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With all this heat, a little shade sure sounds wonderful! However, shady gardens are also a challenge that we get questions about quite often. With the right plants and the right design, a thriving (and colorful!) shade garden is possible. So, whether you’ve got a large shady area or just one low-light corner, check out the plants and solutions below.

 
Colorful shade plants: foxglove, hosta, browallia
 
Shade Plants

One of the most basic rules for successful gardening is “right plant, right place.” If you’re struggling to find the “right plant” for a “shady place,” these plant lists can help. Find more than 80 colorful (and functional) plants to fill your shady garden spaces. Pictured: foxglove, hosta, and browallia.

20 Great Shade Plants
25 Perennials for Shade
24 Shrubs for Shade
19 Annuals for Shade

 

Shaded side yard garden
 

Did you know that not all shade is created equal? And, did you know that shade plants have different water and fertilizer requirements than those that grow in full sun? See just what it takes to create and care for a beautiful (and colorful!) shade garden.  

While shady areas in the landscape can present a host of problems, including slow drainage, poor air circulation and low light, which can result in a failure of plants to thrive, they can also present opportunities if properly designed, prepared, and planted with shade-tolerant varieties.
— Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer & Photographer

Pictured: A layered tapestry of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and vines comprise this shady woodland garden. Designer: Vina Winters. Photo: Janet Loughrey.

Learn more: Shade – The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

 
 
Shadowland Hudson Bay Hosta
 

These easy-care perennials are a shade garden favorite. But, are you curious about what to plant with these beauties? Here are 20 plants that will happily live in the shade with hostas (isn’t it nice to take the guesswork out of it all?). Pictured: Shadowland® ‘Hudson Bay’, Proven Winners’ 2024 Hosta of the Year.

VIDEO: Take a stroll with us through the hosta shade garden at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, MI.

 
Tuscan Series pots from Plantatorem
 

Looking to add a touch of old-world elegance to your outdoor space? The Tuscan Sun Series from Plantatorem might be just what you need. These hand-crafted planters, inspired by Italian and French country gardens, feature unique vintage finishes that complement both rustic and modern settings. If you’re aiming to elevate your garden’s look, these versatile and beautifully crafted planters are worth checking out.

Proven Winners Survey
 

We’re always striving to bring you the best gardening content and recommendations. As part of this commitment, we work closely with trusted brands like Proven Winners, who share our dedication to your gardening success.

Proven Winners is currently conducting their 2024 Garden Survey, and we’d love for you to participate. This brief survey aims to understand your plant shopping experiences and what motivates you as a gardener. Your insights will help them—and by extension, us—serve you better in your gardening journey.

We value your time and appreciate you sharing your thoughts—and you’ll be entered to win a $100 Proven Winners gift card for completing the survey!

Janey and Monty
 
“Show Me Your Gardens” Series
from Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat

Are you looking for garden inspiration specifically tailored to your growing zone? Our friend Janey at Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat has you covered! She’s compiled viewer-submitted garden tours by USDA Zone. Get inspired by fellow home gardeners in your zone, and discover what others are growing across the country. Click here for her full “Show Me Your Gardens” video playlist, including last year’s episodes (scroll down the list for this year’s episodes).

(Zones 7-10 for 2024 are up on her YouTube channel now. Zones 3-6 will be added over the next few days, so be sure to subscribe to her channel to not miss them!)

See more top-performing plants specifically for your growing zone!
Explore our curated lists of recommended perennials, shrubs, and trees.

 
GARDEN DESIGN MARKETPLACE
 
Garden Greenhouse

Industrial-grade durability for home gardening. Greenhouses, gazebos, sheds, and more.

Garden Tower 2 Planter

Vertical gardening planter and composting system all in one.
Grow towers, lights, and accessories.

Foxgloves garden gloves

From thorn-resistant models to touchscreen options, Foxgloves has revolutionized hand protection.

 
 
Shade has always been very hard to come by in my sunny & hot Zone 9B garden. But, I found a spot where I could plant up an elevated garden bed FULL of coleus, sweet potato vine, and a few other shady friends. This bed gets filtered morning sun through a gazebo screen and then is protected for the rest of the day. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! Cheers to finding YOUR perfect shady spot to plant!

Happy Gardening!