Shade plants

Shady yards are incredibly common, especially in neighborhoods with mature trees or houses built close together. The good news is that shade isn’t a problem. It just means you need the right plants.

Figure out what kind of shade you have

Not all shade is the same. Before buying anything, spend one sunny day observing your yard.

• Full shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight per day. Common under dense trees or on the north side of a house.
• Partial shade: 3–6 hours of sun, usually morning or late afternoon light.
• Dappled shade: Filtered light through tree branches. This is actually ideal for many plants.

Take notes on which areas get light and when. Even small differences matter.

You do not need to redesign the entire yard at once. Pick one visible area: near the front door, along a walkway, or under a large tree. Improving just one section can dramatically upgrade the overall appearance. Clear weeds, rake leaves, and define the edge of the bed. Even before planting, this alone makes a yard look intentional.

The easiest shade plants for beginners

If you want low-stress plants that are forgiving and widely available, start here.

Hostas

Hostas are one of the easiest shade plants you can grow. They are grown for their leaves, not flowers. Leaves can be green, blue, gold, or variegated. They tolerate deep shade and come back every year (perennial). They prefer moist soil but are adaptable.

Ferns

Ferns create soft, textured greenery and thrive in shady spaces. Look for hardy varieties like Japanese painted fern or lady fern. They return each year and work beautifully under trees.

Heuchera (coral bells)

Heuchera adds color even without flowers. Leaves can be deep purple, lime green, or caramel. These plants handle partial shade well and stay compact, making them great for borders.

Astilbe

If you want flowers in shade, astilbe is a reliable choice. It produces soft, feathery plumes in pink, red, or white. It prefers moist soil and partial shade.

Hydrangeas (shade-tolerant types)

Many hydrangeas tolerate partial shade, especially bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas. They provide large, dramatic blooms and give structure to a yard. Avoid planting them in deep, dark shade.

If your shade is very dry

Shade under large trees is often dry because tree roots absorb water quickly. In that case, look for tougher plants such as:

• Pachysandra
• Epimedium
• Lamium
• Liriope

Simple design formula for beginners

If design feels overwhelming, follow this simple structure:

• Back layer: Taller plants (hydrangeas, larger hostas, tall ferns)
• Middle layer: Medium plants (heuchera, astilbe, medium hostas)
• Front layer: Low plants or groundcovers (lamium, pachysandra, smaller hostas)

Repeat the same plant in groups of three or five rather than planting one of everything. Repetition helps make a yard look professionally designed rather than haphazard.

Shade Plants List

Finding shade plants can be quite tricky, but rest assured, there are far more options out there than it seems at first glance. There is a perfect plant for every shady spot.

Perennial flowers for shade

Common perennial flowers for shade gardens include Primrose, Hellebore, Trillium, Bleeding Hearts, Periwinkle, Foamflower, and Anemone.

Here is a list of flowering perennial plants that grow well in shade:

