13 best shade perennials

Shade perennials are plants that thrive in areas with limited sunlight, making them ideal for gardens or spaces where sunlight is filtered or partially blocked. These plants are often chosen for their ability to tolerate shade and provide attractive foliage or flowers. Here are some general characteristics and considerations related to shade perennials:

  1. Adaptation to Low Light Conditions: Shade perennials have adapted to thrive in conditions where sunlight is limited. They may have larger leaves to capture more light or unique mechanisms for efficient photosynthesis in low-light environments.

  2. Variety of Foliage and Flowers: Shade perennials come in a wide range of options, offering various foliage colors, textures, and flower types.Some popular choices include hostas, ferns, bleeding hearts, astilbes, and coral bells.

  3. Different Shade Levels: It's important to consider the specific type of shade in your garden. Some shade plants prefer dappled shade with occasional sunlight, while others can thrive in deep shade with minimal direct light.

  4. Moisture Requirements: Shade perennials may have different moisture preferences. Some thrive in moist, well-drained soil, while others can tolerate drier conditions. Understanding the moisture needs of the plants is crucial for their health.

  5. Seasonal Interest: Many shade perennials offer seasonal interest, with some plants providing colorful blooms in spring or summer, while others may have striking foliage that adds beauty to the garden throughout the growing season.

  6. Low Maintenance: Perennials, in general, are often known for their low-maintenance nature. Once established, they return year after year, reducing the need for replanting.

  7. Ground Cover Options: Some shade perennials, such as ground covers like hostas or pachysandra, can be used to create a lush carpet of foliage that suppresses weeds and adds visual interest.

When planning a garden with shade perennials, it's important to consider the specific conditions of your site, including soil type, drainage, and the level of shade. Combining different shade-loving plants can create a visually appealing and diverse garden that thrives in less sunny environments.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best shade perennials on the market
  

Perennial Classics: Planting & Growing Great Perennial Gardens: Easy-Growing Gardening series, Book 4

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

Hosta Mixed - 6 Perennial Bare Roots

Willard & May

Based on 570 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Showy shade lovers spread to fill an area fast with broad, beautiful leaves. Perfect for dressing up North-facing foundations. Bell-like flowers shoot up and bloom Summer to frost. Our choice of varieties.

  • 6 Bare Root Perennial Hostas, ready to grow
  • Will bloom summer through fall
  • Hardy perennial - Perennial in zones 3 to 8
  • Great shade plants
  • Low maintenance perennial grows to about 18 inches and can spread between 32 to 36 inches

User questions & answers

Question: Can I plant these roots and have them grow next year? I live in zone
Answer: Yes, they are perennials, they will grow this year and get bigger each year.
Question: How long does the hosta take to grow and become a good size plant
Answer: Keeping with this hostas mix, these hostas will come up within the week. The hosta will continue to grow in size each year. Some hosta dont grow as big as others. I dont know the names of hostas. I just plop them in the ground and they take care of themselves. They wont turn down a bit of direct sunlight. Slugs just love them.I planted the Hosta Mix about 3 weeks ago. They are all thriving if only the deer, slugs etc would leave them along. All planted under a tree.
Question: does anyone know of any perenials that only get about a foot high, i dont have much luck with tall perennials
Answer: My entire garden is perennials. Every spring my gardens come alive. My main stay is hostas. They come in all sizes from minis to huge two foot leaves. Many of my hostas are only 12 to 15 inches. However, once you start planting hosta and see how care free they are, you will experiment with many other varieties. I have over 30 varieties. Good luck. P.S. hosta are addicting.
Question: Can you tell me what varieties this might include? Thanks
Answer: Your mix of 6 plants will include Elegans, Mediovariegata, August Moon, and Aureomarginata.

NEW!! 30+ FRAGRANT VIOLET PHLOX FLOWER SEEDS / SHADE PERENNIAL

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

Orchid Primrose 25 Seeds - Primula vialii - Shade Perennial

Hirt's Gardens

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

PRIMROSE: Primrose flowers bloom in early spring, offering a variety of form, size, and color. They are suitable for use in garden beds and borders as well as in containers or for naturalizing areas of the lawn. In fact, when given the proper growing conditions, these vigorous plants will multiply each year, adding stunning colors to the landscape. Blooming often lasts throughout summer and in some areas, they will continue to delight the fall season with their outstanding colors. Most primrose flowers seen in gardens are Polyanthus hybrids, which range in color from white, cream and yellow to orange, red and pink. There are also purple and blue primrose flowers. These perennial plants prefer damp, woodland-like conditions.

