We all know plants need water and sunshine to thrive — but that doesn’t mean the shady spots in our yard have to remain bare year after year. Some perennials actually prefer the shade, meaning you can still add color to the spots in your yard shaded by taller plants, trees, or buildings. Since perennials grow back each year, with a bit of planning now, you won’t have to worry about filling in those shady spots for years to come!
What Kind of Shade Do You Have In Your Yard?
Depending on how your yard is situated, there are varying degrees of shade garden types. Full shade areas get no more than three hours of direct sun each day. Part shade areas get between three and six hours of sunlight, most of which hits the spot in the morning. Some perennials thrive better in specific types of shade, so be sure to read the tag or ask us about the plant’s sun requirements.
Shade-Tolerant Flowering Plants
To brighten up a dark spot in your yard, plant one of these flowering perennials that will produce blooms even when not in full sun.
Astilbe
Boasting feathery flower plumes in lavender, pink, red, or white, Astilbe blooms between late spring and late summer. This flowering perennial does best in part shade, growing up to two feet tall. The mounds of fern-like foliage produce a beautiful base for the elegant flowers.
Bleeding Heart
Blooming in spring, Bleeding Heart is a favorite for full or part shade areas. The bright drooping heart-shaped flowers in pink or white stand out against the green fern-like foliage.
Bugbane
Flowering late summer or early fall, Bugbane adds some serious drama to your shade garden. The tall, pale bottle brush-like flowers grow up to two feet above the dark foliage.
Coral Bells
Thriving in full or part sun, Coral Bells is a versatile perennial with colorful flower spikes and gorgeous foliage available in shades of bronze, green, and purple. Many varieties flower during late spring, though some bloom closer to fall.
Foxglove
A go-to for pollinators in Bismarck, Foxglove has tall clusters of bell-shaped pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Preferring part to full shade, this perennial not only brightens up areas in your yard but also adds beautiful height, growing between two and five feet tall.
Foliage and Groundcover Plants to Grow in Shade
Lush groundcover and foliage plants round out any garden. Incorporate these shade-loving perennials into your yard to create a balance between flowers and greenery.
Barrenwort
Since it can thrive in full-shade areas, Barrenwort makes an excellent groundcover under trees and other tall plants. During spring, Barrenwort has reddish-bronze foliage that matures to dark green. Also, in spring, dainty star-shaped flowers appear.
Bugleweed
While Bugleweed does have flower spikes that bloom in spring, this plant is known as a quick-growing groundcover. An evergreen perennial, Bugleweed grows only a few inches tall. Its glossy leaves come in a range of colors, from green to dark purple. Depending on the variety, Bugleweed grows best in part or full shade.
Hosta
A true classic foliage plant, Hostas are available in a range of color patterns, filling in and brightening up gaps in your garden. While Hostas do flower during summer, this perennial is a favorite because of its foliage and quick-spreading tendencies.
Lady’s Mantle
The lemon-lime foliage and flowers of Lady’s Mantle compliment the rest of your garden, providing a nice backdrop rather than competing for attention. Growing up to about a foot tall, this groundcover plant does well in part shade and is low maintenance — it’s drought-resistant and not prone to pests or diseases.
Snow on the Mountain
Able to grow in full shade, Snow on the Mountain is an ideal groundcover since it’s fast-growing and has short roots that don’t interfere with taller nearby plants. Some varieties are variegated, while others are solid green. Since it grows quickly, you can use it as edging to create a contained area. Snow on the Mountain produces small white flowers in spring or early summer.
There’s no need to overlook the shaded areas in your yard — there are plenty of perennials to grow that love a break from the sun! These shade-loving plants will brighten up the areas that need it most, adding color, height, and interest to your garden.