Do you live in a region where sunlight doesn’t stick around for long or perhaps you only have the option to grow your plants in a shaded area?
Well, don’t worry, I’m here to tell you that you still can grow the most beautiful plants even if sunlight isn’t really abundant for you.
I’ve put together a list of 11 perennials that don’t mind spending their afternoons in the shade… In fact, they actually like the shade!
Check out the list below (with pictures, just the way I like it!).
11 Beautiful Perennials That Thrive In Shade
1: Hostas
Whether you agree with me on this or not, hostas are probably the most showy and bold plants one can have in the garden.
The large vibrant leaves draw attention and flower spikes on the edge of tall stems just give the perennial more personality and visual appeal.
Hostas prefer full sun but can still do pretty well in partial shade, as long as they’re cared for and maintained properly.
2: Bleeding Hearts
I’ve often mentioned that bleeding hearts are an absolute powerhouse of a romantic flower. You think roses are romantic? Hah…think again! This perennial offers pink and red blooms that are shaped like hearts.
Trust me, it doesn’t get any more romantic than that.
Anyways, bleeding hearts are perfect for shaded or indoor garden spaces as they thrive in partial as well as full shade.
3: Hellebores
Though your typical hellebores may look extremely soft and delicate, they’re actually hardy, drought-tolerant perennials that can withstand a variety of severe soil and environmental conditions with ease.
You can plant hellebores indoors or in any kind of shaded area and still enjoy elegant, vibrant blooms in early spring.
4: Columbines
These tiny multi-colored flowers thrive in partial to full shade and can withstand low temperatures without giving you any trouble.
Columbines are pretty easy to grow and their bright, multi-colored petal formations in shades of blue, purple, pink, yellow, and white never fail to grab attention.
5: Violas
If you’ve ever seen violas, you’ll know the effect their deep, dark colors can have in the garden, especially if paired with lighter companion plants to create a striking contrast.
Violas thrive in partial as well as full shade as long as they’re given sufficient moisture to function properly.
6: Lungworts
Lungworts too have a reputation for doing well in partially shaded areas. Typically, gardeners plant them to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and hummingbirds to the garden.
Tiny purple and pink lungwort flowers can add more beauty to shaded spaces than ever.
7: Foxgloves
Though you may have heard that foxgloves only prefer full sun for optimal growth, that’s actually not true. These perennials can do quite well in partial shade, especially in the summertime when the heat can be scorching.
Their bell-shaped flowers will not only add elegant beauty to your garden but also attract pollinators necessary for improving your garden’s ecosystem.
8: Cranesbill
Cranesbills offer bright purple and blue flowers with lush foliage that elegantly complements the vibrant blooms.
The important thing about these perennials is that they do prefer some sunlight for growth but won’t be harmed if they’re given none. Partial shade is good enough to get them growing and blooming beautifully.
9: Creeping Jenny
Although creeping jennys don’t offer much prominent blooms, they work very well as ground cover and can spread quite rapidly.
They’re super easy to grow and will thrive even in shaded conditions where sunlight can’t reach properly.
10: Coral Bells
Not only are coral bell blooms beautiful but there’s something to be said about that vibrant, majestic foliage too.
Believe it or not, this perennial doesn’t need much care or attention to grow and you can plant it in a deeply shaded area and still have it grow optimally.
11: Bugleweed
Bugleweed flower spikes and its foliage offer quite the color and visual contrast in the garden. These low-growing perennials are bold and loud, demanding attention and spreading quickly.
You can plant bugleweed in a shaded spot in the garden or even in hanging baskets if you like. Either way, it’s not a very sunlight-dependent perennial and can grow quite well without it.
So, did you like all my suggestions? I hope so!
Before you go, if you have any questions, leave a comment below. I’m here to clarify all your doubts and to help you make your garden more beautiful, colorful and cheerful!
