My friend used to always complain about her shady backyard. She didn’t think she could grow anything. But shade gardens can be beautiful and vibrant with the right selection of plants that thrive in low-light conditions. I have many shady spots in my backyard and I’ve been able to create a really lush, beautiful space (if I do say so myself). Here are some great plants that grow in the shade.

Hostas

These are popular shade-loving perennials known for their lush foliage and varied colors, ranging from deep green to variegated patterns. They come in different sizes, making them versatile for various garden designs. I’m a huge fan of hostas as they are extremely easy to care for, and also, easy to split – meaning every year I can split my hostas in half and double the number of plants for no additional cost.

Ferns

Ferns are classic shade garden plants that people (me included) love for their delicate fronds and lush greenery. They add a soft, feathery texture to the garden and thrive in moist, shady conditions. I’ve tried putting them in sunnier parts of the garden and they always struggle and wilt. Keep ferns in the shade and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful lush greenery.

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)

This fern species features striking foliage with silvery-grey fronds accented by shades of burgundy, making it a standout in shady garden areas. When I first bought them I wasn’t sure how they would turn out, but in my opinion, they’re absolutely stunning. By far my favorite type of fern.

Astilbes

Astilbes are prized for their feathery plumes of flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender. They prefer partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. I planted a few when I was attempting a shade garden path, but my dog ended up digging them up. Alas, I can’t really say how easy or difficult they are to grow. But they are very pretty, so I’ll likely try again.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)

When we bought our house and purchased our first plant for the front garden, my husband insisted it be a bleeding heart. I wasn’t familiar with them at the time, but I’m glad we did it. Bleeding hearts are shade-loving perennials full of heart-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems – so pretty! They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

Hellebores (Lenten Rose)

Hellebores are tough, evergreen perennials that produce elegant flowers in late winter to early spring. They come in various colors and are excellent for adding interest to shaded areas.

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

When it comes to plants that grow in the shade, few things beat coral bells. Coral bells are prized for their colorful foliage, which comes in shades of green, red, purple, and bronze (and possibly more!). They also produce delicate spikes of flowers in the spring and prefer partial shade. Coral bells are particularly beautiful when you plant several together.

When planning a shade garden, it’s essential to consider the specific light conditions of your site and choose plants that are well-suited to those conditions. Most of the plants I’ve listed above can survive in the sun, but they don’t thrive – some even get burnt if it’s particularly sunny. Additionally, providing adequate moisture and amending the soil with organic matter can help shade-loving plants thrive.