• African Iris (Dietes bicolor): Zones 9-11
• Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis): Zones 4-8
• Bear’s Ear (Primula auricula): Zones 2-9
• Bigleaf Periwinkle (Vinca major): Zones 7-9
• Bird’s-Eye Primrose (Primula farinosa): Zones 5-8
• Bishop’s Hat (Epimedium grandiflorum): Zones 5-8
• Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis): Zones 3-9
• Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): Zones 3-8
• Blue Lungwort (Pulmonaria angustifolia): Zones 3-8
• Blue Violet (Viola septentrionalis): Zones 4-8
• Blue-Eyed Mary (Omphalodes verna): Zones 6-9
• Candelabra Primrose (Primula bulleyana): Zones 5-8
• Chatham Island forget-me-not (Myosotidium hortensia): Zones 8-9
• Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger): Zones 3-8
• Common Primrose (Primula vulgaris): Zones 4-8
• Creeping Forget-Me-Not (Omphalodes cappadocica): Zones 6-9
• Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Zones 3-9
• Dog Violet (Viola riviniana): Zones 4-8
• Drumstick Primrose (Primula denticulata): Zones 2-8
• Early Borage (Trachystemon orientalis): Zones 6-9
• Early Meadow-Rue (Thalictrum dioicum): Zones 4-7
• Fairy Iris (Dietes grandiflora): Zones 8-11
• Fringecup (Tellima grandiflora): Zones 2-8
• Giant Trillium (Trillium chloropetalum): Zones 6-9
• Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): Zones 3-8
• Goldenstar (Chrysogonum virginianum): Zones 5-9
• Great White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum): Zones 4-9
• Grecian Windflower (Anemone blanda): Zones 5-8
• Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): Zones 4-9
• Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia): Zones 3-9
• Himalayan Meadow Primrose (Primula rosea): Zones 5-9
• Holly-Leaved Hellebore (Helleborus argutifolius): Zones 6-8
• Hookspur Violet (Viola adunca): Zones 4-8
• Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis): Zones 4-8
• Japanese Primrose (Primula japonica): Zones 4-8
• Johnny Jump-Up (Viola tricolor): Zones 3-9
• Large-Flowered Bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora): Zones 4-9
• Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis): Zones 4-9
• Leopard Plant (Ligularia dentata): Zones 3-8
• Little Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum): Zones 5-8
• Liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis): Zones 5-8
• Majorcan Hellebore (Helleborus lividus): Zones 7-9
• Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris): Zones 3-7
• Moonlight Primrose (Primula alpicola): Zones 5-8
• Mountain Kittentails (Synthyris missurica): Zones 3-8
• Oxlip (Primula elatior): Zones 4-8
• Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens): Zones 4-9
• Periwinkle (Vinca minor): Zones 4-8
• Piggy-Back Plant (Tolmiea menziesii): Zones 6-9
• Przewalski’s Golden Ray (Ligularia przewalskii): Zones 4-8
• Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana): Zones 7-9
• Round-Headed Himalayan Primrose (Primula capitata): Zones 4-8
• Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum odoratum): Zones 3-8
• Spotted Dead-Nettle (Lamium maculatum): Zones 3-8
• Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus): Zones 5-9
• Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima): Zones 6-9
• Sweet Violet (Viola odorata): Zones 4-9
• Sweet White Violet (Viola blanda): Zones 2-7
• Tibetan Cowslip (Primula florindae): Zones 3-9
• Toad Lily (Tricyrtis macrantha): Zones 6-8
• Treacleberry (Maianthemum racemosum): Zones 3-8
• Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum): Zones 3-9
• Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa): Zones 5-8
• Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella): Zones 3-7
• Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon): Zones 4-9
• Yellow Barrenwort (Epimedium perralderianum): Zones 4-9
• Yellow Wax Bells (Kirengeshoma palmata): Zones 5-8

Foliage perennial plants for shade

Popular ornamental foliage perennials for shady gardens include Hosta, Fern, Pachysandra, Heuchera, and Sweet Woodruff.

Here are some lovely perennial plants with ornamental foliage that grow well in shade:

• Allegheny pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens): Zones 5-9
• Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata): Zones 4-10
• Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea): Zones 3-8
• Himalayan Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum venustum): Zones 5-9
• Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis): Zones 5-9
• Large Hosta (Hosta ventricosa): Zones 3-9
• Medium Hosta (Hosta plantaginea): Zones 3-9
• Mini Hosta (Hosta minor): Zones 3-9
• Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris): Zones 3-7
• Shieldleaf Rodgersia (Astilboides tabularis): Zones 5-7
• Southern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris): Zones 8-11
• Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Zones 4-8
• Tall Hosta (Hosta fortunei): Zones 3-9
• Umbrella Plant (Darmera peltata): Zones 5-7
• Wavy Hosta (Hosta undulata): Zones 3-9
• Western Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aleuticum): Zones 3-8

Ornamental grasses for shade

Top choices for ornamental grasses grown in shade include Sedge, Mondo, Fescue, Reed Grass, and Oat Grass.

