26 Best Plants That Grow in Shade

Hetz's Japanese Holly

It's easy to overlook shrubs when planning a shade garden but they provide structure and background for planting beds with showier plants. Grow a shrub, like Hetz's Japanese holly (Ilex crenata 'Hetzii'), for its small oval leaves that resemble boxwood foliage. Hetz’s Japanese holly is evergreen, so it offers color all year. It grows in full sun and partial shade but will struggle in heat or hot afternoon sun. Japanese holly is toxic to humans, dogs,2 and cats.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: No

Inkberry Holly

Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra), also called gallberry, is another easy shrub to grow around damp, woodland gardens, bogs, and ponds with partial shade. This shrub offers good winter color because of its dark berries and evergreen foliage. The leaves and berries are toxic to humans and pets.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-11
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Average rich or clay, moist, well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 5-10 ft. tall, 5-8 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes
  

Hemlock

Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) includes cultivars in shrub form that make excellent shade-loving hedges where the taller tree might not be appropriate. For shrubby forms, try 'Gentsch White', 'Aurea Compacta', or 'Pendula' and Sargentii' which are both weeping hemlocks that grow only to about 12 feet tall.

If you prefer a hemlock tree, it is unlike other large trees and prefers to grow in full to partial shade though it does like full sun in colder northern regions. Hemlocks have tiny fragrant needles and oval-shaped seed cones. This stately tree looks beautiful throughout the seasons and grows about 1 to 2 feet annually. However, be aware that woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) is an aphid-like insect that feeds mainly on Eastern hemlock trees.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
• Light: Full to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 70 ft. tall, 25-35 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: No
  

Yew

Yews (Taxus spp.) are adaptable evergreen trees and shrubs that tolerate shade and are planted as foundation plants or privacy hedges. Yews can be grown in all light conditions, including full and partial shade but a few hours of sun daily results in lush growth. Too much shade can cause a yew to be less robust. You'll find over 400 cultivars of yew that all grow at different heights and widths. Yew bark, needles, and fruits are toxic to humans and animals.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
• Light: Full, partial shade
• Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained, neutral
• Mature Size: 4-60 ft. tall, 4-20 ft. wide, depending on the variety
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Bleeding Heart

Perennial plants, such as bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, formerly Dicentra spectabilis) provide the color variety and drama that evergreen shrubs can't. The plant gets its name from its blossoms, which are dangling, puffy, heart-shaped, and pink with a dangling white "droplet." Because the flowers are delicate, the plant does best in partial to full shade because the direct sun and summer heat can diminish its bloom. Consider other types of flowers in the Dicentra genus, such as fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) with the addition of fern-like leaves and Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) with white breech-shaped flowers and feathery ferns.

As whimsical as these flowers look, plants in the Dicentra genus are toxic to humans and pets.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Light: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral
• Mature Size: 1–3 ft. tall, 2–3 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Jack-in-the-Pulpit

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), also called bog onion, is an unusual perennial wildflower with a hooded striped spathe surrounding a tiny flower. Sparkling berries catch visual interest throughout the seasons in a shade garden. The plant thrives in the shade and even better in a deep shade that mimics its native damp forest-like habitat. The plant is mesmerizing to watch but it's also highly toxic to humans and animals.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Light: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, humusy, acidic
• Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, with a similar spread
• Deer Resistant: Yes
  

Lenten Rose

Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), though not a rose, is an evergreen perennial that grows well in shade and blooms in late winter and early spring. Its blooms are long-lasting and provide an early source of pollen for bees. The flowers come in various colors and can have markings such as freckling or veining. Its sepals look like petals and can have either smooth or ruffled edges depending on the variety. All parts of this plant, including its roots, are toxic to humans and animals.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Light: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to alkaline
• Mature Size:1 2-18 in. tall and wide
  
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Leopard Plant

Leopard plant (Farfugium japonicum), also known as the tractor seat plant, is a shade-loving perennial with clusters of golden daisy-like flowers that bloom in early spring or summer depending on the climate. The plant is known for its huge disk-like leaves that span about 12 inches across and look like tractor seats. Other than needing plenty of shade and water, this plant is trouble-free.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Light: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, acidic to alkaline
• Mature Size: 1-4 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes
  

