Many novice gardeners are dismayed by the prospect of creating a thriving shade garden. Partial to full shade can reduce the growth rates of many types of plants. It may be tricky to work with shade if substrate conditions are not optimized. Additionally, choosing the right combination of species, with their morphological patterns and specific ambient requirements in mind, requires some research and experience.
Fortunately, a handful of plant groups have evolved to grow best when they are situated in shade and are rooted in moisture-retentive substrates. Many of these are naturally found in the undergrowth of both temperate and tropical forests. Those that naturally persist in fully shaded environments tend to be most comfortable in parts of the garden that receive little light. Those that thrive under dappled or partial sun can be placed closer to the periphery of a shade garden.
For year-round interest, it would be best to select evergreen perennials. Those with a tolerance for your area’s summer and winter temperature ranges would work best. Keep in mind that, in extreme temperatures, year-round plants from mild climates may likely die back. Thus, it would be best to cultivate shade plants that are native to your region.
1) Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
In the wild, mountain laurel occurs as an evergreen shrub in acidic forests and along rocky slopes. It tends to form widespread colonies that eventually cover a significant area of the forest floor. Its densest stands are found in low regions that receive a consistent supply of water. Able to grow to a maximum height of about 9 meters (30 feet) in optimal conditions, it can also be grown as a shade tree.
Set apart by its hexagonal blooms, which are usually present from May to June, mountain laurel can attract many butterflies and hummingbirds to the shade garden. As its flowers expand, the tension in its lengthy stamens increases. The tension is released whenever pollinators land on the petals, forcing pollen onto their wings or feathers. This way, this species’ genetic material can easily be dispersed throughout a pollinator’s range of travel.
Hardy to USDA zones 5 – 9, mountain laurel can tolerate deep shade. More sunlight does increase its rate of bloom production, but direct exposure can cause its leaves to become scorched. Partial shade conditions, especially in parts of the garden that receive morning sun, should enhance its features all throughout the year.
2) Catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense)
No stranger to growing in dappled to deep shade, the Catawba rhododendron requires protection from the sun’s rays to flourish. This evergreen shrub naturally occurs in the protected regions of the Appalachian Mountains. The density of its colonies is largely dependent on the amount of light received by its shoots. When dappled sunlight is provided, stands tend to be more crowded. In low light, these plants tend to be more spaced out.
Also called the red laurel and purple rhododendron, this hardy species is distinguished by its purple to violet blooms. Present in mid to late spring, these form tuft-like inflorescences that evenly dapple the outermost surfaces of the plant. This creates a lush, springtime appearance in woodland shade gardens and draws a bounty of bees and butterflies.
This rhododendron’s broad, deep-green leaves remain on the plant all year round in hardiness zones 4 – 8. They arise on stems that can grow as much as 8 feet (2.4 meters) long in optimal conditions. Due to their bushy nature, they can be used to create a natural screen in shaded areas. Do keep in mind, however, that this shrub is both highly flammable and toxic. It should not be placed too close to the periphery of your home.
3) Ferns (Various species)
Ferns are, by far, some of the most versatile plants to grow in shaded parts of the garden. These seemingly primitive greens have a knack for thriving in challenging conditions with excess humidity, moisture, and low light. Without fail, they can add delectable color, texture, and depth to just about any combination of plants. Their complex and feathery foliage easily makes up for the lack of spring or summer blooms.
Some of the best ferns for shade are species that are naturally found in dense woodlands and tropical forests. These have various growth habits, with many producing specialized roots for epiphytic growth. In the Americas, Europe, and Asia, species under the Dryopteris, Asplenium, and Polystichum genera are typically preferred. When provided with the appropriate substrates, they can survive in partial to deep shade.
Direct sun exposure, especially during the warmest parts of the year, can easily damage the fronds of many ferns. It can lead to their loss of color and may even cause irreversible scorching. Simple or entire fronds are susceptible, especially if they haven’t been slowly acclimated to a gradually increasing sun intensity. Just a little bit of sunshine, preferably in the morning, should help improve the quality of their leaves.
4) Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Though the oakleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub, it may provide winter interest in the form of its faded inflorescences and peeling bark. Come spring, new leaves should begin to appear. Typically cold-hardy in USDA zones 5 – 9, this perennial looks remarkably different each season. It is an absolute joy to cultivate because its changing appearance depicts the passage of a year’s time.
Among its close relatives, the oakleaf hydrangea is one of the best performers in shaded areas. Though it does benefit from morning sun and partial shade, dappled to deep shade is tolerated by its well-established stands. They should continue to produce their signature inflorescences in low light. Note, however, that they may be less vibrant compared to stands receiving partial sun.
Even without blooms, this ornamental hydrangea adds a touch of dramatic texture to shade gardens because of its deep-colored, oak-like foliage. The leaves in shaded areas tend to be larger than those that are hit by direct sun. In fall, they turn into magnificent shades of purple, bronze, and red.
5) Japanese laurel (Aucuba japonica)
Commonly grown as an ornamental plant, the Japanese laurel is highly valued for its shade tolerance. Unlike many low-light plants, its well-established colonies can persist in dry and challenging conditions. Exposure to pollutants and salts makes it ideal for gardens in coastal and exposed areas. This is definitely one shrub you should consider growing if you live in hardiness zones 6 – 9!
