But sometimes, a shady plant is just what’s needed.
Shade plants can nestle beneath trees or in cool,low-light gardensand still thrive.
Plant something new from this list and make a shady area your next favorite spot in the garden.
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Some native azaleas are deciduous and lose their leaves in winter.
Azaleas grow best in dappled sunlight under trees.
Boston Fern
When in doubt, embrace the fern.
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Vibrant green fern fronds add texture and brighten up any shady corner.Nephrolepis exaltata’Bostoniensis' is a Southern favorite.
Hang baskets of Boston ferns for a time-honored, classic addition to the front porch.
These evergreen ferns are hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11 but can be brought indoors in winter.
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Various boxwood varieties grow from miniature to tall, maze-worthy sizes, but most prefer afternoon shade.
That’s because they do wellindoors and out, even when neglected.
This sword-shaped evergreen plant is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 11.
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Use the cast iron plant in deep or filtered shade to create a tropical look in the garden year-round.
Creeping Fig
Creeping fig, orFicus pumila,can grow in sun or shade.
It’s anevergreen vinethat can also be grown indoors with moist soil.
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This handsome green climber is often used to cover fences and rock walls.
Creeping fig is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 11.
This winter-hardy plant creates a luxurious carpet in almost any setting and is considered invasive in some states.
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Hummingbirds are attracted to the blossoms.
This perennial will go dormant in very hot climates.
Cyclamen
These hardy plants tolerate shade and bear delicate, fluttering flowers.
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They’re great choices for low-light areas and rock gardens.
Foxgloves are biennials that bloom in late spring or summer in their second year.
Let some go to seed each year for a continuous crop of charming flowers.
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Hostas make an excellent edging or groundcover but will go dormant in winter.
Impatiens are popular inhanging baskets, in containers, and for lining flower beds.
Lobelia
As a rule, lobelias thrive in rich soil with plenty of water.
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Hydrangeas prefer afternoon or filtered shade and require plenty of water in hot weather.
Caladium
Colorful caladiums will add a bright spot to your shade garden.
They prefer filtered sunlight and shade, though some newer varieties can tolerate afternoon sun.
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Add them to containers or shady flower beds to add a pop of color.
Theyll take dappled shade all day.
Plant in small groups of three to five.
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Their blooms range from white, yellow, and green to pink, purple, and red.
The cup-shaped flowers hang downward like bells.
Plant in USDA Zones 4-9.
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Pansy
For bright color during cooler months, plant pansies in flower beds or containers.
Plant in a well-draining potting mix so their roots don’t get soggy.
They can bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
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Foliage color ranges from chartreuse to bronze to purple to purple-black.
Some varieties produce small, airy flowers in spring and summer.
They prefer shade or morning sun and afternoon shade.
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Once established, they can be drought-tolerant and are deer-resistant.
Trailing varieties make a cheerful groundcover or spiller in a container garden.
Petunias like sun, but during theheat of summerthey need afternoon shade.
Credit: Photo by: Ralph Anderson
Keep them moist but not soggy, and water petunias in containers more frequently so they dont dry out.
Elephant Ear
Elephant ear makes a stunning centerpiece in a large pot or flower bed.
Some varieties prefer partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Credit:HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ
Give them moist soil and plenty of water.
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science.Begonias.
Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension.Boston fern, Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’.
NC State Extension.Buxus sempervirens.
NC State Extension.Aspidistra elatior.
Clemson Cooperative Extension.Climbing fig.
Credit: Ralph Anderson
Wisconsin Horticulture Division.Golden Creeping Jenny, Lysmachia nummularia ‘Aurea’.
Wisconsis Horticulture Division of Extension.Eastern Red Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis.
Wisconsis Horticulture Division of Extension.Cyclamen.
Credit: Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
NC State Extension.Penstemon digitalis.
University of Minnesota Extension.Hostas.
NC State Extension.Impatiens walleriana.
Credit: Robbie Caponetto; Produced by Mark Thompson
NC State Extension.Lobelia cardinalis.
