Do you have a shady garden and don’t know which plants will grow in it? Try adding one of these plants that like shade.
This list has 18 types of shade garden plants, including annuals, perennials, and shrubs. All of the plants will thrive outdoors with full shade and partial shade.
Each shade garden plant listed has the name of the plant, a picture for identification, and some basic care notes to help you decide if it would be right for your garden.
I’ve also included a free shade plant identification printable to take with you when you go plant shopping.
Keep reading to learn what you can grow in a garden that doesn’t get much light.
Outdoor shade-loving plants list – names and photos
The care notes below are general guidelines. Each plant’s care may vary depending on the shade garden plant types you buy and the weather conditions where you live.
Some of the links below are affiliate links. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you if you purchase through an affiliate link.
Perennial plants for shade
Perennial shade plants that flower all summer long and come back year after year are a true gardener’s delight. If you don’t have a lot of direct sun in your garden, try one of these perennial shade plants.
Coral bells (Heuchera)
Heuchera plants have many leaf colors, shapes, and textures. The variety pictured above is called Forever Midnight Heuchera.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial shade to full shade |
Soil needs | Rich, well-draining, moist soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral |
Mature size | 12-18 inches with a spread of 24 inches |
Bloom time | Late spring to early summer |
Hardiness zones | 4-9 |
Buy Forever Midnight Heuchera here.
Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta)
One interesting fact about elephant ear plants is that their roots, called corms, are edible.
Plant type | Tender perennial |
Sun exposure | Part shade to filtered sun |
Soil needs | Rich, moist soils that don’t dry out |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral |
Mature size | 3-6 feet tall, up to 3 feet wide |
Bloom time | Late summer |
Hardiness zones | 8 – 11 |
Get a bulb for elephant ears here.
Lenten rose (Helleborus foetidus)
This early-blooming plant gets its common name, Lenten rose, from its rose-like flowers that bloom around the Christian season of Lent. The flowers come in a variety of colors including white, pink, green, yellow, dark purple, and burgundy.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial to full shade |
Soil needs | Well-drained, rich soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acid to neutral |
Mature size | 12-24 inches tall, 12-18 inch spread |
Bloom time | Late winter to early spring |
Hardiness zones | 5-9 |
Purchase Lenten rose for your shade garden here.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
This perennial plant has interesting foliage, flowers that change colors, and a history of use in traditional medicine.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial shade to full shade |
Soil needs | Rich, moist, well-draining soil |
Soil pH | Neutral to slightly alkaline |
Mature size | 6-12 inches tall with a spread of 12-24 inches |
Bloom time | Late winter and early spring |
Hardiness zones | 3-9 |
Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum)
Known for its striking foliage, this easy-care fern was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2004 by the Perennial Plant Association.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial to full shade |
Soil needs | Well-draining, rich in organic matter |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral |
Mature size | 12-18 inches tall, spread of 18-24 inches |
Bloom time | Does not bloom |
Hardiness zones | 3-8 |
You can purchase Japanese painted fern here.
Lucky clover (Oxalis tetraphylla)
All oxalis plants are nycintastic. This means that their leaves close up at night in response to darkness.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial shade |
Soil needs | Well-draining, fertile soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral |
Mature size | 6-12 inches tall and wide |
Bloom time | Late spring to early summer |
Hardiness zones | 7-10 |
Buy lucky clover Oxalis bulbs here.
Monkey grass (Liriope spicata)
This drought-tolerant ground cover spreads easily. Monkey grass is considered invasive in some areas.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Full shade to full sun |
Soil needs | Well-drained and rich in organic matter |
Soil pH | Acidic to neutral soil |
Mature size | 12-15 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide |
Bloom time | Late summer |
Hardiness zones | 4-10 |
Buy 23 bare-rooted Liriope plants here.
Old-fashioned bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding heart has heart-shaped flowers that are deer-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about the blooms getting eaten!
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial shade, can tolerate full shade |
Soil needs | Moist, rich, well-draining soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic |
Mature size | 3 feet tall and wide |
Bloom time | Late spring to early summer |
Hardiness zones | 3-9 |
Buy old-fashioned bleeding heart plant here.
