- Topic: Best perennials for shade (2026 guide)
- Best for: Shade beds, under trees, north-facing walls
- Shade types: Dappled shade, part shade, full shade
- What you’ll get: Flowers, foliage color, ground cover
- Updated: 2026
The best perennials for shade make dark corners look finished, not empty. They come back every year, and many handle tree roots and lower light better than most plants.
This 2026 list covers shade perennials for color, texture, and long bloom time. You’ll also find picks for dry shade, damp shade, and spots where deer browse.
| Perennial | Best Shade Use | Bloom / Interest | Typical Height | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum) | Dry shade, slopes, under trees | Spring blooms + fragrant leaves | 12–18 in | $8–$18 per plant |
| Toad Lily (Tricyrtis) | Deep shade borders | Late-season orchid-like flowers | 18–30 in | $10–$25 per plant |
| Ajuga (Bugleweed) | Ground cover in part shade | Spring flower spikes + dark foliage | 4–8 in | $5–$15 per plant |
| Hosta | Shade beds, edging, mass planting | Bold foliage + summer flowers | 6–36 in | $10–$45 per plant |
| Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) | Woodland shade | Spring heart-shaped blooms | 18–36 in | $12–$30 per plant |
| Yellow Corydalis | Long bloom in part shade | Yellow flowers for months | 10–15 in | $8–$20 per plant |
| Lungwort (Pulmonaria) | Cool, moist shade | Spotted leaves + spring blooms | 10–14 in | $10–$25 per plant |
| Lamium (Deadnettle) | Bright ground cover for shade | Silver leaves + long bloom | 6–12 in | $6–$18 per plant |
| Epimedium (Barrenwort) | Dry shade under trees | Spring blooms + tough foliage | 8–18 in | $12–$35 per plant |
Best Perennials for Shade Under Trees
Bigroot Geranium (Geranium macrorrhizum)
Bigroot geranium is a strong pick for tough shade, especially under trees where soil dries fast. It spreads into a low mat, so it can fill bare spots and cut down weeds.
It blooms in spring and keeps going with fragrant leaves. Many gardeners also like it because deer often skip it when other plants get nibbled.
Best Perennials for Shade With Late-Season Flowers
Toad Lily (Tricyrtis)
Toad lily adds color when many shade plants slow down. The spotted flowers look detailed up close, and they show best near paths or borders.
Give it steady moisture and well-drained soil. In return, it flowers late in the season and brings life to darker beds.
Best Perennials for Shade Ground Cover
Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga is useful when you want quick cover in part shade. It forms a tight carpet and can fill gaps between taller plants.
Spring brings short blue flower spikes. Pick darker-leaf types if you want a stronger contrast in a shade bed.
Best Perennials for Shade Foliage Impact
Hosta
Hostas are known for big leaves that make shade beds look full. They come in many sizes, so you can mix small edging types with large statement plants.
They like moisture and mulch, and they look better when slugs are managed. If deer are common in your area, add protection early in the season.
Best Perennials for Shade Spring Color
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Bleeding heart gives soft spring color and a classic woodland feel. The flowers hang like little hearts, and the foliage looks fern-like early on.
Many types go quiet in summer heat, so plant it with companions that fill in later. That keeps the bed looking steady through the season.
Best Perennials for Shade That Bloom for Months
Yellow Corydalis
Yellow corydalis can bloom for a long stretch in part shade. It adds repeated pops of yellow without needing heavy care.
Keep soil lightly moist, and clip spent stems if it starts to look messy. It can self-seed in friendly spots, which some gardeners like.
Best Perennials for Shade With Spotted Leaves
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort brings a leaf pattern even when it is not flowering. The spotted leaves brighten shade beds and pair well with solid green plants.
In spring, flowers often shift from pink to blue as they age. It prefers cooler shade and soil that does not dry out.
Best Perennials for Shade With Silver Foliage
Lamium (Deadnettle)
Lamium is a ground cover that can lighten shade thanks to its silver leaves. It spreads without getting tall, so it works near paths and edges.
It can flower for a long time, and it handles part shade well. In hotter zones, it likes afternoon shade and even moisture.
Best Perennials for Shade That Handles Dry Soil
Epimedium (Barrenwort)
Epimedium is a smart choice for dry shade where many plants struggle. Once it settles in, it keeps going with less water than most shade perennials.
Spring flowers are small but pretty, and the foliage holds the bed together. It’s also a good pick where deer visit often.
How to Choose the Best Perennials for Shade
Start by matching plants to the kind of shade you have. Dappled shade under trees is not the same as deep shade by a wall.
Also, check soil moisture. Some shade beds stay damp, while tree-root areas dry fast. If you also grow indoor low-light plants, you may like this guide on the best house plants for low light.
For shaded containers and porch baskets, see the best plants for hanging baskets in shade. If your shade comes from trees near the house, this can help with planning: the best trees for the front yard.
FAQs
A: Hostas, ajuga, and bigroot geranium are easy starts because they handle shade well and come back strong each year.
A: Bigroot geranium and epimedium are two strong picks for dry shade and tree-root areas.
A: Toad lily blooms later than most shade plants and adds color when summer is ending.
A: Not always. Many grow best in part shade or dappled shade, with morning light and afternoon shade.
A: Mulch to hold moisture, water during dry weeks, and pair spring bloomers with plants that stay full in summer.
DISCLAIMER:
This blog post is for informational purposes only. We make every effort to provide accurate, current, and well-sourced information, but we cannot guarantee its completeness or absolute accuracy.
All images, videos, and logos used on bestfordaily.com are the property of their respective owners. We aim to credit and reference them appropriately. If you are the rightful owner and wish to have your image, video, or logo removed, please get in touch with us
