Several perennials may be used for cool, shady areas. Some common shade plants, including hosta and lily-of-the-valley, are good choices. Hostas are grown mainly for their showy leaves. Their flowers range from dark lavender to white. Lily-of -the-valley is popular in spring. Its distinct fragrance is well-known.
Ferns may be used to provide a dramatic background. Astilbe is a flowering perennial with flowers of pink, red, purple or white. Astilbe has a light airy texture and makes a good accent plant. Other good shade plants include: Trollius (globe flower), Dicentra (bleeding hearts), Primula (primrose), and Heuchera, known as coral bells.
Woodland wildflowers, such as trilium, hepatica, woodrue, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and Virginia bluebells, are also well suited to shade gardens.
Low-growing shade plants make good borders or ground covers. Examples include: Ajuga, known as carpet bugle; Pachysandra, also called Japanese spurge; Viola Galium, known as sweet woodruff; Lamium, known as dead nettle; and wild or European ginger.
To find suitable species, visit our garden center and talk to our plant experts. Different species may have certain water, pH, or soil type requirements.