Top Shade-Loving Perennial Flowers for Colorful Gardens

Shady spots needn't be dull. Many perennials bring vibrant color to dappled or deep shade, especially in moist soil. Pair with ferns, hostas, and shade-tolerant shrubs.

Helleborus (Lenten Rose)

Blooms late winter to early spring. Zones 4–9. Moist, fertile soil. 15 inches tall. Cup-shaped flowers: white, pink, deep maroon, purple.

Astilbe

Feathery plumes. Zones 3–9. Sizes 8 inches to 4 feet. Moist, fertile soil; extra water in drought. Colors: white, lavender, red, pink.

Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Tiny flowers on 10–12 inch stalks above variegated foliage. Zones 3–8. Light to part shade. Flowers: white, pink, deep red. Foliage: large, deep maroon/purple. Blooms spring to midsummer.

Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)

Heart-shaped flowers, white to deep pink. Zones 2–9. Moist soil; may go dormant in summer heat. 2–3 feet tall. Lovely with ferns.

Alchemilla (Lady's Mantle)

Scalloped leaves catch morning dew. Chartreuse flowers. Zones 3–8. Moist soil.

Bergenia

Spring bloomer. Mostly shade, well-drained moist soil. Large shiny leaves, pink/light-purple clusters. Zones 3–9. Northern areas: burgundy fall foliage.