15 Easy Perennial Plants for Shady Gardens

by Suzanne DeJohn

Ajuga Easy-to-grow, vigorous ground cover; can become weedy and invade lawns. Part to Full Shade.

Astilbe Feathery plumes of colorful flowers. Part to Full Shade.

Bleeding Heart Elegant arching stems bear heart-shaped flowers. Part to Full Shade.

Cardinal Flower Flowers are hummingbird magnets; requires moist soil. Part to Full Shade.

Columbine Intricate spurred flowers hover above lacy foliage. Part Shade.

Coral Bells Attractive foliage in a range of colors adorned with delicate stems filled with small flowers. Part Shade.

Ferns Vase-shaped foliage add dimension and texture. Part to Full Shade, depending on species.

Forest Grass Compact, fountain-shaped grasses. Part to Full Shade.

Hosta The classic shade plant, available in a wide range of sizes and foliage colors. Part to Full Shade.

Hydrangea Small to medium-sized shrubs adorned with showy flower clusters. Part to Full Shade.

Lamium Fast-spreading ground cover with pretty variegated foliage. Part to Full Shade.

Lenten Rose Plant in rich, moist soil and enjoy late winter/early spring blooms. Part to Full Shade.

Lungwort Attractive flowering ground cover that spreads but doesn't become invasive. Part to Full Shade.

Spiderwort Unique, three-petaled flowers; requires moist soil. Part Shade.

Viola Pretty pansy-like flowers; plants can self-sow and become weedy. Part to Full Shade.