8 Shade Loving Perennials to Brighten Up Your Garden

Ladybells:

Featuring delicate, purple-blue, bell-shaped flowers, Ladybells thrive in shaded gardens under tree canopies. They are low-maintenance and spread without being invasive.

Jack in the Pulpit:

This plant's unique pulpit-like shape adds interest to shaded areas. It tolerates heavy shade and pairs well with low-growing ferns.

European Wild Ginger:

Ideal for ground cover in shaded areas, this plant has glossy, heart-shaped leaves and subtle reddish-purple flowers. It requires rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Hybrid Astilbe:

Brightens up shaded areas with feathery plumes of pink, red, and white flowers. Its fern-like foliage remains attractive all season.

Hardy Begonia:

With heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers, Hardy Begonia adds color to shaded gardens. It thrives in partial to heavy shade with rich, moist, well-drained soil.

Turtlehead:

Named for its turtle-head-shaped flowers, this plant provides late-season color in moist, shaded areas with pink or white blooms.

Virginia Bluebells:

Native to the Eastern U.S., these plants feature tubular blue flowers that transition from pink. They naturalize well, creating colorful drifts in spring.

Japanese Painted Fern:

Adds grace to shaded areas with silver-green fronds and purple accents. Perfect for adding texture and color contrast near water sources.