What Plants or Shrubs Are Good in Shady Areas?

Hostas are a Mainstay in Shady Areas

Most plants and shrubs need plenty of light to grow, leaving gardeners wondering what to plant in the shady areas of their gardens. From annuals to perennials, there are a variety of plants that thrive in full or partial shade, ready to add color to even the darkest corner.

Partial Shade

Plants that like some sunlight do better in areas where they get sun in the morning, but shade during the afternoon. Partial shade plants include day lilies, bleeding hearts, foxgloves and Christmas roses.

Full Shade

Generally, plants with darker, more delicate leaves do better in full shade. Full shade-loving plants include ferns, tiger lilies, forget-me-nots, lilies of the valley and most hostas.

Shrubs

Gardeners often plant shrubs to fill in shady areas. Shrubs from the boxwood family are a popular choice, but others, such as winterberry, rhododendron, azalea and hydrangea, add a big splash of color to places where sunlight is scarce.

Groundcover

Since groundcover often grows in the shadow of larger flowers and shrubs, it is important to consider its shade tolerance. Shade-tolerant groundcovers include viola, thyme, vinca, bugleweed and many plants from the ivy family.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruit-bearing plants that do well shadier areas of a garden include elderberry, currant and blackberry bushes. Vegetables that grow in partial shade include lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, rhubarb, cauliflower and many herbs.

References

• University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Science
• University of Illinois on Shade Shrubs
• National Gardening Association

Resources

• USDA Plant Guide