Gardening Guides
Flowers and Plants
15 Shade-Loving Plants With Showy Flowers or Foliage
These all-star perennials bring bright colors and bold textures to beds ranging from partial shade to full shade
If you’re looking to brighten up the the shadier parts of your garden, take a look at these top-performing shade-loving perennials. With luminous petal and leaf colors and eye-catching plant forms, these plants will add interest to any shaded section of your garden year after year. In this list, you’ll see favorite shade-lovers, such as impatiens and hostas, as well as gorgeous native perennials and a delicate ornamental grass. When selecting plants for your garden, as always, be mindful of your climate, light exposure and a plant’s water needs.
2. Autumn Fern
(Dryopteris erythrosora)
Autumn fern lights up the garden with its rich bronze foliage; leaf colors intensify with more exposure to light, rather than the changing seasons. Look for named varieties, such as ‘Brilliance’, that have brighter leaf hues. Plant autumn fern along shaded pathways, in front of walls or as part of mixed fall container designs where one can appreciate the gorgeous foliage up close.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 9)
Origin: Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan
Water requirement: Moderate; thrives in moist soil rich in organic matter
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
Learn more about growing autumn fern
(Dryopteris erythrosora)
Autumn fern lights up the garden with its rich bronze foliage; leaf colors intensify with more exposure to light, rather than the changing seasons. Look for named varieties, such as ‘Brilliance’, that have brighter leaf hues. Plant autumn fern along shaded pathways, in front of walls or as part of mixed fall container designs where one can appreciate the gorgeous foliage up close.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 9)
Origin: Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan
Water requirement: Moderate; thrives in moist soil rich in organic matter
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
Learn more about growing autumn fern
3. Begonia
(Begonia spp.)
With colorful, showy flowers and a variety of plant forms — including upright, mounding and cascading varieties — shade-loving begonias can find a home in a variety of garden settings, from beds to window boxes. Begonias range from tender tuberous varieties (growing in zones 9 to 11) to hardy begonia (Begonia grandis), shown here, that are winter-hardy in colder regions (zones 6 to 7). Begonia hybrids feature a range of jewel-like flower hues, from yellow to apricot, bright pink, rose and ruby red.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies widely by species
Origin: Native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world
Water requirement: Regular; keep soil consistently moist
Light requirement: Partial shade
Mature size: Varies by species, from 1 foot tall and wide to over 3 feet tall
Seasonal interest: Showy flowers in summer
(Begonia spp.)
With colorful, showy flowers and a variety of plant forms — including upright, mounding and cascading varieties — shade-loving begonias can find a home in a variety of garden settings, from beds to window boxes. Begonias range from tender tuberous varieties (growing in zones 9 to 11) to hardy begonia (Begonia grandis), shown here, that are winter-hardy in colder regions (zones 6 to 7). Begonia hybrids feature a range of jewel-like flower hues, from yellow to apricot, bright pink, rose and ruby red.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies widely by species
Origin: Native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world
Water requirement: Regular; keep soil consistently moist
Light requirement: Partial shade
Mature size: Varies by species, from 1 foot tall and wide to over 3 feet tall
Seasonal interest: Showy flowers in summer
4. Heartleaf Bergenia
(Bergenia cordifolia)
With large, paddle-like leaves, bergenia (also commonly called pigsqueak) adds bold texture to mixed beds. Try pairing it with delicate, fine-textured ferns and flowers in beds or massing under trees as a lush ground cover. Plants have either white or pink flowers that grow in fleshy stalks a few inches above the foliage. Bergenia are evergreen in mild winter regions; they die back in winter elsewhere.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (Zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Native to Russia
Water requirement: Moderate; can tolerate lower water conditions but leaves will not grow as large
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 1 to 1½ feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Clustered flowers appear in spring; attractive foliage
(Bergenia cordifolia)
With large, paddle-like leaves, bergenia (also commonly called pigsqueak) adds bold texture to mixed beds. Try pairing it with delicate, fine-textured ferns and flowers in beds or massing under trees as a lush ground cover. Plants have either white or pink flowers that grow in fleshy stalks a few inches above the foliage. Bergenia are evergreen in mild winter regions; they die back in winter elsewhere.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (Zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Native to Russia
