Hydrangeas
Though unfit for heavy shade, hydrangeas deliver bountiful blooms in spring and summer, with some pretty fall foliage to boot. All they need is a little morning sun. Remember to avoid planting perennials too near a tree whose roots might compete for soil nutrients.
Chaenomeles
Only some species can withstand the relatively sunless and cold conditions of a north-facing wall. Chaenomeles (flowering quince) are perfect plants for shade. These hardy flowers can not only survive, but they do so with gusto, rewarding gardeners with a fragrant golden-yellow fruit.
Lady Ferns
Ferns—Lady ferns, especially—come about as close as any plant gets to being able to grow in total darkness. The playful fronds of this hardy shade plant initially develop in a pleasing shade of light green, then darken as the fern matures.
Burning Hearts
In many hardiness zones, ‘Burning Hearts’ dicentra carries its deep red, heart-shaped flowers from spring through early summer. Satisfyingly easy to grow, this exotic-looking perennial shade plant stands out from the rest in low-light garden beds.
Dogwood
Many dogwood varieties don’t need sun and will tolerate partial- to full-shade conditions. One spectacular species to try is Cornus florida, whose reddish-purple fall color is surpassed only by its famous white flowers in spring.
Begonias
Use begonias to add vibrancy to container gardens placed in shady spots of your patio. A range of hues appear, even in a single bloom, and if stored in a dry spot over winter, their tubers can be recycled the following year.
Dutchman’s Pipe
Known for dense foliage, unusual purple flowers, and its ability to spread, Aristolochia macrophylla, or Dutchman’s Pipe, is a fast-growing shade plant that can reach heights of up to 30 feet tall (with the right guidance) and is just one of many stunning climbers.
Impatiens
One of the most ubiquitous flowers in the U.S., impatiens is also one of the most shade tolerant. Over one thousand species are available; experiment with an exotic variety, such as Impatiens balsamina or Impatiens rosulata.
Foamflower
The rhizomatus variety of the forgiving foamflower boasts two especially appealing attributes. One, its attractive flower grow tall and two, it can cover large areas of your shaded garden with subtly enchanting foliage.
