Six plants for full shade (2024)

FAQs

What is a full shade plant? ›

Full shade is defined as less than four hours of direct sun per day. Notice we didn't say zero hours of direct sun—that would be dense shade which is the darkest of all light levels where few plants can survive. Full shade loving plants enjoy a few hours of sun each day, preferably in the morning.

Dappled or partial shade; all hostas need some sunlight. Blue, green, and variegated hostas will do better in slightly deeper shade, while yellow and gold ones need more light to bring out their colors. Those with more substantial foliage can tolerate full sun in cooler zones, if given enough regular water.

Luckily, we have alternatives, especially when it comes to growing shrubs in the shade. There are some spectacular standouts we can enjoy, including azaleas (pictured above), climbing hydrangeas, Euonymus, red and yellow twig dogwoods, elderberries, ninebark, spirea and others.

Perk Up Your Garden With Shade-Loving Perennials

Astilbes are some of the easiest perennials to grow and will open their plume-like flowers in partial shade. They'll even grow in full shade, although you won't get as many flowers. Hostas are also a good choice for shady spots.

For Deep Shade

Hosta -- This is one of the most popular of shade-loving perennials. Hostas come in many varieties noted mostly for foliage variation, but they also produce stalks of lavender or white flowers. Siberian Forget-Me-Not -- Again, this species has attractive foliage but also delicate purple flowers.

Regardless, both rhododendrons and azaleas are great flowering shrubs for shade. They are both attractive to early season pollinators and make beautiful statements in partial to full shade. Unless your soil is already heavily acidic, fertilize yearly with an acid-enhanced fertilizer in late winter or early spring.

Hydrangeas grow best in full sun (more than 6 hours sun) to part sun (4-6 hours sun). With that being said, all hydrangeas can handle some shade, but the timing and type of shade are important to consider. They can be in full shade during the hottest part of the day, as long as they are getting some morning sun.

Avoid planting hostas in clay soils as they need rich soil abundant in nutrients. Improve soil nutrition and drainage by adding Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Garden Soil (in-ground) or Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control® Potting Mix (containers).

Azaleas do well in full sun or part shade (about four hours of sun).

Can coral bells take full shade? ›

One of the most versatile perennials you can grow in zones 4-9 is Coral Bells (Heuchera). Here's a plant that will grow in any amount of sunlight, from full sun to full shade, as long as you water it. Ideally, coral bells prefer partial shade and average moisture levels.

Hostas are perennial plants which grow from rhizomes. Hostas thrive in total shade to nearly full sun which makes them ideal for planting under trees. Hosta leaf textures can be smooth, veined or puckered.

Full sun – Plants need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Part sun – Plants thrive with between 3 and 6 hours of direct sun per day. Part shade – Plants require between 3 and 6 hours of sun per day, but need protection from intense mid-day sun. Full shade – Plants require less than 3 hours of direct sun per day.

Yellow Corydalis

This hardworking shade perennial takes the prize for being the longest bloomer in a shade garden. Enjoy the clusters of yellow flowers from late spring to frost.

“Full sun” definitely means at least six hours per day, but some plants such as vegetables really need eight to ten hours per day. “Partial sun” or “partial shade” means that the plant needs 3-6 hours of direct sun per day. The terms sometimes are used interchangeably.