An utterly different and unique Primrose. Dainty, eyecatching, poker-like flowerscape with carmine, rose and purple mingled together. Will grow in an open border but best in semi-shade. Blooms in the summer. Use for borders, cut flowers and in containers.

Grows 24 inches high.

Hardy in zones 5-9.

Proper name: Primula vialii

  • Ships from Ohio

Perennial Farm Marketplace Delosperma 'Fire Spinner' (Ice Plant) Groundcover, 1 Quart, Bright Orange Petals with Purplish-Pink Centers

Perennial Farm Marketplace

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Bring vibrant color to the walkway or rock garden with this fast spreading succulent ground cover. Head spinning multi-colored flowers have bright orange petals that are purplish-pink toward the center and surround a white eye. The 2" tall light green succulent foliage is covered with blooms in late spring to early summer. Plant in full sun to part shade in moderate to dry soil. A 2012 Plant Select Winner. Plant 18" apart.

  • Hardy in USDA zones 6-9. Due to varying agricultural regulations, we do not ship to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA and HI.
  • Full Sun
  • Bring vibrant color to the walkway or rock garden with this fast spreading succulent ground cover. Head spinning multi-colored flowers have bright orange petals that are purplish-pink toward the center and surround a white eye. The 2" tall light green succulent foliage is covered with blooms in late spring to early summer. Plant in full sun to part shade in moderate to dry soil. A 2012 Plant Select Winner. Plant 18" apart
  • When received, the plant will be in seasonal condition with appropriate foliage. If shipped between November 1st and March 1st, the plant may be dormant and trimmed. Plant is fully rooted in the pot ready for immediate planting
  • Treadwell (Plants you can walk on)

User questions & answers

Question: Why is this usda restricted
Answer: It is only restricted in certain states due to shipping regulations. What state do you live in?
Question: what does "one quart" mean? Ae they cuttings, seeds, one plant
Answer: Quart is the size of the pot that each plant comes in. These are fully rooted real plants. one plant per order
Question: The plant I received are have the purple flowers not the orange and pink? Please help
Answer: I don’t know about that - mine doesn’t have any flowers!
Question: what zone will this plant live in
Answer: Zones 6-9

Byngreenstore | 50 Peach Astilbe Bunter Shade Perennial Garden Flower Bloom Chinensis Ship from US

Product description

Information about Astilbe

Twenty five species of Astilbe exist, with hundreds of hybrids available. Some are borne on arching stems, while others are erect. Astilbe flowers range in color, from whites to dark purples, though most are pastel. In addition, different varieties bloom at different times and are available in varying heights. Astilbe flowers may be a few inches to a few feet in height, depending on the astilbe plant you choose. If you do your research, you’ll be rewarded with their spiky blossoms (in an array of heights) all summer long. Having and using the right astilbe plant information can mean the difference between a large, fully developed bloom and one that is stunted or displays leaf browning and dieback. Astilbe plants flourish with the right soil, food and location. Let’s learn how to grow astilbes in a way that promotes the most abundant growth.

  • 🌺 This product type is seeds.
  • 🌺 Likely the focal point of your shady summer flower bed, astilbe flowers can be recognized by their tall, fluffy plumes that tower above frilly, fern-like foliage in the shade garden. These attractive flowers make great companions for other shade tolerant plants, such as hosta and hellebores, for contrasting foliage and coordinating blooms.
  • 🌺 Twenty five species of Astilbe exist, with hundreds of hybrids available. Some are borne on arching stems, while others are erect. Astilbe flowers range in color, from whites to dark purples, though most are pastel. In addition, different varieties bloom at different times and are available in varying heights. Astilbe flowers may be a few inches to a few feet in height, depending on the astilbe plant you choose.
  • 🌺 All seeds have been test sown to ensure germination.
  • 🤝 OUR PROMISE : This package of seeds is shipped from the U.S. Please discuss this with us immediately if you are not satisfied with our items. We'll do our best to solve the problem with our customers. Just feel free to contact us.

