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The 10 Best Shade Plants

Finding the perfect plants for the shady spots in your yard can be a challenge, but HomeHobby is here to help! We’ve rounded up all of the best shade plants in one place to make your search easier. Whether you’re looking for colorful flowers to add a pop of color to the darker corners of your garden or in need of a shrub that can handle that shady spot in your backyard, we have you covered! We’ve even included a few vegetables, just in case you’re on the lookout for crops that don’t mind the shade. Check out our top picks for the 10 best shade plants below!

1. Shrubby St. John’s Wort

Shrubby St. John's Wort
via www.prairienursery.com

Shrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Prolificum species and cultivars) is a small shrub that does well in shade. It boasts blue-green leaves all summer and beautiful bright yellow blooms from late June through August. Shrubby St. John’s Wort is relatively disease-free and is hardy in Zones 4 – 8.

2. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart
Bobbie Alexander / birdsandblooms.com

Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) makes a stunning addition to any shade garden. The heart-shaped blooms come out in early spring and are beloved by hummingbirds. For best results, cut these plants back to encourage new foliage. Bleeding Heart is hardy in Zones 3 – 9.

3. Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob's Ladder
via birdsandblooms.com

Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) works well in most shade gardens, especially those with woody plants, ferns, rocks, and tree stumps. It features blue flowers in late spring and early summer and gorgeous, variegated leaves throughout the growing season. Jacob’s Ladder is hardy in Zones 4 – 8.

4. Japanese Pieris

Japanese Pieris
via birdsandblooms.com

Japanese Pieris (Pieris Japonica) does well in shade but is prone to issues with lace bugs, so it generally does better in the Southern states. It features lovely white blossoms in early spring and pretty greenery year-round. Japanese Pieris is hardy in Zones 5 – 8.

5. Hosta

Hosta
Andy Watkins on Unsplash

Hosta is a great choice for shade gardens and is considered a classic for a reason! These plants come in a huge variety of sizes, colors (including chartreuse and blue), and variegations. Hosta is hardy in Zones 3 – 9.

6. Rhododendron

Rhododendron
Padre_moovi on Unsplash

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron ferrugineum) feature paddle-shaped leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers, often in a shade of pink. They do best in partial sun, but they can handle a fair amount of shade during the day. However, it is important to note that these plants are highly toxic to wildlife and pets. Rhododendrons are hardy in Zones 4 – 8.

7. Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard
via birdsandblooms.com

If you’re looking for a vegetable that grows well in shady areas, Swiss Chard is a great choice. This crop needs just 4 hours of sunlight per day and can thrive in containers as well as in-ground garden beds. Many varieties are also very pretty, such as the showy Bright Lights and Peppermint, so if you’re looking to add a little pizazz to a shady spot, don’t overlook this tasty, attractive crop!

8. Chives

Chives and other herbs
via Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Looking for a crop that will flourish in shady spots? Don’t overlook herbs! Many herbs grow well with just 3 – 4 hours of sunlight a day, such as chives. Leafy herbs like cilantro, parsley, lemon balm, and mint are also good choices. Avoid heat-loving herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary, however, as they require full sun to thrive.

9. Kale

Kale
iStock.com/Tetiana-Kolubai

Kale grows well in partial shade and can thrive in containers or garden beds, depending on your preference. Varieties with smooth leaves will grow the fastest in shade. Tip: If you’re a fan of baby kale in your salads, try harvesting your kale just one month from seeding to get those tender greens you love!

10. Scallions

Scallions
iStock.com/Zoya2222

Scallions need 4 – 6 hours of sunlight, so they can do well in areas of your yard that are partially in shade. They’re also a great choice if you have limited space due to their upright, narrow growth. Just be sure to water them regularly, as scallions have shallow root systems!

Happy Growing!