It’s a misconception that plants invariably have slower growth rates in the shade, especially as they would have lower access to sunlight for photosynthesis. While it’s true that some sun-loving species aren’t able to adapt to shady conditions, shade-loving species actually thrive and grow faster in areas with diffused or low sunlight. Their leaves have adaptations for making the most out of minimal light levels. Moreover, they tend to be extra sensitive to direct light, which can severely damage their foliage.
Shade gardens usually have higher moisture-retention rates, ensuring that the root systems of tender plants don’t dry out. They support the growth of hundreds of types of plants, many of which thrive in the understories of forests in the wild. When provided with well-draining substrates and favorable nutrient concentrations, these plants can typically self-seed and spread on their own.
With the right selection of species, filling out a shade garden can take but a very short time. A handful of well-known and low-maintenance shrubs, feathery ferns, and flowering ornamentals can quickly become established, adding color and complexity to light-deprived areas. You’ll be surprised how these plants can transform a space, even ones receiving less than 6 hours of sunlight per day.
1) Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Often grown as an herbaceous groundcover in ornamental gardens, bugleweed is a fast-growing member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Though its shoots tend to have a sprawling habit, they are distinguished by their upright inflorescences. The flowering stems can grow to a full height of about 14 inches (36 cm), rising high above the foliage of mature plants in spring.
A close look at this species’ lovely floral spikes reveals whorls of tiny blue to purple flowers. These seasonally draw in small pollinators, such as hoverflies. Though this plant is capable of self-seeding, it chiefly spreads by sending out trailing runners. These facilitate its rapid spread over lightly moist and humus-rich substrates.
After a single growth period, bugleweed shoots can collectively form a visually appealing carpet. Due to its tolerance for partial shade, it can grow in areas where grasses may struggle to survive. Evergreen in hardiness zones 3 – 10, it can be cultivated along shady slopes, around the base of trees, or in containers for a patio or veranda. For slower-spreading varieties, gardeners may choose from bugleweed’s many cultivars.
2) False goat’s beard (Astilbe spp.)
Cultivating astilbes is always a rewarding experience. These fantastic perennials can add eye-catching splashes of color to the spring-summer landscape. Frequently referred to as false goat’s beard due to the plume-like appearance of their inflorescences, these plants are well-adapted to shade and excess moisture. Their growth preferences make them ideal choices for shady borders around water features.
Astilbes can be grown as specimen plants, though they also make for fantastic additions to crowded plantings. Native to the understories of woodlands and occasionally found in ravines, they require protection from direct sunlight as their foliage is prone to being scorched. When provided with optimal conditions, they can significantly brighten up dark areas in no time!
The secret to promoting the production of dense astilbe inflorescences lies in maintaining the moisture levels of the substrate. Moisture maintenance, coupled with dappled sunlight through the growth season, leads to a lengthy flowering period of continuously blooming inflorescences. Growth alongside other plants with similar preferences should increase pollination rates and minimize pest infestations.
3) Plantain lilies (Hosta spp.)
The lush textures, vivid colors, and diverse shapes of plantain lily leaves make them an absolute joy to cultivate and collect. Placing cultivars of these plants alongside one another brings out their best features, which look stunning all throughout the year. Often grown as fillers in shade gardens, these dynamic plants can quickly transform the look of any space. Their healthy leaves are dynamic, fast-growing, and irresistible to small animals and plant enthusiasts.
Most types of hostas are able to thrive in full shade. Their leaves have adaptations that allow them to make the most out of minimal sunlight. In fact, they become more vivid and grow to their maximum size in shade. Full sun, when accompanied by dry conditions, can cause them to quickly become dehydrated or scorched.
Variegated varieties of hostas may need a little more sun than their predominantly green counterparts. A few hours of sunlight each day should increase their vividness. Come summer, mature specimens are likely to produce fragrant purple to white blooms. These tower above the foliage and elegantly contrast their appearance.
4) Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla)
A vine with remarkable decorative properties, the Dutchman’s pipe is known for spreading at a fast rate. With shoots that can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) long, it can quickly cover organic surfaces with its relatively large foliage. Its heart-shaped, deep green leaves can densely cover a shaded wall to create a naturalized screen or barrier. Despite its capacity for rapid spread, however, it can easily be cut back to control its growth.
Dutchman’s pipe is named for the appearance of its small and somewhat inconspicuous blooms. Their specialized petals take on the shape of a pipe. These emit a distinct and rather unpleasant odor for luring in flies and other pollinators. Interestingly, hummingbirds favor this species’ nectar. An endemic butterfly, the pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor), also relies on this vine’s cloak of leaves as the main food source of its larvae.
It’s important to note that this species may be dangerous to grow in gardens that are frequented by children or pets. All of its parts contain a toxin called aristolochic acid. When ingested, its leaves, stems, flowers, and roots can cause kidney failure.
5) Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
One of the most stunning ornamental ferns, A. filix-femina is a woodland species for moist and shady gardens. This temperate fern is easy to maintain, comes in several eye-catching varieties, and can grow quickly in optimal conditions. It is perfect for filling out any gaps in fully to partly shaded areas. Hardy to USDA zones 4 – 9, some of its cultivars are recipients of the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
The lady fern produces vigorous rosettes which arise in a clump-like manner on moist substrates. Its lacy fronds can measure as much as 3 feet (91 cm) long. Mature fronds elegantly arch over to create the illusion of weightlessness. New fronds arise in the center of each rosette, unfurling as they develop. Over a short period of time, a single fern may have a remarkably bushy and highly-textured appearance.
Ideal for rain gardens, moist pond borders, cottage gardens, and shrub underplantings, the lady fern is a truly versatile plant. The only downside is its fronds are likely to die back in cool temperatures. Come spring, however, they should quickly bounce back to herald warmer conditions.
6) Begonias (Begonia spp.)
If your shade garden needs a plant with character, look no further than the assortment of begonias at your local plant nursery. You’ll find that the diverse foliage of these plants comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some look like angel wings, whereas others may appear to have psychedelic hues and patterns. Begonias are a testament to nature’s sheer complexity and breadth of forms. Their irregularly-shaped leaves highlight the beauty of asymmetry.
Hardy to USDA zones 9 – 10, begonias grow best in sheltered and warm parts of the garden. If you live in a temperate region, you can grow these plants in a greenhouse or in your own home. Their tolerance for partial to dappled light makes them ideal as houseplants or potted porch ornamentals. To promote rapid growth, make sure they are rooted in well-draining soil. Surplus moisture can lead to root and shoot rot.
7) Elephant ear (Caladium spp.)
Elephant ear plants are members of the Araceae family, which is set apart by the unique anatomy of its spike-shaped inflorescences and their accompanying spathes. Caladium, specifically, possesses arrow-shaped leaves with patterns of pink, white, or deeper green veins. The leaves are often misidentified as those of the Alocasia and Colocasia species because they share similar environmental preferences and physical attributes.
Caladiums arise from tuberous corms that may be propagated via division. Healthy corms quickly produce new foliage through the growth period. The leaves thrive best in well-ventilated parts of the garden that receive protection from sunlight. Their best colors arise in warm temperatures and under partial or dappled light. Direct sun can cause the leaves to appear washed out or scorched.
Caladiums rapidly grow in USDA hardiness zone 10. In regions with cooler temperatures, they are best grown as annual houseplants or seasonal shade garden ornamentals. Their tubers can be collected prior to winter, during which they must be stored in a moderately dry location. Plant them in late spring to marvel at how quickly they can produce new, eye-catching leaves.
8) Coral bells (Heuchera spp.)
Coral bells may very well be the temperate counterpart of tropical begonias. Their foliar colors and patterns are seldom overlooked in shade gardens. Able to brighten up dim spaces, these evergreen perennials thrive in partial shade and in substrates with ample moisture. Mature and healthy specimens may tolerate full shade, though this may compromise their growth rates. A little sunlight, preferably in the morning, should keep new leaves coming all throughout the growing season.
Best distinguished by their palmate leaves, which are borne on lengthy petioles, coral bells come in a wide range of cultivars. These have rosettes of leaves with striking shades of bronze, pink, deep green, red, and even purple. In spring, the appearance of these plants is transformed by their seemingly energetic spikes of delicate blooms.
Next to other fast-growing shade plants like hostas and lady ferns, coral bells can prove to be vigorous growers. Well-established clumps can easily be propagated to expand their reach. Simply divide their clumps in spring. They can also spread on their own, albeit at a slower pace, when left undisturbed.
9) English ivy (Hedera helix)
Of course, this list of fast-growing shade plants would be sorely incomplete without the infamous English ivy! This rapidly spreading vine is an evergreen perennial, contributing year-round color and texture to shade gardens, dimly lit fences, and just about any surface to which its aerial roots may cling. Shade is hardly an impediment to this species’ vigorousness. It can readily fill out gaps in locations where other plants may struggle to survive.
This climbing ivy is often grown as an ornamental because its leaves have many charming qualities. Alternately arising on delicate stems, they possess a palmate, multi-lobed shape with distinct venation. Some cultivars have light-colored margins and visually stunning variegation; these are perhaps better options for shade gardens with less space. Compared to the type variety of H. helix, the ornamental cultivars tend to have a more manageable growth rate.
10) Asian bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
Though it looks remarkably delicate, the Asian bleeding heart is a surprisingly fast grower. In just 2 months, its young shoots may already boast a height of about 2 – 3 feet (61 – 91 cm)! What initially emerges as tufts of reddish clumps in spring can elongate into fleshy stems at the rate of a few inches per week. Come late spring, young plants should be mature enough to bear their first sets of inflorescences.
In the wild, bleeding heart typically occurs in shaded areas, such as in the understories of mountainous forests and in rock crevices with ample sources of nutrients. A frequent addition to fairy gardens throughout its native range, this species is valued by florists for its heart-shaped flowers and the pollinators they attract. When cast in shade, they appear as pops of vivid pinks and reds.
This species can tolerate full sun in cool and moist climates, but it requires shade to thrive in warm temperatures. It grows as clumps that should ideally be left undisturbed for the first few years. Division should only be done with mature plants that have proven to be persistent over the course of several growth periods.