UtopiaSeeds Russell Lupine Mixed Seeds - Perennial Wildflowers - Giant Lupine

Based on 21 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Russell Lupine Mix Seeds. A perennial wildflower. 40" Tall - .2 Oz Approximately 250 Seeds. Plant in sun or part shade. Direct sow or start inside. Zones 3-9 Non-GMO seeds.

  • Russell Lupine Mix Seeds. A perennial wildflower
  • 40" tall
  • .2 Oz -- Approximately 250 Seeds
  • Plant in sun or part shade. Direct sow or start inside. Zones 3-9
  • Non-GMO seeds

Russel Lupine Mix Seeds - Perennial Flower - Attracts Pollinators - Non-GMO 225 Seeds

Hill Creek Seeds

Product description

Lupinus polyphyllus is an early season perennial that may take a year after planting to offer it's stunning blooms. North American Native Wildflower Lupines are decorative as well as useful in a garden because of their ability to fix nitrogen from the air and give your garden a natural soil enhancer

  • Russell Strain Mixed Seeds - (Lupinus polyphyllus) - Colorful Blooms
  • Popular lupine garden flower will attract butterflies, birds, and neighbors to your garden
  • PLANTING: Lupines love cooler climates with shade in the heat of the day. Sandy well drained soil for faster blooming time to help the plant form a tap root before blooming grow. Clay soil, blooms may take on year for growth and full colorful blooms.
  • Height up to 40 inches - Full Sun Partial Shade - Planting Zone 3-9
  • Hand packed by Hill Creek Seeds USA

US Native Wildflower Seed Mix - Annuals and Perennials, Sun and Partial Shade

Marde Ross & Company

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The U.S. Native Wildflower Seed Mix is designed to create show-stopping color all season long, year after year - It will burst into blooms the first year with the annual wildflowers and provide color in years after with the perennials.

  • North American Native Wildflower Mixed Seeds has 20 Varieties Designed Specifically for Cold and Mountain Regions
  • They will burst into blooms the first year with the annual wildflowers and provide color in years after with the perennials.
  • Sow on Bare Ground. Provide water until Germination or let rain do the work
  • Non GMO and Neonicotinoid Seed
  • Marde Ross & Company has been a Licensed California Nursery Since 1985,

User questions & answers

Question: How many seeds are in this mix
Answer: Approximately 9500 Seeds

Partial Shade Wildflower Seeds Bulk - Open-Pollinated Wildflower Seed Mix Packet, No Fillers, Annual, Perennial Wildflower Seeds Year Round Planting - 1 oz

Beauty Beyond Belief

Based on 495 reviews Check latest price

Product description

THE QUALITY SEED DIFFERENCE: Founded in 1985, Beauty Beyond Belief is a small, family-owned company helping you to Grow, Enjoy, & Share a healthy and beautiful life! Experience the trusted difference today!

8 eBOOK EDUCATION SERIES INCLUDES: A Gardener’s Guide to Pollinators, Organic Pest Control, A Beginners Guide to Gardening, Getting Started with Seed Saving, Succession Planting, Fall Wildflower Seed Planting and Our Favorite Recipes!

PARTIAL SHADE MIX: 27,000 seeds (1 oz.) for lush coverage of over 100 square feet. Mix includes: Nemophila menziesii, Centaurea cyanus, Gilia tricolor, Rudbeckia hirta, iberis umbellata, Aquilegia, Echinacea purpurea, Coreopsis lanceolata, Coreopsis tinctoria, Rudbeckia hirta, gloriosa, Chrysanthemum maximum, Nemophila maculata, Cynoglossum amiabile, Gaillardia aristat, Gaillardia pulchella, Clarkia elegans, Delphinium ajacis, Eschscholizia californica, Dianthus barbatus, Cheiranthus allionii.