Also referred to as spotted laurel due to the presence of bright yellow speckles all over the surface of its leaves, this species should unfailingly provide year-round color. Its shoots, which are able to grow to a maximum height of 10 feet (3 meters), can be situated in full shade. Hot summer conditions are especially beneficial. Droughts due to high temperatures are rarely an issue for this plant.
Japanese laurel blooms mark the onset of early spring. As this species is dioecious, the male and female flowers occur on separate plants. If you’d like your laurels to produce fruit, you’ll need to ensure that your shade garden or indoor setup has both male and female specimens.
6) Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis)
H. orientalis is nicknamed the Lenten rose because of the duration of its bloom season, which coincides with the 40-day Christian period of Lent (from February to April). This flowering, evergreen perennial grows best in hardiness zones 4 – 9. It is undoubtedly one of the easiest plants to cultivate in woodland gardens. Its best features are enhanced by protection from full sun as well as shelter from strong winds.
The shoots of the Lenten rose rarely grow to more than 18 inches (46 cm) tall. They can thus be grown at the forefront or at the foot of taller shade shrubs and trees. The 2 to 3-inch (5 – 7.6 cm) blooms are white to light pink or purple. They gracefully contrast the appearance of the leathery leaves, over which they rise as solitary flowers.
A member of the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family, this ornamental shade plant remains attractive throughout the growth period. It can add year-round interest to the garden because its foliage remains green through mild winters. Grow it alongside other spring-blooming perennials or next to shade plants that require a backdrop of evergreen shoots.
7) Camellia (Camellia spp.)
Today, there are hundreds of camellia species with countless ornamental cultivars. Lauded for their versatility and attractiveness as ornamental plants, they have been the subjects of careful cultivation for centuries. These evergreen shrubs, many of which can be encouraged to grow into small trees, do quite well in partial to full shade. Protection from direct exposure brings out their best foliar and bloom features.
Cold-hardy camellias are some of the most ideal options for year-round interest in shade gardens. If your garden is situated in USDA hardiness zones 6 – 9, cultivars like ‘snow flurry’, ‘winter’s charm’, or ‘April rose’ should provide striking colors when other plants are most likely to die back. Just make sure these are protected from harsh winds that may dry out the blooms and cause leaf damage.
When provided with generous amounts of water, camellias are more likely to maintain a rapid rate of growth. Droughts are rarely tolerated by these plants, even if their roots have become well-established. Slightly acidic substrates with a rich humus content should promote flower and leaf production. You can expect many colorful butterflies or moths to visit shade gardens with thriving camellia bushes.
8) Gardenia (Gardenia spp.)
Despite their preference for tropical conditions, gardenias tend to thrive best when their leaves are protected from direct sun. These shade-happy plants make for attractive, year-round ornamentals that can help soften and naturalize the appearance of a patio or fence. Well-established or planted specimens should persist through mild winters, especially if they are provided with high-quality soil.
Gardenias are often grown for their lush and eye-catching blooms. Typically white or light yellow, these may occur as solitary flowers or in clustered inflorescences. The most popular types tend to have multiple layers of petals and are known for having remarkably strong fragrances. Their pleasant scent should easily waft throughout small shade gardens in mid-spring to mid-summer.
Many gardeners take advantage of the fragrance of gardenia blooms by planting them along shaded walkways, close to windows, or next to entrances. The scent should greet guests, uplifting their overall mood and increasing their appreciation for flowering plants!
9) Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra)
If you’re in the market for a highly textural filler, look no further! The Japanese forest grass is a remarkable, ornamental species that thrives in shaded spaces. Its presence can seem to bring light and airiness to dark parts of the garden. Naturally found in moist mountains and woodlands, this grass looks fresh, vibrant, and weightless all throughout the year.
Often cultivated as a ground cover plant, Japanese forest grass comes in a wide range of cultivars with yellow to green foliage. Many are variegated and have well-defined white or gold stripes running through the length of their simple yet understated leaves. These are attached to crowns that are borne on underground rhizomes. Though the root system spreads on its own, this species is rarely, if ever, considered a pest plant.
Like many kinds of grass from mountainous regions, this perennial grows best in places that experience cool summers. Both droughts and frosty winters are not tolerated, but the leaves are likely to persist in mild climates. To protect the roots from low temperatures, you may grow this plant in mulched pots and move it to warmer spots during winter.
10) English ivy (Hedera helix)
One of the most familiar plants throughout its native range and in areas where it has become naturalized, English ivy is definitely one of the hardiest plants around. Its vines can creep over vertical surfaces and may seem to thrive with hardly any assistance from humans. Able to grasp rough surfaces with its aerial rootlets, it can spread quickly when it has access to ample moisture and nutrients. In the absence of a surface to climb, this ever-growing vine can be used as natural ground cover.
Though English ivy is hardy enough to thrive in areas receiving full sun exposure, it actually grows best in partial shade. Indirect sunlight should support the rapid development of both solid-colored and variegated (in some cultivars) leaves. Do note, however, that optimal conditions can trigger its rapid and uncontrollable spread. In some areas, it is considered an invasive plant.
Due to its tendency to spread outdoors, some gardeners prefer to grow English ivy in pots or containers. These look great in shaded patios and in indoor spaces, especially when the young vines begin to cascade over the edges of the pot. Avoid cultivating this species too close to your valuable trees and shrubs as it may be vigorous enough to eventually weigh them down!
