The 6 Best Shade Plants For Your Lawn

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The 6 Best Shade Plants For Your Lawn

The 6 Best Shade Plants For Your Lawn

In this guide, you will find 6 of the best shade loving plants for your lawn. 

Look, we all love our gardens! 

But some landscapes are a little shadier than the rest.

If that’s your lawn, then this guide is for you!

Keep reading and you will find the 6 best shade loving plants. 

You will love number three!


Shade Loving Plant Number 1- The Hosta

Hosta is perhaps one of the most popular shade loving plants. This perennial has long lived foliage, is easy to maintain and is easily one of the best shade plants. 

It is widely chosen by gardeners for its green, blue, cream and white colors. Hosta also produces tall lavender and white flowers in the mid-summer. 

Interesting variety- Sum and Substance- This variety of hosta is big! With leaves up to 2 feet wide and plants up to 4 feet tall. This shade loving plant is very unique, and can easily fill empty garden space. 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

Shade Loving Plant Number 2- Hellebore

Hellebore come in a wide variety of colors. With cream, white, pink, maroon, rose and green flowers that appear in the early winter and continue until spring. Hellebore are loved by those who want evergreen landscapes. 

Their evergreen foliage is attractive throughout the year. The plant does best in a shady slope where the flowers can be appreciated from below.

Check this out- Hellebore are one of the few plants which actually start blooming in late winter. Making them one of the first plants to bloom each year!

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

Shade Loving Plant Number 3- Bleeding Hearts

This one is special and a favorite of many gardeners! Bleeding hearts are widely used and broadly planted in spring. Their dangling hearts are perfect for any flower lover. Best of all, they require little to no maintenance. 

Bleeding hearts need to be in a wind-free area, and in rich soil that is well-drained. 

Keep in mind- One thing to consider about bleeding hearts is that although the foliage is nice, and the flowers are amazing. It is short lived, and the foliage will die back within only a few months.  

USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 9

Shade Loving Plant Number 4- Ajuga

Also known as bugleweed, ajuga is a fast-growing ground cover with low foliage. Its flowers range from pink, to white and lavender. 

Here’s the deal, ajuga should be planted about one foot to a foot and a half apart. These plants thrive in shade, and will quickly spread and cover any bare ground.

Interesting variety- Bronze Beauty- This variety of ajuga is one of the more popular varieties. With lavender flowers and deep red and green leaves, it is a sure choice for many gardeners.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 10

Shade Loving Plant Number 5- Ferns

Ferns are an excellent addition to any shade garden. Ferns need moist soil. In fact ferns require water to reproduce

Although ferns love shade, they can handle some sun during the day as long as the soil stays consistently moist. You will want to consider irrigating your landscape if you decide that ferns are for you. 

Interesting Variety- Japanese Painted Fern- This plant has glowing pewter and green fronds with red and purple stems.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Shade Loving Plant Number 6- Astilbes

Astilbe are a perennial variety which require very low-maintenance. Astilbe are excellent for any shade garden that has moist, well-drained soil. 

In the spring, astilbe produce large, feathery plumes of pink, white and red with light green foliage

For Best Results: Astilbe perform best in groups of 3 or more plants. 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8

Added Benefits of Shade Loving Plants

It’s true, when you decide to plant plants in your yard, you may want to bring in plants that are perfect for shade. 

Not only will these shade loving plants help to beautify your lawn and yard. They will also help to attract all kinds of pollinators. Insects like bees, as well as butterflies and even hummingbirds can’t help themselves when there are great flowers around. 

All of these critters are having trouble these days due to habitat loss. So anything we can do to help them is a good idea.

What are the Best Plants for Shady Lawns?

The top choices for shady lawns include Hostas, Hellebores, Bleeding Hearts, Ajuga (Bugleweed), Ferns, and Astilbes. These plants thrive in lower light conditions, adding vibrant colors and varied textures to your garden.

Are there Low-Maintenance Shade Plants?

Yes, many shade-loving plants like Hostas and Bleeding Hearts require minimal upkeep. They are perfect for gardeners seeking beauty without extensive maintenance

What Should I Consider When Planting in Shady Areas?

Consider the specific light requirements and soil conditions of each plant. For example, Ferns need moist soil, while Bleeding Hearts prefer well-drained, rich soil. Matching the right plant to the right spot is key.

How Do I Ensure My Shade Plants Thrive?

Regular watering, ensuring proper soil conditions, and occasional pruning will help your shade plants flourish. Grouping similar plants together can also create stunning visual impacts and healthy growth environments.

To Wrap it Up

This guide highlights six excellent shade-loving plants for your garden, including Hosta, Hellebore, Bleeding Hearts, Ajuga, Ferns, and Astilbes. These plants thrive in shady areas, offer vibrant colors, and require varying levels of maintenance. Proper care, matching light and soil conditions, and grouping similar plants together can ensure your shade garden flourishes and attracts beneficial pollinators. Consider planting a variety of these shade-loving plants to create a beautiful and diverse landscape

If you are looking for some plants to fill in those shady places, and make your lawn more outstanding. You can look to any of these 6 shade-loving plants.

For the best results, it is always a good idea to plant a variety of plants that will flower at different times

Get this, if you need help choosing the right shade loving plants for your lawn, or you just need someone to get them planted. GreenPal can help you find lawn care and landscaping near you

Even better, you can read more about landscaping on our blog. I recommend our Homeowner’s Guide to Planning a Successful Landscape Design

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