Water requirement: Moderate; can tolerate lower water conditions but leaves will not grow as large
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 1 to 1½ feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Clustered flowers appear in spring; attractive foliage
5. Black Cohosh
(Actaea racemosa)
Native to woodlands of Eastern and Central North America, this pretty perennial grows well in garden borders with light canopy cover from trees. In summer, delicate white flower spikes sway gently on slender stems and attract native pollinators. Black cohosh (sometimes called black bugbane, black snakeroot or fairy candles) is closely related to Southeast native mountain bugbane (A. podocarpa) and Appalachian bugbane (A. rubifolia). Consider planting what’s native from your region for maximum benefit to local pollinators.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Native from Massachusetts south to Georgia and west to Missouri and Arkansas
Water requirement: Regular; plant in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Light requirement: Partial sun to full shade; expect fewer blossoms if planted in full shade
Mature size: Foliage reaches 2 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide; flower spikes grow 5 to 6 feet tall
Seasonal interest: White summer flowers
Learn more about growing black cohosh
(Actaea racemosa)
Native to woodlands of Eastern and Central North America, this pretty perennial grows well in garden borders with light canopy cover from trees. In summer, delicate white flower spikes sway gently on slender stems and attract native pollinators. Black cohosh (sometimes called black bugbane, black snakeroot or fairy candles) is closely related to Southeast native mountain bugbane (A. podocarpa) and Appalachian bugbane (A. rubifolia). Consider planting what’s native from your region for maximum benefit to local pollinators.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: Native from Massachusetts south to Georgia and west to Missouri and Arkansas
Water requirement: Regular; plant in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Light requirement: Partial sun to full shade; expect fewer blossoms if planted in full shade
Mature size: Foliage reaches 2 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide; flower spikes grow 5 to 6 feet tall
Seasonal interest: White summer flowers
Learn more about growing black cohosh
6. Coleus
(Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Bring a dose of the tropics to container arrangements and partially shaded garden beds with the vivid leaf colors of coleus. Hybrid varieties offer a kaleidoscope of leaf patterns and colors, such as lime green, orange, red, burgundy and purple. Colors become more vibrant with increased sun exposure. Plants are perennial in areas with very mild winters or when brought in to overwinter in a greenhouse; grow them as annuals elsewhere. As with geraniums, coleus are easy to propagate through cuttings.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.7 degrees Celsius (zones 10 to 11)
Origin: Native to Asia and Australia; many garden hybrids
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Partial sun to full shade
Mature size: One-half foot to 3 feet tall and wide, depending on variety
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
(Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Bring a dose of the tropics to container arrangements and partially shaded garden beds with the vivid leaf colors of coleus. Hybrid varieties offer a kaleidoscope of leaf patterns and colors, such as lime green, orange, red, burgundy and purple. Colors become more vibrant with increased sun exposure. Plants are perennial in areas with very mild winters or when brought in to overwinter in a greenhouse; grow them as annuals elsewhere. As with geraniums, coleus are easy to propagate through cuttings.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.7 degrees Celsius (zones 10 to 11)
Origin: Native to Asia and Australia; many garden hybrids
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Partial sun to full shade
Mature size: One-half foot to 3 feet tall and wide, depending on variety
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
7. Coral Bells
(Heuchera spp.)
Coral bells are one of the most versatile shade plants, featuring vibrant foliage and delicate, airy flowers. Many are native to North America — choose one native to your region to plant as a ground cover beneath tree canopies or at the foot of large shrubs. If you’re looking for showy leaf hues, select one of hundreds of hybrids ranging from bright ‘Lime Ruffles’ to rich ‘Dark Chocolate’. Coral bells’ compact size make them excellent bedding and container plants. They are drought-tolerant once established.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species; many fall between zones 3 and 9
Origin: Native to North America; many garden hybrids
Water requirement: Low to moderate; plant in rich, well-draining soil
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade, most prefer bright shade
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
(Heuchera spp.)
