Perennials That Flower in Shaded Areas

Shade-loving perennial plants come in a wide assortment of sizes, shapes and blossoms. Shade-tolerant perennials enable gardeners to fill in empty spots in the garden where sun-dependent plants cannot thrive.

Types

Columbine (Aquilegia x hybrid) is an herbaceous perennial that belongs to the plant family. Columbine is native to the northern hemisphere. Snowdrop anemone (Anemone sylvestris) is an herbaceous perennial part of the Ranunculaceae plant family. Snowdrop anemone is an indigenous plant to central and Western Europe. The cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) originates in North, Central and South America. The cardinal flower is in the Campanulaceae plant family.

Identification

Columbine develops spurred flowers of red, white, blue, yellow and pink. The plant grows to reach heights of 3 feet tall with a 15-inch spread. Snowdrops anemones are 12 inch tall plants that flower with pure white blossoms with yellow centers. Cardinal flowers are 3 to 5 foot tall plants that sprout brilliant red blooms in clusters from flower spikes.

Blooming Seasons

Columbine flowers blossom in the early summer. Snowdrop anemone develop flowers throughout the summer and early fall. Cardinal flowers begin budding early August through the middle of September.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Perennials for Shady Use
• Michigan State University Extension: Columbine
• Texas A&M University Extension: Snowdrops
• North Carolina State University Extension: Cardinal Flower