Best Shrubs and Plants for Shady Garden Areas

Overview

Heavy tree canopies, tall fences, and buildings create shade that still deserves beautiful plantings. Choose plants that thrive without direct sun and avoid midday heat stress.

Coralberry (Ardisia crenata)

Evergreen bird-attracting shrub, 2–6 feet, glossy dark green leaves. Inconspicuous white/pink flowers; showy coral-to-red berries. Rich soil, deep shade, moist to average. Propagate by seed.

Leatherwood (Dirca palustris)

Wetland shrub to 8 feet with soft stems, fibrous bark. Deciduous 2–3 inch leaves turn yellow in fall. Pale yellow flowers, greenish-yellow berries. Partial to full shade, rich moist soil. Propagate by seed (fall) or layering.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Hummingbird-magnet wetland perennial, 1–3 feet with red tubular flowers and purplish leaves. Full sun to partial shade, moist soil. Propagate by seed or offset separation. Self-sows in ideal conditions.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Evergreen vine for indoor, containers, shade gardens. Variegated white/yellow-green leaves. Tiny flowers, black poisonous berries. Partial sun to shade, rich moist soil. Propagate by grafting, layering, or cuttings.

Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Fast-growing evergreen perennial, 2-inch leaves, violet-blue 1-inch funnel flowers spring/summer. Any soil, shade preferred but tolerates sun. Moist soil best. Propagate by division.