Plantain lily (Hosta)
Hostas are known as the friendship plant because they are easy to divide and share with friends. The leaves come in many shapes, colors, and sizes. The variety pictured above is called Hosta ‘Frances Williams’.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Full shade to partial shade |
Soil needs | Rich, well-draining soil |
Soil pH | Acidic to neutral |
Mature size | 10-40 inches, depending on type |
Bloom time | Late spring to late summer |
Hardiness zones | 3-9 |
Purchase Hosta ‘Frances Williams’ here.
Variegated lily turf (Liriope muscari variegata)
Liriope muscari variegata tolerates heat, humidity, and drought well. It is considered invasive in North America.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial to full shade |
Soil needs | Well-drained soils |
Soil pH | Acidic to neutral |
Mature size | 12-18 inches tall and 12 inches wide |
Bloom time | Late summer to early fall |
Hardiness zones | 5-10 |
Buy variegated lily turf here.
List of shade annuals
There are a nice variety of annual plants for shade that will give you beautiful blooms and interesting foliage even if your garden doesn’t get full sun.
Caladium (Caladium)
Popular as ornamental plants, caladiums are known for their colorful leaves with unique patterns.
Plant type | Tender perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial shade to dappled sunlight |
Soil needs | Rich, moist, well-drained soil |
Soil pH | Acidic |
Mature size | 12-24 inches tall and wide |
Bloom time | Summer |
Hardiness zones | 9-11 |
Get a mix of caladium bulbs here.
Dragon wing begonia (Begonia ‘Dragon Wing Red’)
As the name suggests, this begonia plant is known for its large, striking, glossy green leaves shaped like dragon wings. The blooms are very long-lasting.
Plant type | Mainly grown as an annual |
Sun exposure | Part shade to full sun |
Soil needs | Rich, well-draining soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral |
Mature size | 12-18 inches tall and wide |
Bloom time | Late spring through fall |
Hardiness zones | 9-11 |
Purchase dragon wing begonias here.
New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri)
These pretty impatiens are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. They are sometimes called “Touch Me Knots” because their seed pods burst open easily when you touch them.
Plant type | Annual |
Sun exposure | Morning sun and afternoon shade |
Soil needs | Moist, well-draining soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic |
Mature size | 12-18 inches tall with a spread of 6-9 inches |
Bloom time | Spring through late fall |
Hardiness zones | 10-12 |
Purchase a New Guinea impatiens plant here (multiple colors available).
Wizard Jade Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)
Easily grown from seed, this bi-color coleus plant has green leaves with striking yellow veins.
Plant type | Tender perennial, annual |
Sun exposure | Partial shade to full shade |
Soil needs | Well-draining soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral |
Mature size | 14 inches tall and 12 inches wide |
Bloom time | Late spring through autumn |
Hardiness zones | 10-11 |
Buy seeds to grow Wizard Jade Coleus in your shade garden.
Shade-loving shrubs
These shrubs for shade add height and interest to any part of your garden that gets low light.
Big leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
One of the most interesting things about hydrangeas is that you can change the color of their flowers by adjusting the soil pH.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Morning sun and afternoon shade |
Soil needs | Well-draining soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acid to slightly alkaline |
Mature size | 3-6 feet tall and wide |
Bloom time | Mid-summer to early fall |
Hardiness zones | 5-9 |
Get a big leaf hydrangea starter plant here.
Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirum)
It’s easy to prune this shade garden plant into many shapes. I form mine in the shape of Christmas trees and hang lights on them for the holidays.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial shade to full sun |
Soil needs | Rich, well-draining soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline |
Mature size | 4-20 feet tall and wide |
Bloom time | Late winter to early spring |
Hardiness zones | 6-10 |
Buy your own boxwood plant here.
Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica)
Camellias can live a very long time – some up to 200 years! They are also very early bloomers and are relatively deer-resistant.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Dappled sun to light shade |
Soil needs | Well-drained soil |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic |
Mature size | 6-14 feet tall and 5-7 feet wide |
Bloom time | Late winter through early spring |
Hardiness zones | 7-9 |
Purchase a camellia japonica here.
Rhododendron (Rhododendron)
Rhododendron is part of the azalea family and is known for its large, showy flowers, which bloom in spring. The blooms will be larger if you add high-quality, organic matter to the soil.
Plant type | Perennial |
Sun exposure | Partial shade to dappled sunlight |
Soil needs | Well-drained soil, rich in organic matter |
Soil pH | Acidic soil |
Mature size | 2-8 feet tall with a spread of 6 feet |
Bloom time | Mid to late spring |
Hardiness zones | 4-8 |
Purchase a live rhododendron plant for your shade garden here.
