When summer heat sets in, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cool, shady spot in the yard. A quiet corner filled with ferns and greenery can create a peaceful retreat. However, shade gardens don’t have to be all green. With the right perennials, you can enjoy vibrant color, texture, and seasonal interest—even in low light.
Here are three standout perennials that thrive in shady spaces:
Hosta: A Shade Garden Essential
Hostas are the backbone of many shade gardens. Their lush foliage comes in a wide range of sizes—from small, tidy varieties perfect for containers to massive plants that anchor garden beds.
Even better, they offer dramatic color contrast. Leaves can be deep green, steel blue, bright chartreuse, or boldly variegated with white. In fact, the deeper the shade, the more dramatic the leaves appear.
Because they’re so versatile, hostas work well as specimens or when planted in bold drifts along pathways or borders.
Coral Bells: Foliage with Flair
Looking to add bold color to your shade garden? Coral bells, also known as Heuchera, are a great option. These are not the old-fashioned varieties your grandmother grew.
Modern cultivars offer eye-catching foliage in rich hues like burgundy, orange, lime, and silver. When sunlight filters through the leaves, they almost glow.
Moreover, coral bells produce delicate flower spikes that attract hummingbirds. They thrive best in part shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Astilbe: Feathery Blooms for Cool Spots
Astilbes brighten shady areas with their soft, plume-like flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. The fern-like foliage adds texture and holds its color all season.
Blooming begins in June and continues into summer, depending on the variety. To extend color, plant several types with staggered bloom times.
Astilbes prefer consistent moisture, so mulch around their roots to retain water and reduce weeds.
More Shade Garden Favorites
Besides these three favorites, there are many other shade-loving perennials to explore. Ferns, brunnera, lungwort, and Japanese forest grass all contribute beauty and texture.
Whether you want a tranquil escape or a vibrant space full of color, building a shade garden is easier than you think.
Stop by and see what’s new!
We have a great selection of ferns and shade-loving perennials ready for planting. Let us help you design a space you’ll love all summer long.
Additional Information: