Shade Perennials Beyond Hostas and Ferns for Northeast Ohio

For full-shade spots in NE Ohio (Zone 5b–6a), here are 12 perennials that aren't hostas or ferns.

Flowering Shade Stars

• Crested iris (Iris cristata) – low, April blooms.
• Columbines (Aquilegia) – spring spurs, great foliage.
• Lungwort (Pulmonaria) – silver leaves, blue/pink flowers.
• Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) – late summer blue spikes.
• Lily of the valley – fragrant May groundcover.
• Hardy geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum) – magenta, fragrant foliage.
• Wood poppy (Stylophorum) – yellow spring, persistent leaves.
• Hardy ginger (Asarum) – glossy leaves, hidden flowers.
• Bloodroot (Sanguinaria) – early white daisies.
• Jacob's ladder (Polemonium) – blue bells, ladder leaves.
• Toad lily (Tricyrtis) – orchid-like fall flowers.

Design Tip

Visit local nurseries—many have dedicated shade sections. Google "shade perennials" for more.

Mix bloom times for April–October interest.