Here are some species of ornamental grasses that grow well in shade:

• Appalachian Sedge (Carex appalachica): Zones 4-7
• Berkeley Sedge (Carex divulsa): Zones 4-9
• Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus): Zones 7-10
• Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha): Zones 4-9
• Golden Lilyturf (Liriope muscari): Zones 6-10
• Great Wood Rush (Luzula sylvatica): Zones 4-9
• Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra): Zones 5-9
• Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii): Zones 5-9
• Japanese Sweet Flag Grass (Acorus gramineus): Zones 5-11
• Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus): Zones 5-10
• Monkey Grass (Liriope longipedicellata): Zones 6-9
• Mosquito Grass (Bouteloua gracilis): Zones 3-9
• Northern Sea Oat Grass (Chasmanthium latifolium): Zones 4-7
• Prairie Junegrass (Koeleria macrantha): Zones 3-9
• Red Fescue (Festuca rubra): Zones 1-7
• Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea): Zones 3-6
• Tall Oat Grass (Arrhenatherum elatius): Zones 4-9
• Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa): Zones 4-9

Annual flowers & bedding plants for shade

Common bedding plants and annuals for shade gardening include Impatiens, Coleus, Fuchsia, and Begonia.

Here is a list of annual flowers and bedding plants that grow well in shade:

• Bizzy Lizzy (Impatiens walleriana)
• Bush Violet (Browallia speciosa)
• Calico Plant (Alternanthera ficoidea)
• Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
• Hardy Fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanica)
• Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
• New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri)
• Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)
• Rose Balsam (Impatiens balsamina)
• Scarlet Begonia (Begonia coccinea)
• Tuberous Begonias (Begonia Tuberhybrida)
• Wax Begonia (Begonia × semperflorens)
• Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri)

Herb plants for shade

Popular herbs for shade gardening include Parsley, Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Tarragon, Shiso, and Wasabi.

Here are some herb plants that grow well in shade:

• Borage (Borago officinalis)
• Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
• Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
• Dill (Anethum graveolens)
• French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa)
• Sorrel (Rumex scutatus)
• Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata)
• Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum)

Read more about herbs that grow well in the shade.

Shrubs for shade

Common shrubs for shade gardens include Camellia, Hydrangea, Rhododendron, Viburnum, Mountain Laurel, and Dogwood.

Here are some landscaping shrubs that grow well in shade:

• American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Zones 3-8
• Canadian Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis): Zones 3-8
• Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus): Zones 4-9
• David Austin Shrub Rose “The Lark Ascending‘: Zones 5-9
• David Austin Shrub Rose ‘Kew Gardens‘: Zones 5-10
• David Austin Shrub Rose ‘Olivia Rose Austin‘: Zones 5-9
• Doublefile Viburnum (Viburnum plicatum): Zones 5-8
• Glossy Abelia (Linnaea × grandiflora): Zones 6-9
• Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica): Zones 5-8
• Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica): Zones 6-10
• Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica): Zones 4-9
• Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia): Zones 5-9
• Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): Zones 5-9
• Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea): Zones 2-7
• Rhododendron & Azalea (Rhododendron species): Zones 4-9
• Sasanqua Camellia (Camellia sasanqua): Zones 7-9
• Shrub Balsam (Impatiens niamniamensis): Zones 10-11
• Slender deutzia (Deutzia gracilis): Zones 5-8
• Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens): Zones 3-9
• Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica): Zones 6-9

Vines & climbing plants for shade

Common ornamental climbers and vines for shady areas include Clematis, Ivy, Wisteria, Euonymus, and Virginia Creeper.

Here are some specific species of climbing plants and vines that grow well in shade:

• American Groundnut (Apios americana): Zones 3-8
• Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata): Zones 4-8
• Butterfly Vine (Mascagnia macroptera): Zones 8-10
• Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis): Zones 5-9
• Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris): Zones 4-8
• English Ivy (Hedera helix): Zones 4-9
• Fortune’s Spindle (Euonymus fortunei): Zones 5-9
• Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica): Zones 4-9
• Kadsura Vine (Kadsura japonica): Zones 7-11
• Kentucky Wisteria (Wisteria macrostachya): Zones 4-9
• Kiwi Vine (Actinidia arguta): Zones 3-8
• Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis paniculata): Zones 5-11
• Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): Zones 5-9
• Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia): Zones 3-9

Trees for shade

Common trees for shady areas (often native to the forest understory) include Beech, Hornbeam, Yew, Hemlock, Maple, Dogwood, and Magnolia.

