Best Garden Plants For Shady Areas

Choosing the right garden plants for shady areas can be a tricky task. There are so many different options to choose from that it can be hard to know which ones are best. Here are a few options that you might like to consider.

Lily of the valley

Among the best garden plants for shaded areas, lily of the valley is a perennial that requires minimal care once it is established. It also requires little maintenance after the blooming season. This popular plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers rich, organic soil. It is hardy in areas with temperate climates.

Depending on the type of plant you purchase, lily of the valley may take anywhere from two to three years to flower. When planting lily of the valley, it is important to give it enough room to spread. It is also important to avoid overhead sprinklers.

Heuchera

HEUCHERA is an evergreen, semi-evergreen, or semi-deciduous plant that is ideal for shady gardens. This perennial plant features a cascading habit with leaves that are heart-shaped and ruffled. Most of the varieties do best in dappled shade. However, some varieties are also tolerant of full sun.

Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ is a plant that produces deep purple foliage. It also produces flowers that are burgundy rose in color. Heuchera ‘Plum Royale’ is another heuchera that produces purple foliage with deep purple flowers. Heuchera ‘Can Can’ is a heuchera that produces deep purple foliage on the reverse side of its leaves.

Bleeding heart

Known for its graceful arching stems, the Bleeding Heart is an elegant perennial that works well in shaded borders and woodland gardens. Bleeding Heart can be grown as a container plant or in the ground.

The foliage on the Bleeding Heart is pale green with three or more lobes. The flowers are heart-shaped with protruding white petals.

This perennial is native to northern China and Siberia. It can be planted in sun or shade and requires moist, well-draining soil. It is also resistant to fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew.

Alyssum

Often used as a ground cover, Alyssum is one of the best garden plants for shaded areas. The plant grows to about four to eight inches high, and forms dense clumps. These clumps make an excellent bedline and discourage weeds.

Alyssum is an annual plant that grows in a variety of colors. Some varieties have white flowers, while others have pink or purple. The plant also has a sweet odor. It grows best in well-drained soil. The plant is also frost-tolerant.

Alyssum can be grown in containers. It can also be planted directly in the ground. It will need to be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. If you have poor soil, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer.

Japanese forest grass

Originally from eastern Asia, Japanese forest grass is an ornamental grass which is hardy up to zone 5. Suitable for both shade and sun, this grass is perfect for gardens, woodland areas, and as a groundcover.

This grass grows best in areas with cool summers and mild winters. It thrives in moist, cool soil conditions.

Japanese forest grass does well in containers. Using a container with drainage holes will help reduce the risk of root rot. For best results, you should place the plant in a partially shaded area.

Japanese forest grass can be used as an edger in a flower bed. It is a perfect groundcover for a shady garden, especially if it is planted with other plants. This grass looks great with ferns and hostas.

Tiarella

Those who want to create a shade garden will find that Tiarella is one of the best garden plants for shade areas. It produces beautiful foliage, and its low growing nature makes it perfect for shaded areas.

Tiarellas grow best in moist, well drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They like a pH range of 6.2 to 6.5. They also prefer partial shade and dappled sun.

Tiarella plants are generally sold in spring as large plugs. They can be propagated by division in the spring or by planting seed in autumn. You can also purchase rooted runners from commercial plant nurseries to start new plants.

Lamium

Whether you are looking for a groundcover or an ornamental plant, lamium is a versatile and beautiful choice. Lamium is a member of the mint family and is native to Europe and Asia.

Lamium grows best in moist, well-drained soil. It will thrive in a wide variety of soil types, and is easy to grow. It is also deer and drought resistant. Lamium is often naturalized along streams and woodland trails. It makes a great ground cover for shaded areas of the garden.

Lamium is a perennial ground cover that spreads rapidly. It is easy to grow in full or part shade. The plant can be easily propagated by division or cuttings.