In a shady area, you don’t want plants with dark foliage as these tend to look dull and dreary. Instead, opt for pale, pastel shades. Also, consider variegated or white-flowered plants for splashes of color. Shade is not an excuse for boring plants – choose those that are both easy to maintain and attractive. Listed below are the best outdoor plants for shade.
Bleeding heart
You can grow bleeding heart plants in your backyard. These plants typically bloom from spring into the summer and can grow up to three feet in diameter. When you prune them back to the ground in the summer, they will bloom again the following year. Their delicate petals and white lower tip make them appear to be bleeding. They also tolerate partial shade. However, keep in mind that they are susceptible to fungal disease. Fungicides may not be enough to prevent these infections.
When planting bleeding heart outdoor plants for shade, it’s best to select an area that gets filtered sunlight. You can plant them in shady spots in northern climates. Make sure you water them even when they are dormant. This will keep the roots hydrated. Bleeding hearts need one inch of water per week to thrive. Once the leaves have dropped, it’s okay to let them sit until the following summer.
If you’d like your bleeding hearts to bloom again, you can divide the plants every two to three years. Divide them in early spring, when they first appear, or in early fall when the foliage begins to die back. Use a sharp shovel or garden knife to divide the plants, but be sure to leave some of the leaves. After that, simply divide them again and wait until the foliage is brown before pruning. Once the foliage starts to die back, they will bloom again, so be patient!
Ligularia
This plant produces stunning flowers in mid to late summer and can survive in partial shade or filtered light. Ligularia likes moist soil and grows near water sources. It can be started from seed or divided from an established plant. Divided plants are best started in early spring or late summer. To divide them, you must remove their root ball and cut the crowns. Once the divisions are ready, plant them in separate sections. To make them grow well, mulch them.
To grow the plant, choose a partly shaded location. It does best in the edge of ponds and streams. This plant requires a consistent supply of moisture and should be regularly watered. Planting in a sandy soil should be accompanied by amendments made of organic materials. It will benefit from shade in the afternoon. However, it is vulnerable to damage by common garden pests. As such, if you want to grow Ligularia, it is important to understand its needs.
Ligularia is another excellent plant for shade gardens. Its striking foliage and spiky yellow flowers make it a beautiful plant for the garden. This perennial grows to about four feet in height and can tolerate wet or dry soil. It is hardy in zones four to eight, and is widely available in different varieties. Its large leaves make it a great plant for any shade garden. If you are concerned about deer damage, Ligularia can also be an excellent plant companion for other water-loving shade plants.
Toad lilies
Toad lilies prefer partial to full shade. They grow in the forest edges and are most suited to regions of moderate climates. For best results, toad lilies grow in moist soil that has a slightly acidic pH. Toad lilies grow taller in moist soil. They’re also deer and rabbit resistant. But keep in mind that toad lilies will bloom at their highest when planted in partial shade.
In addition to being a clumping plant, toad lilies are beautiful cut flowers. They have six-petaled, orchid-like flowers with purple spots on their stems. In addition, their leaves are arranged in an alternating manner with parallel veins. This type is commonly known as a hairy toad lily. The flowers are excellent cut flowers, and the blossoms can be used in flower arrangements.
The Toad lily plant is hardy in USDA zones four through nine. When planted, toad lilies can be divided into sections. Divide the plant when it develops a new growth bud. After three years, divide the plant into sections. Make sure to water thoroughly after planting. After the third year, divide the toad lily plant. Toad lilies are best planted in a bright location.
Epimedium
The epimedium family consists of a variety of perennials, including ‘Sulphureum’ (also known as ‘Sulphurweed’), which is a vigorous evergreen with yellow flowers. It spreads quickly, has low, leathery foliage and airy clouds of tiny flowers in summer. They are a hardy shade plant that can handle a wide range of growing conditions.
The leaves of epimediums are finely textured and borne on thin, wiry stems. The leaves are heart shaped to lanceolate and vary in color from red to bronze to spring green. Many Epimedium species are evergreen in our climate and are excellent choices for shade gardens. Their shallow rhizomes allow them to grow even in partial shade. They can withstand a range of soil types and require only minimal care.
The foliage of the epimedium is fine-textured, and the heart-shaped flowers look delicate. The foliage of epimediums matures into green by summer, sometimes acquiring a red hue in autumn. They do well in shaded gardens, but they don’t do well in full sun. They need well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. They can also grow well in pots.
Primrose
For the perfect combination of colour and texture in your shade garden, try toad lilies. These beautiful flowers are not only fragrant, but are also available in blue, yellow, and white. You can grow them in containers to make them look more exotic. They are also drought-tolerant and require regular watering. However, be aware of their toxicity: the leaves and all parts of the plants are toxic. So, keep your kids and pets away from them!
Ligularia, sometimes referred to as a “leopard plant,” is a great choice for the shade garden, because it doesn’t attract deer. Ligularia features striking purplish-red leaves and yellow, daisy-like blooms. Its leaves are large, making it an ideal ground cover for a shaded garden. However, be careful not to plant this plant too closely to a fence or house because it is highly poisonous.
Asarum Canadense, also known as wild ginger, grows between one and two feet tall. It is part shade plant, with heart-shaped leaves and a purple-brown flower. Primrose, a member of the primulaceae family, is native to southwest Asia and northwest Africa. Epimedium, a semi-shade perennial with blue flowers, blooms from mid to late spring. It grows in USDA growing zones 5 to 9.
Rhododendrons
If you’re looking for outdoor plants that will grow in partial shade, consider rhododendrons. There are about 1,200 species and 28,000 cultivars, making them a great choice for your home garden. In general, rhododendrons grow best in partial shade and benefit from partial sun, which helps the flower buds open and stay compact.
You’ll notice the blooms of rhododendrons in mid-April, and they’re showy, too. Planting them near a building or walkway will minimize the risk of damage from winter storms, as they’re shallow-rooted. In addition, you can prune them to maintain their vibrant colors. And if you want a plant with flowers throughout the year, you can go for rhododendron yakusimanum, which grows up to three feet tall.
One thing to keep in mind is that rhododendrons prefer a slightly acidic soil, and pH levels should be 5.0 to 5.5. If your soil is too alkaline, add sulfur or iron sulfate. You may also want to consider using a raised bed or a soil mound to improve drainage. Then, prepare the soil for rhododendrons.
Impatiens
There are several cultivars of Impatiens for outdoor planting in shady areas. The bicolor double impatiens are an elegant choice for shady areas. They grow to about three inches across and are hardy in containers. These plants bloom from spring until frost and are great for shady areas. Impatiens grow well in containers and are easy to maintain. For best results, plant the plants at least four inches apart.
Aside from impatiens, there are several other plants that are suitable for shade. Asparagus, coleus and wishbone flower are shade-tolerant and make a great companion plant. You can also try the vanilla-scented heliotrope. It is not as easy to grow as impatiens, but you can get a variety of colors with these plants. The best thing about these plants is that they have no pests and are not susceptible to disease or insect infestation.
The soil should drain well. Impatiens do not like “wet feet.” If you plant them in a pot, make sure to drill holes in the bottom so that water cannot pool and kill the roots. Remember to pinch the stems to keep them healthy and blooming. Impatiens like to bloom. They do best if they are kept pruned regularly, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.