Share this list of shade plants on Twitter
If you enjoyed learning about which plants will grow in shade, why not share this post with a friend? Here is a tweet to get you started:
Need some shade plants for a garden that doesn't get much sun? Get a list of 18 shade plant names, pictures, and basic care info for each one on The Gardening Cook. 🌿🌱 #ShadePlants #ShadePlantsNames Share on XPin this list of plants that like shade
Would you like a reminder of this outdoor shade-loving plants list? Just pin this image to one of your gardening boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
18 Plants for a Shade Garden - Annuals, Perennials and Shrubs

Do you have a garden that doesn't get much sunlight? This plants for shaded areas printable will help.
Get a list of shade plant photos and names below to test and expand your knowledge!
Next time you go plant shopping, or out on a nature walk you can bring this list of plants that like shade with you.
Materials
- Printer paper
Tools
- Computer
- Printer
Instructions
- Load your computer paper into your printer.
- Using the print function on this card will print a list of shade-loving plant names and photos that fills about 3/4 of an 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of paper.
- Choose portrait layout and, if possible, "fit to page" in your settings. Doing this will fill the entire page.
- Alternatively, you can use this link to print the list of outdoor shade plants (with photos and names) as a high-resolution image, using the print feature in your browser window.
- After you get this shady garden plants identification guide, you can bring it with you when you go plant shopping or on a nature walk.
- Please note: Free printables with plant names and photos take a long time to make. This list of plants for shade is for personal use only. If you are sharing this list of best plants for shade (and thank you for that!), please link directly to this post and not to the actual image. We appreciate your help in supporting the site. This list of plants that love shade with pictures may not be used for any retail purpose or for mass distribution.
Notes
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Sow Right Seeds - Part Shade Flower Seed Collection for Planting - 5 Packets - Non-GMO Heirloom to Grow in Low Sun Areas
-
Garden State Bulb Hosta Variegated Mix, Bare Roots, Spring Planting (Bag of 6)
-
Shade Wildflower Mix (Seed Packet) - Shade, Perennial, Deer-Resistant, Create a Colorful Shade Garden
Laurie
Sunday 6th of September 2020
The one fern that you listed that turns a burnt orange is the Autumn Fern. I have a few that I planted and didn't do so well the first year but are so LUSH and colorful in my shade garden. Thanks for sharing your tips and your beautiful garden!
S. Russell
Thursday 23rd of April 2015
Try planting bugleweed. You will love it in your shade garden. The second year will blow you away.
admin
Thursday 23rd of April 2015
Thanks for the tip. I am always looking for different shade garden plants. I'll see if I can find it to plant. Carol
BethMarohn
Thursday 31st of July 2014
I noticed that the plant that's pictured with the Oxalis is probably Columbine & likes partial shade. It's a unique flower & should flower for you next year, as they're a biennial. Astilbe is a good one for part shade too. Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron family, so they would do nicely in part shade. Mountain Laurel is a unique flowering bush also, but I've been babying mine for a couple of years now. Hydrangea is also a great flowering bush for part shade, definitely not good for afternoon sun. I live in zone 5b & surrounded by woods, so I have longer, colder winters, but also can be a micro-climate. Lol
admin
Thursday 31st of July 2014
Hi Beth...thanks for the comments. I have astilbe, rhododendron and azaleas all growing in part shade. I also have hydrangeas in various parts of my garden. The one that does the best gets a mix of sun and shade. The one in full sun is not so happy! Carol
Brian J Wood
Sunday 13th of July 2014
Beautiful pictures! Our lyre leaf sage and violets do really well under our Dogwood tree. Our water oak tree blocks a big chunk of the yard from getting any sun at all but our Judge Solomon azalea does not seem to mind. My next project is going to be a Japanese Maple in the full shade as an understory tree. I am building the bed now and am experimenting with Seth Holzer's hugelkulure and heaping up huge amounts of compost. If all goes as planned I can skip watering it
admin
Sunday 13th of July 2014
Hi Brian. I'd love to see some more photos of your yard. Feel free to upload them to my facebook page and I'll share them. (I'm using this page now.) Carol
Linda aka Crafty Gardener
Tuesday 1st of July 2014
Great selection of shade plants. I have many of them in my shady north facing garden.
admin
Tuesday 1st of July 2014
Hi Linda. There is something about a shady garden that really appeals to me. Not so much bloom but everything seems lush. Carol