The 12 Best Perennials for the Shade
You know that forlorn-looking patch of yard that never sees the sun? It could use a little love too, lady. Which is why we checked in with our friend Kate Karam, editorial director of Monrovia, for the 12 loveliest perennials for the shade.
RELATED: The 10 Best Perennials to Plant This Spring, According to the Experts
1. Pink Elf Saxifrage
This cheerful border plant is happiest when planted in a lightly shaded rock garden or woodland setting. (Psst: They’re also happy in pots.)
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2. Red Leafed Mukdenia
This herbacious perennial changes colors with the seasons and sprouts the prettiest white, bell-shaped flowers in spring. Use it as a groundcover for woodland gardens or an accent for borders.
3. Blue Note Blue-Eyed Grass
How sweet are these dainty blue flowers? Karam recommends tucking these cuties among rockery or planting near the edge of a pond.
4. Redstone Falls Trailing Foamy Bells
With its low, trailing habit, this ruffled, colorful plant is ideal for use as a dramatic groundcover.
5. Hot Lips Turtlehead
We swoon for these pink, snapdragon-like flowers, which thrive in shaded settings and prefer moist conditions.
6. Black Negligee Snakeroot
Add some moody purple vibes to your garden with this fragrant herbaceous perennial.
7. Windcliff Fragrant Pachysandra
The unique, flowering evergreen loves shade or dappled sun conditions.
8. Moonlight Chinese Fairy Bells
For an illuminating effect, add this gorgeous green and silver-white plant (which turns pink when temperatures cool in the fall). Swoon.
9. Gotemba Golden Japanese Spikenard
How beautiful are those berry clusters? This beauty makes a sensational tall accent for a semi-shaded border or woodland garden.
10. Beesia
The heart-shaped leaves! The star-shaped flowers! This lovely, fuss-free filler is perfect for a narrow bed, tree understory or woodland garden.
11. Burning Hearts Bleeding Heart
For garden romance, add these deep red flowers, which prefers cool Northern climates and steal the show in a shade border or container.
12. Grecian Pattern Plant
Once established, this handsome, structural plant is super tolerant of dry shade conditions. We call that one tough cookie.