Perennials For Shade

One of the most common problems with shade in the garden IS THE LACK OF IT!?

In a new home, in a new subdivision, where can you grow lush leafy ferns? Astilbes and Hosta? There are so many plants that actually LIKE SHADE! If you can create a garden on the shaded north side of your home, then you can enjoy a broad range of plants that thrive in the shade.

ALL SHADE IS NOT THE SAME

​In Southwestern Ontario during summer, even the north side of a house receives sunlight. The sun rises in the northeast, illuminating the north side in the morning, and sets in the northwest, providing evening light. Plants located on the east and west sides receive at least six hours of sunlight during summer, which is adequate for most plants except those that require full sun.

Open Shade

On the north side of the house, but open to the sky. Plants listed for light shade will do well.

Light Shade or Filtered Sunlight

Dappled shade light or shadow areas move with the sun, like under a Locust or Birch. Lawn grass does well, as do most plants. Not shady enough for true shade lovers.

Medium Shade

The north side of the house is further obstructed by overhead branches. A shade-tolerant lawn grass will still grow, and now we can plant Astilbe and Hosta.

Deep Shade

(In the plant list, those for deep shade are indicated “*”)

Permanent, year-round shade from buildings and large evergreens and shade trees. Usually found in the older residential area. Grass will not grow well, but ferns will.

Dry Shade and Moist Shade

Deep shade is often moist since it does not receive the sun’s heat, but it can be dry under large trees that take all available moisture. There are very many plants for moist shade; dry shade is more difficult, but the problem can be overcome by watering and mulching. Good perennials for dry shade are Barrenwort (Epimedium Lamium).

Deep shade is usually found in older gardens where trees are mature. In deep shade, the soil will usually be cool and moist – perfect conditions for Ferns and Hosta.

The large-leafed Hostas are luxurious in the shade, some with glossy, dark green foliage; others are variegated green and white or green and gold. They all have attractive lily-like flowers, mostly in shades of blue. One very nice variety is Royal Standard, with dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers.

Ferns are easy-to-grow, maintenance-free plants that most need or prefer cool, moist shade. As ferns become popular, an increasing number of varieties are appearing at garden centres. Ostrich Fern, Lady Fern and Sensitive Fern have long been favourites. Now available is Japanese Painted Fern, with blue-gray fronds with burgundy highlights, and a colourful Autumn Fern with young coppery foliage. The Christmas Fern and Holly Ferns are evergreen.

Astilbes are the most beautiful plants for shade with their gorgeous plumes of red, pink or white flowers in June and very attractive spring foliage that remains green and handsome all summer – as long as the soil is moist.

Hosta, Ferns and colourful Astilbes will make a very attractive show in combination and are long-lived perennials for a garden in the shade.

Shade-Friendly Perennials

If you’re seeking perennials that thrive in shaded areas, here are some excellent options categorized by their preferred shade conditions:

Dry Shade Perennials

Dry shade areas, such as under trees with dense canopies, can be challenging for gardeners. However, certain perennials are well-suited for these conditions:

Epimedium (Barrenwort): This groundcover features heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers in spring. It’s drought-tolerant once established.

Pachysandra terminalis (Japanese Spurge): An evergreen groundcover that thrives in dry shade, providing lush green foliage year-round.

Lamium maculatum (Deadnettle): With silver-patterned leaves and pink or white flowers, this plant brightens up dry, shady spots.

Deep Shade Perennials

Deep shade areas receive little to no direct sunlight. The following perennials can flourish in such environments:

Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger): This native plant offers kidney-shaped leaves and small, hidden flowers, ideal for deep shade.

Athyrium niponicum (Japanese Painted Fern): Known for its striking fronds with silver and burgundy hues, this fern adds texture to shaded gardens.

Hosta spp. (Hosta): Available in various sizes and leaf colors, hostas are classic choices for deep shade areas.

Moist Shade Perennials

Moist shade conditions are typical in areas with poor drainage or near water sources. These perennials thrive in such settings:

Astilbe spp. (Astilbe): Featuring feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, white, or red, astilbes prefer moist, shaded locations.

Ligularia dentata (Leopard Plant): This plant boasts large, bold leaves and bright yellow flowers, thriving in consistently moist soil.

Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold): Ideal for wet, shaded areas, this plant produces cheerful yellow flowers in early spring.

By selecting perennials suited to your garden’s specific shade conditions, you can create a vibrant and thriving landscape even in less sunny spots.