Virginia Bluebells

Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are maintenance-free ephemeral plants that grow well under the sun-dappled shade of a tree. The plant is named for its clusters of buds that open to display delicate, frilly blue trumpet-shaped blossoms. The faintly fragrant flowers bloom for three weeks in the early spring, and then go dormant and disappear in the summer.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil: Moist, neutral
• Mature Size: 2 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Toad Lily

Toad lily (Tricyrtis) stands out in a shade garden as this hairy perennial looks almost like a Phalaenopsis orchid. It's known for purple or white petals with vibrant purple spots and speckled stamens bursting forth from tall arching stems. This plant prefers shade or partial shade and regular water. Toad lily is toxic to cats.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Light: Partial sun, partial shade
• Soil: Loamy, moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral
• Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Siberian Bugloss

Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) is a long-lasting perennial that brings a delicate-looking, yet durable ground cover to a shady area. It's also a long bloomer with small, airy blue flowers with white centers topping dark green and sometimes variegated heart-shaped leaves. Note that the plant won't profusely bloom if it receives too much sunlight.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Light: Full to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, any pH
• Mature Size: 12–18 in. tall, 18–30 in. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Impatiens

Supplement the flowers provided by your perennials with well-placed and brightly colored flowering annual plants, like impatiens (Impatiens spp.). Impatiens are popular bedding plants in North America for adding color to shady areas. Gardens will be filled with profuse and delicate blooms in white to red, pink, violet, coral, purple, or yellow from spring to fall.

Unfortunately common garden impatiens, Impatiens walleriana, are greatly affected by downy mildew disease, so be sure to plant impatiens varieties that are resistant to the disease.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Light: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Well-draining, acidic
• Mature Size: 6–36 in. tall; 1–3 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: No

Wax Begonia

Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens) can be grown as an annual in cold climates and as a perennial in warm regions. In shady areas, they stand out for their glossy, waxy-looking leaves that are green, bronze, or maroon with white, pink, or red flowers. This low-maintenance plant (though it needs adequate water) grows best in shady areas, especially in very sunny and hot regions.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining, neutral to slightly acidic
• Mature Size: 6-18 in. tall and 6-12 in. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Coleus

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) is grown for its exquisitely patterned and variegated foliage. The fast-growing plant creates a stunning swath of vivid color in a shady area. Foliage often looks as though shades of purple or red paint have been strategically splashed onto its foliage. It is toxic to animals.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 11
• Light: Partial shade to full shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, loose soil, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
• Mature Size: 6-36 in. tall and wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Fuchsia

The Fuchsia genus has over 100 woody shrubs and trees, all ideal for growing in partial to deep shade where other types of plants tend to struggle. Though typically grown as an annual in containers, fuchsias with upright growth habits are grown as a perennial garden plant in warmer areas. Varieties with a cascading growth habit are typically grown in hanging baskets. The plant's teardrop-shaped single or double flowers add a splash of red, pink, salmon, violet, or purple blooms from spring through fall.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
• Light: Partial to deep shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic
• Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall, with a similar spread, depending on variety
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Spotted Dead Nettle

Spotted dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) is an attractive perennial ground covering best grown in shady areas where other plants find it impossible to thrive. It's generally grown for its silvery leaves rather than its pink, purple, or white flowers.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Light: Shade
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy, acidic
• Mature Size: 6-9 in. tall, 12-24 in. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Creeping Myrtle

Creeping myrtle (Vinca minor), also known as periwinkle, is a fragrant annual ground cover that thrives in shady areas. The plant is a perennial in warmer climates. It's also tough, low-maintenance, and pest-free. It is, however, toxic to pets. The vine commonly blooms with small blue flowers in spring, but blooms can also be lavender, purple, or white. For larger flowers, consider its sister, bigleaf periwinkle.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Light: Full, partial, shade
• Soil: Loamy, sandy, clay, and any pH
• Mature Size: 3-6 in. tall with trailing vines up to 18 in. long
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Cast Iron Plant

