If you happen to stroll through a neighborhood, you will see that the shaded areas under trees or next to buildings are usually empty or filled with plants that seem to be dying. Unfortunately, many gardeners see shade as equating to dull, dead, and lifeless.
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Check PriceShade gardens can be more beautiful and interesting than sun gardens. It's all about picking perennials that not only tolerate shade but also prefer it. These plants have evolved to grow in less light. Because of this, they can create some really amazing textures and colors, some of which sun gardens do not have.
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1. Hosta (Zones 3-9)
While many plants in the shade garden only have one or two varieties, hostas alone have over 70! Plus, the size of the leaves can vary from tiny to giant dinner-plate sized. One of the coolest things about hostas is the leaf size and shape is sculptural and provides great structure to the garden from spring all the way to fall! And in summer the flower spikes provide great food sources for hummingbirds.
2. Japanese Painted Fern (Zones 3-8)
Reflective and metallic foliage means these silvery beauties create and lighten dark corners like nothing else! Light is reflected and captured by the metallic leaves, making them look almost as if they are glowing. They transform dark areas to look bright and feel more spacious.
3. Astilbe (Zones 3-8)
Feathery plumes appear above fern-like leaves in white, pink, red, and purple in late spring and early summer. These plants enjoy regular moisture and provide fantastic blooms for weeks, and thrive in places where sun perennials would wilt.
4. Coral Bells (Zones 4-9)
Coral bells come in many different varieties. Different types of coral bells have different types of leaves. The leaves can be a burgundy color, a lime green color, or even a silver color. When your garden isn’t blooming, it will still have a lot of color from the coral bells. Their flowers are little and delicate, so they attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
5. Lungwort (Zones 3-8)
Lungwort is one of the first plants to flower in spring. The pink buds transform to blue flowers. It outcompetes almost all the other perennials. Its silver foliage is attractive all season long. This earned the plant the nickname 'spotted dog.'
6. Japanese Forest Grass (Hardy in Zones 5-9)
This ornamental grass creates beautiful cascading mounds made of gold or green leaves that sway with the faintest breeze. It enhances texture and movement to stagnant shaded plantings and requires almost no upkeep.
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7. Toad Lily (Zones 4-8)
These unique flowers bloom in autumn when most shade plants have completed their seasonal cycle. The stems arch and present orchid-like blooms that provide much needed interest in late-season gardens.
8. Wild Ginger (Zones 4-7)
Heart shaped leaves develop a thick carpet that naturally prevents weeds. This native plant gradually spreads and forms aesthetically pleasing colonies that look established and intentional, rather than wild or weedy.
9. Solomon's Seal (Zones 3-9)
Stems bend and arch themselves into one of the most appealing shapes that can be found in a shaded garden. During the Spring months you can find small white flowers that hang under the leaves. After the flowering period ends, dark berries appear that are loved by our feathered friends.
10. Bleeding Heart (Zones 3-9)
A traditional choice for the cottage garden produces chains of heart-shaped flowers in the spring. Newer varieties don't go dormant in the summer and instead, provide a show for months rather than just weeks.
11. Brunnera (Zones 3-8)
In spring, you will see tiny blue flowers resembling forget-me-nots. Afterward, large heart-shaped leaves with silver markings will appear. This combination will add color in spring and interesting foliage throughout the entire growing season.
12. Japanese Anemone (Zones 4-8)
While many perennial plants are finishing their blooming cycle, Japanese anemones start flowering. Their tall, delicate, pink and white flowers sway in the breeze. These anemones gradually form large colonies, attracting many butterflies.
13. Caladium (Annual/Zones 9-11)
Caladiums are the best in terms of instant tropical drama, with beautiful heart-shaped leaves in pink, white, red, and green. If you live in a colder climate, plant the bulbs in pots so that you can bring them inside for the winter.
14. Ajuga (Zones 3-9)
This tough groundcover generates blue, purple, and pink flowering spikes in the spring and maintains colorful foliage that is engaging throughout the year. The groundcover quickly fills empty space and creates a living mulch that outcompetes weeds.
Building Your Shade Garden Masterpiece
To create a successful shade garden, it is essential to incorporate a variety of plant heights and different textures. Examples of taller plants that you can use for backdrops include Japanese anemone and Solomon's seal. For the middle section, consider using astilbe and coral bells. Finally, ajuga and wild ginger work well for the bottom section and help complete the garden.
Don't forget about seasonal succession! Select plants with divere peaking times to guarantee something interesting going on in your garden. Early bloomers like lungwort and brunnera start the show. Summer performers like astilbe take center stage. Fall stars like toad lily and Japanese anemone finish strong!
Most shade perennials do best with consistent moisture and not soggy soil. Compost helps drainage in heavy clay soils and helps sandy soils retain moisture. A 2 inch layer of mulch helps keep the roots cool as well as retain moisture, which shade plants love.
Your shade garden has the potential to be the most serene and stunning place on your property. Unlike the harsh and demanding feel of sunny gardens, shady gardens create an atmosphere that encourages visitors to take their time and observe the subtler aspects of nature. The evolving artistry in your garden is a result of a seasonal transformation of the various shapes and textures of leaves.