Coral bells are one of the most versatile shade plants, featuring vibrant foliage and delicate, airy flowers. Many are native to North America — choose one native to your region to plant as a ground cover beneath tree canopies or at the foot of large shrubs. If you’re looking for showy leaf hues, select one of hundreds of hybrids ranging from bright ‘Lime Ruffles’ to rich ‘Dark Chocolate’. Coral bells’ compact size make them excellent bedding and container plants. They are drought-tolerant once established.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species; many fall between zones 3 and 9
Origin: Native to North America; many garden hybrids
Water requirement: Low to moderate; plant in rich, well-draining soil
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade, most prefer bright shade
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
8. Hellebore
(Helleborus spp., including H. orientalis and H. hybrids)
Lovely hellebore offers something few other shade-loving bloomers do: winter and early-spring blossoms. The bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, pale green, antique rose, pink and deep purple stand out against the dark green or burgundy foliage. Plant as part of woodland and cottage gardens or as focal points in winter container arrangements.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Origin: H. orientalis is native to Central Europe.
Water requirement: Moderate to regular
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet wide and up to 3 feet tall
Seasonal interest: Flowers in winter to early spring; attractive foliage the rest of the year
Caution: All parts of the plant are poisonous to people and pets
Learn more about growing hellebores
(Helleborus spp., including H. orientalis and H. hybrids)
Lovely hellebore offers something few other shade-loving bloomers do: winter and early-spring blossoms. The bell-shaped flowers in shades of white, pale green, antique rose, pink and deep purple stand out against the dark green or burgundy foliage. Plant as part of woodland and cottage gardens or as focal points in winter container arrangements.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Origin: H. orientalis is native to Central Europe.
Water requirement: Moderate to regular
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 1 foot to 2 feet wide and up to 3 feet tall
Seasonal interest: Flowers in winter to early spring; attractive foliage the rest of the year
Caution: All parts of the plant are poisonous to people and pets
Learn more about growing hellebores
9. Hosta
(Hosta spp.)
No shade-loving plant list would be complete without hosta, the perennial dame of the shaded border. The plants’ large, flouncy leaves range in colors from blue-green to chartreuse and variegated white, adding instant drama to borders. Deer and rabbits like to eat the fleshly leaves, and plants can be susceptible to common pests such as slugs and snails. Plants go dormant in winter. Consider bergenia for a tougher, lower-water alternative with similarly large leaves.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: East Asia
Water requirement: Regular; plant in moist, slightly acidic soil
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 2 inches to 4 feet tall and 4 inches to 5 feet wide
Seasonal interest: Tubular-shaped flowers in shades of white, blue and purple bloom in spring and summer; showy foliage spring to fall
Caution: Hostas are toxic to pets and livestock.
Learn more about growing hostas
(Hosta spp.)
No shade-loving plant list would be complete without hosta, the perennial dame of the shaded border. The plants’ large, flouncy leaves range in colors from blue-green to chartreuse and variegated white, adding instant drama to borders. Deer and rabbits like to eat the fleshly leaves, and plants can be susceptible to common pests such as slugs and snails. Plants go dormant in winter. Consider bergenia for a tougher, lower-water alternative with similarly large leaves.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 9)
Origin: East Asia
Water requirement: Regular; plant in moist, slightly acidic soil
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 2 inches to 4 feet tall and 4 inches to 5 feet wide
Seasonal interest: Tubular-shaped flowers in shades of white, blue and purple bloom in spring and summer; showy foliage spring to fall
Caution: Hostas are toxic to pets and livestock.
Learn more about growing hostas
10. Impatiens
(Impatiens spp.)
Perhaps the most well-known and widely planted shade-loving bedding plant, impatiens form unparalleled masses of color in partly shaded beds. Choose from hundreds of varieties in nearly every color under the rainbow. Impatiens are susceptible to a number of diseases, with downy mildew being one of the biggest culprits for sudden dieback. The most commonly sold bedding impatiens (I. walleriana) is highly susceptible to downy mildew. Try planting New Guinea impatiens (I. hawkeri) or hybrid SunPatiens instead, as both are largely resistant to downy mildew. Impatiens are frost tender and generally grown as annuals.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.7 degrees Celsius (zones 10 to 12)
Origin: Widely distributed
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial to full shade; better blooms with some morning sun
Mature size: 1½ to 3 feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Summer flowers
(Impatiens spp.)
