Be Shady - A List of Perennials that Thrive in a Shady Garden
If you’re like me, you have one thing on your mind this season: getting out in the beautiful weather!
The plants and flowers in your garden may be thinking the same thing. Have you always heard the saying that you need sun to make your garden work? What if you have a yard that faces a particular way and doesn’t get much sun? What if you have a shady garden?
Then you are in luck. There are plants that actually prefer the shade, and I have gathered a list of some of my favorite shady perennials to help your garden bloom.
Perennials come back year after year, which means they will give you long-lasting beauty without the hassle (both time and money!) of replanting every year. Let's discover some stunning options that will transform your shady garden into a beautiful oasis!
1. Hostas
If you're looking for a plant with bold, colorful foliage, hostas are an excellent choice. They come in a variety of colors including green, blue, yellow, and even variegated patterns. Hostas are hardy and easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners. They also come in different sizes, from tiny to varieties that grow more than 6 feet tall! Hostas also play well with others so you can plant them near ferns, astilbe, and columbine for a beautifully textured backyard.
2. Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding Hearts are famous for their unique heart-shaped flowers that come in pink, white, or red (see the blog photo!). These delicate-looking perennials are quite hardy and easy to grow. You can plant them in your shady garden and enjoy their lovely blooms from spring to late summer. Bonus: bleeding hearts are an excellent option for those wanting to bring some romance to their backyard!
3. Astilbe
Astilbe is a perfect perennial for a shady garden with its clusters of tiny flowers that come in shades of pink, white, or red. An astilbe blooms in early summer and loves moist soil, so make sure to provide your astilbe with enough water and regular care. They'll look stunning if paired with hostas, ferns, or bleeding hearts.
4. Coral Bells
Coral bells are known for their lovely foliage ranging from shades of green to deep red, making them an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to your shady garden. These perennials bloom in summer and sport tiny flowers ranging from white to pink, making them a flexible design choice for gardeners. You can match them with ferns and hostas for a beautiful arrangement, or plant them solo for a stunning effect.
5. Columbine
Columbine is a showy perennial that sports beautiful bell-shaped flowers. They prefer partial or full shade, making them a great addition to your shade-filled garden. The flowers come in many colors, including red, pink, blue, white, and yellow – so they are quite versatile when it comes to choosing a color for your overall design. Columbine blooms in spring and summer, so they provide beautiful scenery as you spend time outside during the warmer months of the year.
Adding perennials to your shaded garden can transform your outdoor space. All of the perennials listed above are easy to grow, low maintenance, and adaptable to a variety of environments. Start planting to turn your shaded yard into a colorful masterpiece!