Indoors or outdoors, the cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is nearly indestructible, even in deep shade. And although deer might browse the plant, it's typically not demolished by foraging. This plant has glossy green leaves and when grown outdoors, it produces insignificant cream or purple flowers. This slow-growing plant can tolerate neglect, has some drought tolerance (though it prefers water), and thrives in a wide range of soils if the soil drains well.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-11
• Light: Partial sun, shade
• Soil: Well-drained, acidic to neutral
• Mature Size: 2–3 ft. tall, 1–2 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: No

Japanese Pachysandra

Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), also sometimes called spurge, is tolerant of many conditions, including shade and drought. Grown for its leathery, dark green leaves and small white springtime flowers, it's also popular in the eastern United States for weed, rabbit, and deer control, though it can aggressively spread via rhizomes.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Light: Partial and full shade
• Soil: Enriched with compost, tolerates clay-heavy and acidic soil
• Mature Size: 6 in. tall, 12 in. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Hosta

Hostas, also known as plantain lilies, are some of the fastest-growing plants you can grow in the shade. Hostas (Hosta spp.) do survive in full shade, but many types grow best grown in dappled sun for a few hours each day. They can be all green, shades of green and blue, or variegated, most developing tall stalks with white, purple, or pink flowers by mid- to end of summer. Hostas are toxic to pets.  

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8 or 9, typically
• Light: Partial or full shade
• Soil: Loamy, well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 6–48 in. tall, 10–60 in. wide
• Deer Resistant: No

Bunchberry

Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) is the perfect perennial ground cover for shady areas with wet soil. It's most at home in a shady woodland or forest setting, thriving in colder regions—the plant even grows wild in Alaska, where it is commonly known as dwarf dogwood. This ground cover is ornamental. To protect its pretty white dogwood-like flowers that bloom in spring and summer and its scarlet red berries, do not plant it where people are likely to walk.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-7
• Light: Full or part shade
• Soil: Wet, acidic
• Mature Size: 4-9 in. tall
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Japanese Painted Ferns

The Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum) adds color to a shaded area with its silvery leaves (fronds). It's also considered variegated because it has hits of grayish-green in the foliage and purplish midribs. The fern is a slow-growing plant.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Light: Partial sun, shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, any pH
• Mature Size: About 18 in. tall and wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Climbing Hydrangeas

Options for shade-tolerant vines are somewhat limited, especially if you are in search of a flowering vine that is hardy in a cold winter climate. The climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris) flowers nicely even when grown in full shade, making it the favorite vine for gardeners in cold climates. Fragrant white flowers bloom in spring and summer and add visual interest to walls and fences. Climbing hydrangea is toxic to animals.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-7
• Light: Full sun, shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, acidic
• Mature Size: 30-50 ft. tall, 5-6 ft. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Boston Ivy

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is grown for its foliage, not flowers. The vibrant green foliage it provides in summer shade adds elegance and privacy to a shady nook. Not only can it climb up walls, fences, and pergolas, but it creeps along as a ground cover, as well. There are a few caveats with Boston ivy. Don't let it climb up a tree because it will disrupt the tree's growth. Boston ivy can damage wood siding, gutters, and even roofing if it is left unsupervised. In some parts of North America, growing prolific Boston ivy is discouraged. Boston ivy is often confused with Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), which is slightly toxic to humans.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Light: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Loamy, moist, acidic, alkaline
• Mature Size: 30–50 ft. long
• Deer Resistant: Yes

Coral Bells

Coral bells (Heuchera spp.) grow well in semi-shady locations, such as under shade trees, in well-draining, organically rich soil. Avoid damp, shady spots because that will only encourage fungal diseases. They are short-lived perennials and need regular division or they will die out in a few years after planting. Small bell-shaped flowers will begin blooming in spring or early summer on tall stems. Newer varieties offer leaves in shades of purple, rose, lime green, gold, and more.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4a–9a
• Light: Full, partial
• Soil: Rich, moist but well-drained
• Mature Size: 8–18 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes
  

Astilbe

Astilbe (Astilbe spp.) is one of the easiest perennial flowers to grow, especially if planted in part shade. But it can also do well in full shade or full sun although the foliage will burn in hot weather and dry soil if left without shade. They have tall, stiff stalks with long-blooming, plume-like flowers in soft shades of white, pink, purple, and red.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Light: Partial, full
• Soil: Loamy, moist
• Mature Size: 6-24 in. tall, 6-60 in. wide
• Deer Resistant: Yes