  • HIGH QUALITY SEEDS and EXPERT GUIDANCE: Experience the quality seed difference. We are committed to providing the highest quality, open-pollinated, non-GMO/non-GE seeds to our customers, guaranteed. A trusted source of high quality seeds since 1985. 8 BONUS eBooks including gardening education series provides expert guidance for success! TO RECEIVE YOUR E-BOOKS, Please Check Your Amazon Email Preferences Settings and Make Sure "Do not send me marketing e-mail" is Deselected."
  • Great For Those Partial Shade Areas. We know seeds ! Our expertly crafted botanical garden seed mixes contain a wide variety of both perennials and annuals that are specifically designed to work in areas that get minimum 4 - 6 Hours of Sunshine a day. Gardener tested!
  • FULL LUSH COVERAGE: Wildflower seeds bulk 30,000 seed quantity to give you the coverage you desire. Each Partial Shade friendly wildflower seed packet gives you 100 sq. ft. of lush wildflower coverage. That’s over 1 oz. of pure seeds with no fillers. Compare and see the quality value.
  • Use This Partial Shade Mix Under Trees and Up Against Buildings, Fences, Etc where you have a minimum of 4 hrs of Sunshine a Day. 30,000 seeds (1 oz.) 100 sq. ft. lush coverage of wildflowers expertly designed to provide , hardy over the most growing zones. Designed to you lush coverage of annual and perennial blooms all year long.
  • This Wildflower Mix will make the perfect Christmas gifts for those gardeners in your life.

User questions & answers

Question: Hello how will these seeds do in growing zone 4 .Minnesota Southeast
Answer: Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, These will work for zone 4. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance. Take Care BBB Seed
Question: Whats the best time of year to plant these
Answer: Hello,The best time to plant wildflowers will be either in the spring or late fall. For spring planting, sow seeds before the end of May- early June. For late fall planting, sow seeds starting at the end of Nov.
Question: Can you give me some idea of what soil prep is needed before planting? And also what people have done to ensure these flourish rather than weeds
Answer: Hello,For the best results clear the area of any existing grass or weeds. Lightly rake the top 1-2 inches of soil. Try to avoid tilling too deep, otherwise you might stir up dormant weed seeds already in the soil. Spread organic material, such as compost, to provide nutrients for wildflowers. (Compost is not necessary but it will certainly help wildflowers thrive.) Broadcast your seeds in the area and tamp the seeds down to get good seed to soil contact. A good rule of thumb is to plant seeds twice the diameter of the seed. Most of the seeds are very small so they will not need to be buried. Keep moist during germination. If you live in an area with lots of birds or rodents, consider covering the area with hay/straw to prevent predation.
Question: Are these perennials
Answer: Hello,Our shade mix includes perennials and annuals. 50/50

Non GMO Bulk Partial Shade Wildflower Seed Mix (1/4 lb) 130,000 Seeds

Dirt Goddess Super Seeds

Based on 106 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Yes, it’s true that all but a few select wildflowers prefer generally sunny conditions, but it’s also true that many can withstand – and even thrive – in partial shade. If you have a spot that receives filtered, or partially obstructed sunlight, this mix is for you! Suitable for all regions of North America. Dirt Goddess Super Seeds are fortified with Mycorrhizae, Beneficial Bacteria & Trichoderma for Superior Growth & Vigor, Organically! Mycorrhizae can provide multiple functions: increased nutrient uptake, drought tolerance, resistance to pathogens, increased vigor and yield. It has been shown that the presence of Mycorrhizae can increase a plant’s absorption of certain nutrients which it cannot uptake on its own. Mycorrhizae is naturally 100% organic.

  • Non-GMO Bulk Partial Shade Wildflower Seed Mix
  • Fortified with Mycorrhizae, Beneficial Bacteria & Trichoderma for Easy, Superior, Organic Growing!
  • Non GMO, Heirloom, Open Pollinated. A specially formulated mix designed for areas of partial shade, or filtered sun.
  • Growing Practices: No Pesticides No Herbicides No Fungicides No Synthetic Fertilizers
  • 22 Species of Wildflower Seeds 50% Annual, 50% Perennial Species. 100% Pure Seed, No Fillers

