My Favorite Shade Loving Plants

     There is so much to love about shade plants. They provide interest, texture, and beauty all summer long. When it is blazing hot outside, these shady flowerbeds still look gorgeous. The sun can’t scorch them and in the shade they radiate a calming glow. 

    Down below is a few of my favorite shade loving perennials. Figure out which gardening zone you live in to ensure you can successfully grow these plants in your own garden. My zone is 6b. 

Brunnera :

Jack Frost Brunnera is exquisite. The dainty blue flowers with silvery heart shaped foliage is memorizing. In the very center of these beautiful flowers is a hint of pink. Mine lives in a full shade area, 1-3 hours of morning sun, and it does incredible! The flowers emerge in early spring and bloom for nearly 2-3 months. The size stays compact, 12” height by 24” width. Avoid planting in a full sun location because the leaves tend to scorch. It will survive in full sun, but looks unsightly as the leaves burn. I love this plant! It provides a nice pop of color in shadier areas. [Zone 3-9 Full Shade - Part Shade] 

Coral Bells :

I have so much fun with these shade loving plants. They come in so many different colors! Cottage like flowers sit on upright stems that bloom anywhere from spring to summer. The leaves look great the entire gardening season. The foliage has vibrant colors of purple, lime green, orange, red, and the list goes on. They look great at the edge of my flowerbeds. If I have a bare spot, I just tuck them in. I happen to love them next to my Hostas and Hellebores. Even through winter they tend to keep their leaves.   [Zone 3-9]   

Bleeding Hearts :

 I loved this plant as a child. The heart shaped flower was so cool to me. In my opinion, it is the epitome of cottage style. My bleeding heart grows large, around 3’ tall by 3’ wide. It can tolerate full shade - full sun. It goes dormant earlier than other perennials and will start to die off. The bush stays green a lot longer in the shade. Do not fret if it looks like its dying. If you cannot tolerate a bare spot, plant some annuals when this goes dormant. Coleus would be great. [Zone 2-9, full-shade – full sun]

Hostas :

Hostas are extremely popular. They are easy to grow and have impressive broad leaves. Many are variegated and range from small to very large. The flowers stagger on an upright stem. These small flowers are subtle, but a nice surprise. Besides the June Hosta (a variety quite tolerant of full sun), mine various other varieties need a lot of shade. Otherwise the leaves will burn and become unsightly in the heat. I have seen some in my neighborhood that look rough after spring is over and the heat of summer sets in. The owners appear to be unbothered; I guess that is all that matters. [Zone 3-9, full shade - partial shade]

Hellebores :

Hellebores are one of the earliest spring blooming perennials. They have rose shaped drooping flowers in various colors ranging from white, pinks, blacks, lime greens, etc. They tolerate cold and are unaffected by my late frost spells. The blossoms bloom forever (2-3 months) and stay looking good all summer long. The leaves are nice and bushy. They vary in size (12” to 24”). I love them in groups. I have about five plants surrounding my birdbath and it is stunning.  [Zones 4-9, full shade - partial shade]

Anemones :

Anemones are fun and cheerful. They flow softly on upright stems and gracefully blow in the wind. The leaves are nice and dainty. They can spread, so make some room for them, which is fine because they look amazing in masses. Another great flower to add to your garden bed if you lean towards the cottage style.  [Zone 4-8, full shade - full sun] 

Lady’s Mantle :

This shade loving plant transports me to England. It is a beautiful English cottage perennial. When it rains, the drops sparkle on the leaves. The lime green cloud-like flowers are so elegant.  I am always looking for new spots to add another. Thank goodness it divides like crazy without being invasive. Combining it with roses and peonies is my favorite pairing. [Zones 4-9] 

These are just a few of the many beautiful shade loving plants out there. Shade plants are anything but boring, and many look great all summer long. I have loved working on my yard and experiencing the joy from my shade gardens. Something I hope you will discover as well! 

Check out this video highlighting Jack Frost Brunnera by clicking HERE!

- The Flower Fanatic