It can be frustrating when you have a dark, shady corner in your garden where nothing seems to grow. I used to think those spots were hopeless.
But you do not have to settle for just bare dirt. Here are eleven beautiful plants that love the dark and will bring life to your garden year after year.
Hosta
Hostas are the true kings of the shade garden. I love them because their leaves come in so many beautiful colors, from bright chartreuse to deep blue-green.
They form big, lush mounds that easily hide bare spots under trees. Just make sure to water them regularly, as they love rich, moist soil.
Astilbe
If you want a splash of bright color in the dark, astilbe is my favorite choice. They grow lovely, feathery plumes of flowers that look like colorful clouds.
They bloom in pink, red, and white. These plants need plenty of moisture, so they are perfect for damp, shady spots where other plants might rot.
Bleeding Heart
This plant always brings a bit of magic to my garden. In early spring, it grows delicate, arching stems dangling with unique heart-shaped flowers.
It looks like something out of a fairy tale. Just keep in mind that it usually goes to sleep and disappears in the heat of summer, so do not worry when it fades.
Coral Bells
I highly recommend coral bells if you want color all year round. While they do grow tiny, pretty flowers, people truly love them for their amazing leaves.
You can find them in shades of deep purple, bright peach, and lime green. They are very tough and do not mind a bit of dry shade.
Japanese Painted Fern
This is not your ordinary green fern. It adds a lovely silvery glow to the darkest corners of your yard.
The leaves have beautiful hints of purple and gray that catch the light softly. It stays fairly low to the ground, making it a wonderful choice to plant right in front of your taller shade lovers.
Lungwort
Do not let the unusual name scare you away. Lungwort is one of the hardest working plants for early spring color.
It grows pretty little flowers that actually change color from pink to blue as they age. Even after the flowers fade, the green leaves covered in silver spots look beautiful all summer long.
Foamflower
Foamflower is a wonderful, easy-going plant that makes a great ground cover. In late spring, it shoots up airy spikes of tiny white flowers that look just like sea foam.
I love planting them along pathways. Their pretty, heart-shaped leaves often turn a lovely bronze color when the chilly autumn weather arrives.
Hellebore
Also known as the Lenten rose, hellebores are the ultimate winter champions. They often bloom when there is still snow on the ground, long before any other plants wake up.
Their thick, leathery leaves stay green all year. They are incredibly tough and will happily grow in the deepest, driest shade you have.
Brunnera
I love brunnera for its spectacular, heart-shaped leaves that look like they are made of solid silver. It instantly brightens up dark spaces.
In the spring, it surprises you with tiny, bright blue flowers that look exactly like forget-me-nots. It is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
Jacob’s Ladder
This plant gets its fun name from the way its leaves grow, looking just like the rungs of a ladder. It adds a very soft, delicate texture to your garden beds.
During the summer, it produces clusters of lovely blue or white bell-shaped flowers. It prefers cool, moist soil to stay happy.
Bugbane (Cimicifuga)
If you need some height in your shady borders, this is the plant to choose. It grows tall, dark purple stems with white, fluffy flowers that look like glowing candles.
The flowers bloom late in the season and have a sweet scent. It looks absolutely stunning when planted at the back of a garden bed.
Simple Tips for Shade Gardening
Check Your Soil Quality
Plants growing under big trees have to compete for food and water. I always add a thick layer of compost to my shade beds every spring. This helps the soil hold onto water and gives your perennials the extra energy they need.
Watch the Water Levels
Shady areas under tree branches can stay surprisingly dry because the leaves block the rain. Make sure to check the soil with your finger. If the top inch feels dry, give your plants a deep, slow watering right at their roots.