Shaded areas can be incredibly special and even magical places in our yard. These areas in the garden were my favorite when I was a child, a place to rest and feel the protection of the trees and bushes enveloping me as I daydreamed the day away. The cool soil, the wet leaves, the way the sun dappled through made it the perfect place to curl up with a book and escape the summer heat.

Recreating this feeling, or at least this atmosphere, as an adult sounds like a fun process. When looking at your shaded areas, keep in mind that even though we label some varieties “shaded” or “partially shaded” most plants will need at least six hours of sunlight in order to thrive. Ensure that some sunlight reaches down to the lowest plants. As long as something is growing there now, even if it is just weeds, then most likely you will be able to plant other plants there as well.

Shade gardens don’t have to be dull or neglected. We have plenty of products that make it simple to fill low-light areas with texture, color, and life. Many of our gardens are dappled by a tree canopy or nestled beside walls, and we do not want to leave these areas bare. Patio covers and shade cloths are installed to bring us reprieve, there’s no need for these areas to remain colorless. We are happy to say that there’s plenty to plant in the shade to bring beauty and interest.

Let’s Start Planting for Shade

When considering plants for shade gardens, first consider foliage stars like hostas and coleus. Hostas are beloved for their lush, layered foliage and thrive in partial shade. Pairing them with coleus, whose vibrant leaves grow compactly between one and three feet wide, will help create a lush display in pots or planted directly in garden beds. One great benefit of planting in pots is that you can move their location depending on their needs. If the area you have selected is too shady, or alternatively too sunny, moving a container to the optimal location allows you the freedom to give each container the amount of sunlight they need. 

For pops of color, bulbs and flowering perennials adapted to shady conditions shine. Bleeding Heart, a vintage favorite, stands out for its elegant, heart-shaped blooms that last from early May until early summer in less-sunny spots and thriving just as well, if not better, in partial shade. Lily bulbs, such as the sweetly elegant Coral County and fragrant Cali, also flourish in filtered light. Look for lighter colored Asiatic hybrids like our Martagon Mix that also do well in light shade. One perk of partial shade is that it can help prolong bloom life by protecting the flowers from intense afternoon heat. Just make sure the planting spot still gets morning or midday sun for best results when using perennials in shade gardens.

Wildflower mixes tailored for low-light spaces are another smart idea for a shady garden. Our Partial Shade Wildflower Seed Mix is formulated specifically for areas with limited sunlight and works across all USDA zones. It’s low-maintenance, filler-free, and a best seller which is perfect for turning a gloomy patch into a meadow of blooms.

For a woodland-inspired groundcover that offers both foliage and delicate flowers, Siberian Bugloss is a gem. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and sky-blue blooms, it thrives in partial to full shade, requires little care, and combines beautifully with ferns or astilbes. And to make that magical woodland hit all the nostalgic notes, we must add in Columbine flowers, especially our North American native Blue Columbine which thrives in the cooler temps found in partially shaded areas.

How to Make Your Shady Garden Extra Special

With careful selection and a nod to your garden’s unique light and soil, we can transform even the shadiest corner into something beautiful. Areas that we enjoyed as children can be “upgraded” now that we are adults by adding in:

A water feature – Many varieties that do well in shaded areas also have higher water needs and benefit from a moist environment. 

A walking path – Adding ways to easily enter partially shaded areas of the yard help us to enjoy the areas that offer respite for plants, pets, and us when the weather warms up.

A place to sit – Create a soft place to land with a book or drink of your choice.

So, turning that drab, shady area of your yard into a magical place might be easier than you thought. While you are in there, on your knees, clearing away some overgrowth and planting new roots, bulbs, and seeds, enjoy the dappled sunlight with the cool soil beneath you and the daydreams that will filter in and out of your mind.