Perhaps the most well-known and widely planted shade-loving bedding plant, impatiens form unparalleled masses of color in partly shaded beds. Choose from hundreds of varieties in nearly every color under the rainbow. Impatiens are susceptible to a number of diseases, with downy mildew being one of the biggest culprits for sudden dieback. The most commonly sold bedding impatiens (I. walleriana) is highly susceptible to downy mildew. Try planting New Guinea impatiens (I. hawkeri) or hybrid SunPatiens instead, as both are largely resistant to downy mildew. Impatiens are frost tender and generally grown as annuals.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or 1.7 degrees Celsius (zones 10 to 12)
Origin: Widely distributed
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial to full shade; better blooms with some morning sun
Mature size: 1½ to 3 feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Summer flowers
11. Inland Sea Oats
(Chasmanthium latifolium)
With large decorative seed heads that hang from arching stems, inland sea oats are among the showiest native grasses able to thrive in shaded conditions. Grasses emerge bright green in spring and deepen to tawny brown in late summer or early fall. Native birds enjoy the seeds, which cling to the plant even through winter. Plant as a grassy understory beneath a mature shade tree or in swaths with perennial flowers for a meadow-garden look.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Native to the eastern and central U.S.
Water requirement: Regular, plant in moist soil
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 2 to 4 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 6 feet
Seasonal interest: Green blooms in summer; brown seeds persist from autumn through winter
Learn more about growing inland sea oats
(Chasmanthium latifolium)
With large decorative seed heads that hang from arching stems, inland sea oats are among the showiest native grasses able to thrive in shaded conditions. Grasses emerge bright green in spring and deepen to tawny brown in late summer or early fall. Native birds enjoy the seeds, which cling to the plant even through winter. Plant as a grassy understory beneath a mature shade tree or in swaths with perennial flowers for a meadow-garden look.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Native to the eastern and central U.S.
Water requirement: Regular, plant in moist soil
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 2 to 4 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 6 feet
Seasonal interest: Green blooms in summer; brown seeds persist from autumn through winter
Learn more about growing inland sea oats
12. Japanese Forest Grass
(Hakonechloa macra)
This shade-loving deciduous grass is a favorite among gardeners looking for soft mounds of bright chartreuse foliage. Cultivars that are variegated with gold, such as popular ‘Aureola’, shown here, turn brighter yellow hues with more exposure to sun and may lose variegation in deeper shade. Plant in shaded beds, nestled alongside boulders or along dry stream beds where the cascading foliage mimics the flow of water.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9)
Origin: Japan
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial shade
Mature size: 1½ feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
(Hakonechloa macra)
This shade-loving deciduous grass is a favorite among gardeners looking for soft mounds of bright chartreuse foliage. Cultivars that are variegated with gold, such as popular ‘Aureola’, shown here, turn brighter yellow hues with more exposure to sun and may lose variegation in deeper shade. Plant in shaded beds, nestled alongside boulders or along dry stream beds where the cascading foliage mimics the flow of water.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9)
Origin: Japan
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial shade
Mature size: 1½ feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
13. Japanese Painted Fern
(Athyrium niponicum var. pictum)
Like icing on the cake for a shade garden, this highly decorative fern with bright silver leaves nearly glows in shadowy beds. While happiest in filtered shade, such as a spot beneath a high tree canopy, Japanese painted fern also tolerates deep shade, where its bright hue really packs a punch. Plant it along an east-facing wall, in clumps within a woodland garden slope or as an accent in shaded perennial beds. Pair with plants with burgundy foliage, such as coral bells (Heuchera spp.), to bring out the deep red-purple veins.
Where will it grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Eastern Asia
Water requirement: Moderate; grows best in moist soil
Light requirement: Partial to full shade; can tolerate more sun in moist soil
Mature size: 1½ feet tall and 2½ feet wide
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
Learn more about growing Japanese painted fern
(Athyrium niponicum var. pictum)
Like icing on the cake for a shade garden, this highly decorative fern with bright silver leaves nearly glows in shadowy beds. While happiest in filtered shade, such as a spot beneath a high tree canopy, Japanese painted fern also tolerates deep shade, where its bright hue really packs a punch. Plant it along an east-facing wall, in clumps within a woodland garden slope or as an accent in shaded perennial beds. Pair with plants with burgundy foliage, such as coral bells (Heuchera spp.), to bring out the deep red-purple veins.
