Planning a perennial garden for a shady or partially shady spot presents a challenge. But perennial plants can create a cool, shady spot and add color and texture to a dark area of your yard.

Several perennials may be used for cool, shady areas. Some common shade plants, including hosta and lily-of-the-valley, are good choices. Hostas are grown mainly for their showy leaves. Their flowers range from dark lavender to white. Lily-of -the-valley is popular in spring. Its distinct fragrance is well-known.

Ferns may be used to provide a dramatic background. Astilbe is a flowering perennial with flowers of pink, red, purple or white. Astilbe has a light airy texture and makes a good accent plant. Other good shade plants include: Trollius (globe flower), Dicentra (bleeding hearts), Primula (primrose), and Heuchera, known as coral bells.

Woodland wildflowers, such as trilium, hepatica, woodrue, Jack-in-the-pulpit, and Virginia bluebells, are also well suited to shade gardens.

Low-growing shade plants make good borders or ground covers. Examples include: Ajuga, known as carpet bugle; Pachysandra, also called Japanese spurge; Viola Galium, known as sweet woodruff; Lamium, known as dead nettle; and wild or European ginger.

To find suitable species, browse through garden catalogs. Also, visit your local garden center. Different species may have certain water, pH, or soil type requirements. Make sure the plants you choose fit the site and are hardy in your area. For instance, Minnesota's USDA plant hardiness zones range from 4 in the south to 2 in the northernmost parts.

University of Minnesota Extension Home Page

Copyright ©  1998  Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.