Don’t let a little shade get you down! With the right perennials, those partially shaded spots in your yard can look absolutely stunning. Here are some of the most popular varieties for those areas that don’t get pampered by the sun all day long.
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++Astilbe (False Spirea)
Astilbes are famous for their gorgeous, feathery flower plumes. Depending on the variety, you’ll see blooms in shades of white, soft pink, or deep reddish-purple. They really put on a show from June through September, but even when they aren’t blooming, the fern-like foliage looks great in the shade. Since these beauties originally come from woodland areas, they love soil that is rich in organic matter, moist, and slightly acidic.
++Sage (Salvia)
You might be surprised to learn that Sage can actually do quite well in partial shade. It spreads nicely via its root system even without constant direct sunlight. While most of us know it best as a kitchen staple for seasoning, it’s also a champion in the garden. As long as the soil is right, it’ll thrive in part-shade and even treat you to lovely yellow blossoms during its flowering season.
++Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis)
Lady’s Mantle is a fantastic choice for those in-between spots, especially the “mollis” variety. Its soft, light-green leaves make for an excellent groundcover. During its blooming period, it produces tiny, frothy yellow flowers that give off a pleasant scent—one of the reasons it’s such a garden favorite. It usually tops out at about a foot and a half tall.
++Eastern Sowbread (Cyclamen coum)
If you’re looking for something with delicate, striking flowers that can handle cooler temperatures, look no further than the hardy Cyclamen. It stays low to the ground—only about 6 inches high—but its blooms are real showstoppers. While many people know Cyclamen as a common houseplant, the *Cyclamen coum* (Spring-flowering) variety is a wonderful choice for adding a pop of color to your outdoor shade garden.
++Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Also known as Bugbane or Fairy Candle, this perennial is a go-to for partial shade. It sends up tall, white flower spikes that can reach up to six feet high, putting those beautiful blooms right at eye level! It’s a perfect choice for planting under large trees. Just keep in mind that it needs nutrient-rich soil to really reach its full, majestic potential.
++Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxglove is easily one of the most popular perennials for part-shade gardens. These tall, stately plants feature iconic bell-shaped flowers that look like something out of a fairytale. They are low-maintenance and tend to self-seed, meaning they’ll often pop back up on their own year after year. Just a heads-up: Foxglove is a toxic plant. While it’s used in medicine, it should never be consumed and should be handled with care around kids and pets.
++Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Want to bring a bit of an exotic, tropical vibe to your yard? Daylilies are the way to go. Even though an individual flower only lasts for a day (hence the name), the plant is a blooming machine, constantly producing new, vibrant flowers in elegant shapes. They grow to be about three feet tall and are incredibly easy to care for, which is why you see them in so many beautiful gardens.
%%Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
Here’s a pro-tip: try Sweet Woodruff. This plant is a natural woodland dweller that thrives in shade and fills the air with a fantastic, spicy-sweet aroma. It’s even used as a flavoring for desserts and drinks! By adding this to your garden, you’re providing a great food source for bees while enjoying a fragrant groundcover for yourself. It grows best in soil that is rich in humus and slightly limey.