Best Plants for Shade Gardens: Ferns, Hostas, and More

Shade doesn't mean darkness—it means indirect or filtered light. Many plants thrive here, some even burn in direct sun.

Ferns

Classic shade perennials. Deep, rich colors (emerald to light green), textures from soft to spiky. Tropical look around spas/ponds. Divide in fall for transplanting.

English Ivies

Evergreen groundcovers for deep shade. Spread horizontally and climb via aerial rootlets. Greenish flowers, grown for foliage.

Hostas

Easy, compact perennials. White or lavender bell-shaped summer flowers. Leaf colors: pale yellow to dark green, blue-green, variegated edges. Sizes: small/wavy to large.

Begonias

Annuals outdoors (one season). Bright flowers summer to frost. Colors: white, yellow, red, orange. Popular for shade variety.

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Low-growing, versatile. Leaf colors: lime green, rose-purple, purple-metallic, mahogany, brick-red, silver, copper, chocolate-black. Textures: jagged to marbled. Fertilize for deeper color.

Lady's Mantle

Scalloped leaves like Virgin Mary's cloak. Silver-gray with chartreuse star-shaped flowers. Afternoon shade, fertile moist soil. Good groundcover.

Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger)

Blooms late fall to early spring. Evergreen, shiny dark green leathery leaves. White flowers, sometimes pink-tinged. Roots poisonous.