Where will it grow: Hardy to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Origin: Eastern Asia
Water requirement: Moderate; grows best in moist soil
Light requirement: Partial to full shade; can tolerate more sun in moist soil
Mature size: 1½ feet tall and 2½ feet wide
Seasonal interest: Showy foliage
Learn more about growing Japanese painted fern
14. Mexican Honeysuckle
(Justicia spicigera)
Happiest in filtered shade in hot, dry climates, Mexican honeysuckle (also called mohintli, fireracker plant and desert honeysuckle) forms a lush understory plant for desert gardens. Try planting it under palo verde (Parkinsonia spp.), acacia or mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.) and mixing with germander sage (Salvia chamaedryoides), which has blue flowers that contrast nicely with the orange Mexican honeysuckle blooms. Plants form vining mounds, with hummingbirds flocking to the vibrant, tubular orange flowers that appear nearly year-round.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Origin: Native to Mexico and Central and South America
Water requirement: Moderate through growing season (spring to fall); low in winter
Light requirement: Filtered shade is best, but can grow in full sun
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Flowers throughout the year in zones 9 and above; in Zone 8, flowers appear in spring through fall
Learn more about growing Mexican honeysuckle
(Justicia spicigera)
Happiest in filtered shade in hot, dry climates, Mexican honeysuckle (also called mohintli, fireracker plant and desert honeysuckle) forms a lush understory plant for desert gardens. Try planting it under palo verde (Parkinsonia spp.), acacia or mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.) and mixing with germander sage (Salvia chamaedryoides), which has blue flowers that contrast nicely with the orange Mexican honeysuckle blooms. Plants form vining mounds, with hummingbirds flocking to the vibrant, tubular orange flowers that appear nearly year-round.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Origin: Native to Mexico and Central and South America
Water requirement: Moderate through growing season (spring to fall); low in winter
Light requirement: Filtered shade is best, but can grow in full sun
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Seasonal interest: Flowers throughout the year in zones 9 and above; in Zone 8, flowers appear in spring through fall
Learn more about growing Mexican honeysuckle
15. Siberian Bugloss
(Brunnera macrophylla)
With silvery heart-shaped leaves, Siberian bugloss adds a bit of brightness and charm to any shadowy corner. Perfect for cottage-style and woodland borders, Siberian bugloss pairs well with maidenhair ferns (Adiantum spp.) and meadow-rue (Thalictrum spp.).
‘Jack Frost’ and ‘Silver Charm’, shown here, are two of the most popular cultivars — the first has more arrow-shaped leaves, with the leaves of the latter being more heart-shaped. Blooms in spring and early summer resemble forget-me-nots, with tiny blue flowers on delicate stems. Plants go dormant in winter.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Water requirement: Moderate; plant in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide
Seasonal interest: Blooms in spring and early summer
Next: 14 native perennials for shade gardens
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(Brunnera macrophylla)
With silvery heart-shaped leaves, Siberian bugloss adds a bit of brightness and charm to any shadowy corner. Perfect for cottage-style and woodland borders, Siberian bugloss pairs well with maidenhair ferns (Adiantum spp.) and meadow-rue (Thalictrum spp.).
‘Jack Frost’ and ‘Silver Charm’, shown here, are two of the most popular cultivars — the first has more arrow-shaped leaves, with the leaves of the latter being more heart-shaped. Blooms in spring and early summer resemble forget-me-nots, with tiny blue flowers on delicate stems. Plants go dormant in winter.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 34.4 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Water requirement: Moderate; plant in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Light requirement: Partial to full shade
Mature size: 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide
Seasonal interest: Blooms in spring and early summer
Next: 14 native perennials for shade gardens
More on Houzz
9 Beautiful Plant Combinations for Shady Side Yards
14 Beautiful Container Gardens for Shady Spots
Find a landscape designer near you
Shop for gardening tools
(Astilbe chinensis)
Beautiful astilbe has delicate plume-like blossoms that float in partially shaded perennial borders, where it plays well with coral bells (Heuchera spp.), bleeding heart (Dicentra spp.), and lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis). Choose among shades that range from creamy white to pink, lavender and burgundy. Flowers attract butterflies and bloom from June or July well into fall. Often used as a dried flower in florist arrangements, the spent blooms of the plants are decorative in garden beds or clipped to bring indoors.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (USDA Zones 4 to 9; find your zone)
Origin: China
Water requirement: Regular; grows best in moist soil that drains well and is rich in organic matter
Light requirement: Light to moderate shade
Mature size: 24 inches tall, up to 18 inches wide
Seasonal interest: Lovely base of leaves in summer; showy summer blooms.
Learn more about growing astilbe