japanese holly ( Ilex crenata 'Hetzii'; zones 5 to 8) Inkberry holly ( Ilex glabra; zones 5 to 9) Hemlock ( Tsuga canadensis, including cultivars in shrub form that make excellent hedges; zones 3 to 7)

How much sun does a plant need to be in full shade?

For horticultural purposes, a location is considered to be in full shade if it receives less than three hours of direct sun daily and receives filtered sun the rest of the day. Preferably, the hours of direct sun occur in the cooler hours of the morning with filtered protection from intense sun in the late afternoon.

What is an ornamental garden?

Ornamental gardens are meant to beautify a property, and a plant that underperforms (for example, by not flowering as much as it should) is not helping the garden live up to this goal. A plant that is merely surviving is taking up space that is better occupied by a plant that will perform at its best in full shade.

Can evergreens tolerate shade?

Perennial plants, particularly those that flower can make up for the color variety and dramatic seasonal display that your evergreen shrubs can't provide. The following plants can tolerate full to partial shade:

Can a full shade plant survive in low light?

Therefore, the best examples of full shade plants cannot just survive in low-light conditions but rather thrive in them. Zone recommendations shown for the following full shade plants refers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone system . The Spruce / Ashley Nicole DeLeon. 01 of 05.

Is Boston Ivy hardy in the fall?

Boston ivy is grown for its foliage, not its flowers. Unhappily, that foliage is not as colorful in fall if it is grown in full shade.

Who wrote the book Plants That Grow in Full Shade?

Plants That Grow in Full Shade. Written by. David Beaulieu. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Learn about The Spruce's Editorial Process.

What color are mirror plants?

Mirror Plants are perennials that are famously recognized from cottage-style gardens. They bloom in white, blue, pink, and purple. So if you need a beautiful touch of color to a shaded spot in your cottage-style garden then these would certainly be a nice addition. 24.

What is Coleus perennial?

Coleus is what’s called a tender perennial. You must use a technique called pinching in order to get them to grow back bigger and stronger.

Is a lilac a perennial or a ground cover?

Well, it is a beautiful perennial flower. This one is not a ground cover. Instead, it has lots of individual blooms on one stem.

Is creeping Jenny a perennial?

Creeping Jenny is a perennial that will continue to come back year after year. Depending upon which zone you live in, it actually may stay green year round. Either way, this is a ground cover so unless you pot it, it might very well take over your shady area. For some this might be a desired result.

Is a sage plant a perennial?

Unfortunately, the plant didn’t have any real medicinal powers but the name stuck with it regardless. However, this plant is a perennial and another one that can take off and run as well. It grows in batches so if you aren’t looking for a ground cover type of plant then this might not be a good choice.

Is a flowering maple annual?

The Flowering Maple would be considered an annual for most of us. It prefers to have filtered sunlight; have 70° temperatures during the day; and 60-65° temperatures at night.

Is copper a plant?

Copper Plant is an annual plant but it is a beauty. Its foliage is absolutely stunning with the different colors.

What hostas grow well in shade?

In general, hostas with green leaves, as well as blue-leaved types such as Halcyon hosta, are ideal choices for dense shade, while gold-leaved types and those with variegated leaves, such as Patriot hosta and the similar 'Minuteman', should be given a little more light. Hostas are generally well-behaved plants that grow and spread slowly.

How much sunlight does a plant need?

This not true, as horticulturists define a "part shade" plant as one that requires 2 to 4 hours of sunlight each day. If you have a location with dense, full shade that gets no direct sunlight at all, make sure to choose plants rated for such locations—there aren't many of them, but several are described here. On the other hand, a ground cover with a reputation for invasiveness can sometimes be more easily controlled if you plant it in deep shade that is not its preferred environment.

What is a pachysandra?

Pachysandra is an evergreen perennial or subshrub comprised of five species, of which P. terminalis (Japanese pachysandra) is the most commonly used landscape variety. Pachysandra often goes by the common name spurge, which leads to sometimes confusing this plant with wood spurge ( Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'), which is also used as a ground cover plant. However, pachysandra is an aggressive plant that is considered invasive in many areas of the northeastern U.S., from the Atlantic coast to Wisconsin. Growing 6 to 12 inches high in dense mats, it can overtake areas where growing conditions are ideal—dappled shade under large trees. This habit can make it an ideal ground cover for some areas where lawn grasses are difficult to grow, but it does require you to monitor its spread.

How many common ground cover plants are there?

In this list of 12 common ground cover plants, the first five are well-behaved species that generally can be used without fear, but the remaining seven have a reputation for unruliness and invasiveness in some regions; before using them, check with local experts to make sure they won't cause problems.

Is a sage tree a good ground cover?

It can be a very good ground cover for a gardener able and willing to keep it under control, but it has escaped cultivation and naturalized in many areas of the northern U.S, thanks to its ability to adapt to almost any soil condition. This is not a plant you can plant and forget.

Can shade loving plants overrun landscapes?

But this virtue can lead to problems, since some shade-loving plants can overrun a landscape and may even escape a garden, naturalize, and threaten native plant species. Some plants, such as lily-of-the-valley ( Convallaria majalis ), have such a bad reputation that they don't even bear consideration. Lily-of-the-valley has overrun many abandoned ...

What is the name of the shrub that produces lilac blue flowers?

African scurf pea is a medium-size shrub (you can also train it into a small tree) that produces lilac-blue flowers that may remind you of sweet pea. It is nicknamed "Kool-Aid bush" because the fragrance can be reminiscent of grape Kool-Aid. The foliage, which looks something like rosemary, has a fine texture.

Where do mountain laurel plants grow?

Mountain laurel is a native plant in eastern North America. Its natural habitat is in woodland areas, where it is shaded by trees. This shrub sports glossy evergreen leaves and produces showy clusters of flowers in late spring. Cultivars have been developed just for use in the landscape, including the dwarf Minuet laurel, which has more vibrant flowers than those on wild mountain laurels. Where soil is not sufficiently acidic, fertilizing with an acid-enhanced fertilizer, like that used for azaleas and rhododendrons, will help mountain laurel thrive.

How tall does a red tip photinia grow?

While red tip photinia typically grows to about 10 feet tall, some cultivars can grow to 20 feet. It is an excellent low-maintenance shrub for hedges and privacy screens, and can also be shaped as a small specimen tree.

Is Japanese rose a shrub?

Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica) The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. Among deciduous shrubs, Japanese rose is one of the most shade-tolerant shrubs available and will do better than survive in shade. This bush flowers in spring and may bloom multiple times in partial shade.

Is Andromeda a shrub or a shrub?

Andromeda (Pieris japonica) The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. This shade-tolerant bush offers the best of both worlds; it is not only a flowering shrub but also an evergreen. Andromeda shrubs may offer something else, too: fragrant flowers.