Large trees on your property provide cool, shady spots on a warm summer day, but they also present challenges when you want to add color and interest with plants. Although many plants can survive in the shade, they won’t thrive. That doesn’t mean you’re limited to hostas (hosta spp.), though, the perennial favorite for shady spots. There are plenty of colorful shade-loving plants to choose from. 

The Best Showy Shade Plants 

1. Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis)

Usually planted as a companion to hostas and other leafy shade plants, astilbes have tall, fluffy flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple, that grow tall above fern-like foliage. With over 25 different species to choose from, ranging from a few inches to a few feet tall, these plants thrive in shady spots that receive a few hours of partial sun each day.

2. Lenten Rose (Helleborus x hybridus)

Despite its name, the lenten rose is not a rose at all, but rather a member of the buttercup family. The name refers to the perennial’s shape when it blooms in early spring, as it resembles a small rose. The blooms themselves may be shades of red, pink, purple, blue, or green, and the foliage remains a deep green all year. Lenten roses can grow up to two feet tall and wide, and require minimal sunlight.

3. Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

A favorite among gardeners, bleeding hearts are a perennial featuring delicate heart-shaped blooms in shades of pink and white. Bleeding hearts typically bloom in the spring, but by mid-summer, their foliage goes dormant. Therefore they are typically grown with other plants that will fill that space. Still, bleeding hearts are an excellent choice for adding spring colors, especially along flower bed borders. 

4. Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

Another popular flower, impatiens are colorful, low maintenance, and grow quickly to cover bare patches. These annuals do require a great deal of water, especially during the hottest days of summer, but they will bloom all season and provide a showy burst of color. If your yard gets some sun, or you want a larger and more impressive flower, opt for New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri), which come in a wider variety of colors. 

5. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)

A perennial ground cover, this member of the boxwood family is a hardy plant that thrives in the shade, and is also tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions. The small, dark-green leaves spread quickly, and produce white flowers in early spring. During the winter, the leaves only yellow slightly. 

For help choosing the perfect perennials and annuals for your shaded areas, turn to Edgefield Plant & Stone Center in Greensboro, NC. With more than 30 years of experience, these expert “plant geeks” are passionate about their plants. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, they can help you create the landscape design of your dreams. Visit their website for information on services, or call (336) 662-0081 to speak with a knowledgeable staff member.