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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!
What are the Best Plants for Shady Lawns?
Hostas, Hellebores, Bleeding Hearts, Ajuga, Ferns, and Astilbes are excellent for shade, requiring varying levels of maintenance and providing diverse aesthetics. Each of these plants is specially adapted to thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for shaded areas in your garden.
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
Top Shade-Loving Plants for Your Lawn
| Plant Name | USDA Hardiness Zones | Bloom Period | Color Varieties | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosta | 3-9 | Mid-summer | Green, Blue, Cream, White | Low |
| Hellebore | 4-9 | Early winter-Spring | Cream, White, Pink, Maroon, Rose | Low |
| Bleeding Hearts | 2-9 | Spring | Pink | Low |
| Ajuga (Bugleweed) | 4-10 | Spring | Pink, White, Lavender | Low |
| Ferns | 3-8 | Early in the spring | Green | Moderate |
| Astilbes | 3-8 | Spring | Pink, White, Red | Low |
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shade Plants
What plant grows the best in shade?
Hostas are the best plants for growing in shade.
What shrubs are best for full shade?
The best shrubs for full shade are hydrangeas and rhododendrons.
How Do You Brighten a Shady Garden?
Brightening a shady garden can be done creatively. Use plants with light-colored or variegated foliage to naturally light up the area. Additionally, reflective mulches can bounce limited light deeper into your garden, and installing garden mirrors can give the illusion of more space and light.
Why is Shade Good for Plants?
Shade plays a crucial role in the health of certain plants. It protects them from harsh sunlight, which can be especially beneficial during the peak of summer. Shade also helps in reducing water loss through evaporation and maintains a cooler, more stable environment, which is ideal for plants sensitive to heat.
How Do I Ensure My Shade Plants Thrive?
To ensure your shade plants thrive:
- Regular Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, as shaded areas may dry out slower than sunny spots.
- Proper Soil Conditions: Ensure the soil is well-drained yet retains adequate moisture.
- Occasional Pruning: Remove dead or overgrown parts to promote healthy growth.
- Grouping Plants: Planting in groups can create a microclimate that benefits all the plants within it, enhancing their growth and visual appeal.
TLDR: Top 6 Shade-Loving Plants for Your Lawn
- Hosta: Popular for its durability and varied color options, Hosta thrives in zones 3-9 with minimal maintenance.
- Hellebore: Known for early winter blooms in shades from cream to maroon, suitable for zones 4-9 and offers evergreen foliage.
- Bleeding Hearts: Famous for their heart-shaped flowers, these plants are easy to care for, thriving in zones 2-9 with minimal upkeep.
- Ajuga (Bugleweed): A fast-spreading ground cover that grows well in shady areas, suitable for zones 4-10.
- Ferns: Require moist soil and can tolerate some sun, perfect for zones 3-8.
- Astilbes: Known for their colorful plumes and low maintenance, ideal for moist, shady areas in zones 3-8.
To Wrap it Up
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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