User questions & answers

Question: What are the perennial seeds (zone 3-4) included in the mix
Answer: I don’t know - no flowers have bloomed - what’s grown so far looks like weeds
Question: When is the best time of year to plant these seeds
Answer: Wildflowers can be planted in spring, summer, fall and even winter, depending on where you live. If you live in an area that gets little to no frost in the winter, you can plant wild flower seeds almost any time. It is best to avoid planting during the hottest weather, and good to plant before your rainy season. In areas that do frost or get snow in the winter, you can plant wild flower seeds in the spring, preferably early before your heaviest rainfall. It is also possible to plant seeds during the summer, if you can keep them well watered. Even in areas that have freezing winters, many people like to plant wild flower seeds in the fall. Fall planting can provide some advantages by allowing the plants to become established before winter, which can bring earlier flowering the following spring. If you plan to plant in the fall, do so after your hottest weather has passed.
Question: When to plant
Answer: Wildflowers can be planted in spring, summer, fall and even winter, depending on where you live. If you live in an area that gets little to no frost in the winter, you can plant wild flower seeds almost any time. It is best to avoid planting during the hottest weather, and good to plant before your rainy season. In areas that do frost or get snow in the winter, you can plant wild flower seeds in the spring, preferably early before your heaviest rainfall. It is also possible to plant seeds during the summer, if you can keep them well watered. Even in areas that have freezing winters, many people like to plant wild flower seeds in the fall. Fall planting can provide some advantages by allowing the plants to become established before winter, which can bring earlier flowering the following spring. If you plan to plant in the fall, do so after your hottest weather has passed.
Question: What zone are these for
Answer: This is a mix of wildflower seeds that do well with partial shade. It is for all zones.

Planting the Dry Shade Garden: The Best Plants for the Toughest Spot in Your Garden

Timber Press

Based on 105 reviews Check latest price

Honey Source Wildflower Seeds Mix for Honey Bees 4oz - Premium Annual and Perennial Flower Seed Mix – Bulk Planting for Pollinator

Beauty Beyond Belief

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Here’s How You Can Grow Bee-Friendly Wildflowers!

Looking for high-quality wild flower seeds for planting perennial or annual flowers in your home garden?

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Now you don’t have to settle with an expensive flower seed packet with just a pinch of seeds inside, a poor quality fall flower seeds mix or a winter flower seeds pack with the wrong seeds included.

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Why Choose Our Bee And Butterfly Flower Seeds? Here Are The Top 3 Reasons!

✅ BOOST THE LOCAL HONEY BEE POPULATION: Now you can make a vibrant wildflower garden that will support the growth of essential pollinators. Our flowers seeds for the garden germinate fast, to lead to a rich crop of wildflowers – the honey bees’ favorite nectar source.

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  • 🌼 BEEKEEPERS CREATE A LUSH WILDFLOWER GARDEN with this high-end wildflower seeds mix, which will provide you with beautiful annual and perennial wildflowers, pollen and nectarrich flowers for honey bees, native solitary bees, and more.
  • 🌼 HELP HONEY BEES THRIVE: Our wild flower seed mix packets provide hard-working pollinators with the vital nutrients they need to grow, preventing stress and starvation that could lead to the colony collapse.
  • 🌼 INCREASE YOUR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION: Our elite annual and perennial wildflower seeds create strong and healthy wild flowers - the best nutrient source for bees that contribute to a generous food supply.
  • 🌼 GROW WILD FLOWERS FAST & EASILY: Select a site with good drainage, free of weeds and choking grasses. Loosen soil by lightly tilling to a depth of 1-2 inches, then rake smooth and scatter our wildflower seeds.
  • 🌼 SURPRISE ANY EXPERT OR AMATEUR GARDENER: These pure, natural wildflower seeds bulk are offered in eye-catching, resealable packaging, ready to offer as a thoughtful Holiday garden gift.

User questions & answers

Question: Approximately how many seeds are in this 4 ounce package
Answer: 132,000 seeds
Question: Can they grow in new Jersey
Answer: Of course. I am in NY. I will start the seeds at the end of the month. I am doing this for Butterflies, Hummingbirds and am also hatching 12 egg sacks of Preying Mantids. You can self seed also but I like to get things going early. Seeds dont sprout until the soil gets to about 70 degrees.

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