Here is a list of landscaping trees that grow well in shade:

• Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis): Zones 4-8
• American Beech (Fagus grandifolia): Zones 4-9
• American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana): Zones 3-9
• American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis): Zones 4-9
• Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa): Zones 3-7
• Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis): Zones 3-8
• Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): Zones 6-9
• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Zones 4-9
• English Yew (Taxus baccata): Zones 6-8
• European Beech (Fagus sylvatica): Zones 4-7
• European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus): Zones 4-8
• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Zones 5-9
• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Zones 5-8
• Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus): Zones 5-8
• Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata): Zones 4-7
• Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum): Zones 4-8
• Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa): Zones 4-9
• Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifolia): Zones 4-9
• Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii): Zones 7-9
• Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia): Zones 3-7
• Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum): Zones 5-8
• Paw Paw (Asimina triloba): Zones 2-6
• Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia): Zones 4-8
• Red Maple (Acer rubrum): Zones 3-9
• Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): Zones 3-6
• Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangiana): Zones 5-9
• Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum): Zones 5-9
• Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): Zones 7-9
• Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina): Zones 4-8
• Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Zones 3-8
• Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum): Zones 4-8
• Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica): Zones 4-8
• Western Arborvitae (Thuja plicata): Zones 5-7
• White Spruce (Picea glauca): Zones 3-7
• Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei): Zones 7-11

Houseplants for shade/low-light

Common houseplants for low-light areas include Boston Fern, Anthurium, Peace Lily, Begonia, Inch Plant, Peperomia, and Alocasia.

Here are some specific indoor or patio houseplants that grow well in shade:

• African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
• Amazonian Elephant’s Ear (Alocasia × amazonica)
• Amazonian Zebra Plant (Aechmea chantinii)
• Baby Rubberplant (Peperomia clusiifolia)
• Beefsteak Begonia (Begonia × erythrophylla)
• Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
• Blushing Bromeliead (Neoregelia carolinae)
• Boat Lily (Tradescantia spathacea)
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
• Cardinal Flower (Sinningia cardinalis)
• Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
• Coralberry (Aechmea fulgens)
• Earth Star Plant (Cryptanthus fosterianus)
• Emerald Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata)
• Fishbone Prayer Plant (Ctenanthe burle-marxii)
• Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata)
• Flaming Sword (Vriesea carinata)
• Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum)
• Fuchsia Begonia (Begonia fuchsioides)
• Giant White Inch Plant (Tradescantia fluminensis)
• Goldfish Plant (Columnea)
• Grecian Urn (Quesnelia marmorata)
• Iron Cross Begonia (Begonia masoniana)
• Ivy-Leaf Peperomia (Peperomia griseoargentea)
• Kris Plant (Alocasia sanderiana)
• Laceflower (Episcia dianthiflora)
• Matchstick Bromeliad (Aechmea gamosepala)
• Metal-Leaf Begonia (Begonia metallica)
• Mexican Air Plant (Tillandsia fuchsii)
• Mexican Flag (Tradescantia zanonia)
• Mosiac Vase Plant (Guzmania musaica)
• Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
• Never Never Plant (Ctenanthe oppenheimiana)
• Nodding Violets (Streptocarpus caulescens)
• Painted Evergreen (Aglaonema crispum)
• Parrot Impatiens (Impatiens niamniamensis)
• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
• Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)
• Pixie Peperomia (Peperomia orba)
• Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
• Purple Velvet Plant (Gynura aurantiaca)
• Queen Anthurium (Anthurium warocqueanum)
• Queen’s Tears Plant (Billbergia nutans)
• Red Star Bromeliad (Cryptanthus bivittatus)
• Scarlet Begonia (Begonia coccinea)
• Scarlet Star Plant (Guzmania lingulata)
• Silver Calathea (Calathea picturata)
• Silver Vase Plant (Aechmea fasciata)
• Sky Plant (Tillandsia ionantha)
• Starfish Plant (Cryptanthus acaulis)
• Tail Bromeliad (Aechmea caudata)
• Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)
• Zebra Plant (Calathea zebrina)
• Zebra Starfish Plant (Cryptanthus zonatus)