50 Shade-Loving Plants to Transform a Shady Border or Patio

Create a garden that's gorgeous, not gloomy, with 50 of the best plants for shade. From feathery ferns to blooming begonias, there's something for every type of shade and every style of garden.

Many people find shady gardens off-putting, but they can be a blessing. Shade-loving plants tend to be slow growing and you don't need to water beds as often as in a sun-baked garden. At the height of summer, a shaded patio or courtyard is a welcome respite from the heat of the day, allowing you to enjoy your garden while others are driven inside.

Of course, there are limitations when designing a garden that spends most or all of the day in shade. The key to creating a stunning shady garden is to choose the right plants. Some plants tolerate shade; others thrive in it. Choose these plants and your shady border will look full, lush and verdant. You don't have to give up on flowers either; there are many flowering plants that thrive in shady conditions.

Whether you want to create a lush, tropical courtyard or fill a tricky dry shade bed with low-maintenance plants, you'll find plenty of options in this list of 50 of the best shade-loving plants.

Different types of shade

There are tons of plants that grow in shade, but to choose plants that will thrive in your garden, you need to understand which type of shade you're dealing with. Let's take a look at the definitions of different types of shade:

Full shade (deep shade): This refers to parts of your garden that get little or no direct sunlight. Small north-facing gardens or gardens shaded by tall buildings or trees may be completely in full shade, but even in larger, sunnier gardens, you may have beds that don't get any sun at certain times of the year. Deep shade gardens can feel dark and gloomy. For areas of deep shade, you need to choose plants that are specifically adapted to thrive in shade.

Light shade: Plants in light shade receive plenty of light, but unlike plants in partial shade, they don't get much direct sunlight. Areas of light shade are typically open to the sky but shaded by a tall wall or hedge. Light shade suits plants that get scorched by strong sunlight.

Partial shade: These areas receive 3–6 hours of direct sunlight each day at midsummer (they may receive less at other times of the year). This may be in a single block, for example, a bed that only gets morning sun, or split across different times of day. Almost every garden will have areas of partial shade, and there are many plants that thrive in these conditions.

Dappled shade: This is typically found under trees, which filter the sunlight through their branches and leaves, giving similar light levels to light shade areas. Woodland plants are most likely to grow well in dappled shade.

Dry shade: This is common in sheltered parts of gardens, either under trees or where plants are in the rain shadow of a fence or wall. It's one of the trickiest areas to plant, particularly if you want low-maintenance plants that don't require regular watering. If you're planting under trees or shrubs, you also have the added challenge of finding perennials that can grow amongst the roots of the larger plants.

When planting under deciduous trees, remember that light levels change throughout the year. For example, I have a bed in my garden which is in partial shade in winter and spring but deep shade in summer, when the acer is in full leaf. Spring bulbs and spring-flowering perennials do well as they get sun in the first part of the year and their main flowering period is over by the time the tree starts to block out the light.

Evergreen shrubs for shade

Evergreen shrubs form the backbone of any garden, adding year-round colour, height and structural interest. They also tend to be very low maintenance, requiring little pruning or attention once established. Many shade-loving evergreen shrubs produce beautiful flowers at different times of the year, while others have colourful foliage. Here are my top choices for evergreen shrubs for shade:

1. Sarcococca 'Dragon Gate': Sarcococcas are brilliant evergreens for full or partial shade. They bloom in the darkest days of winter, lighting up gloomy corners with their highly scented white flowers. Sarcococca ruscifolia var. chinensis 'Dragon Gate' is a compact variety, which grows to around a metre in height. It's suitable for growing in pots or in the ground, and will cope with dry shade. Once the flowers have faded, bright red berries follow. If you want a larger shrub that can be grown on its own or as an informal hedge, go for Sarcococca confusa, also known as sweet box.

2. Viburnum 'Lisarose': This hardy shrub also offers interest throughout the winter months. Its flower buds form in autumn, turning brick red before blooming into soft pink and white flowers from midwinter through to spring. Dark blue berries follow the flowers. Viburnum tinus 'Lisarose' will grow in any type of well-drained soil, reaching a maximum height of 2.5 m. It can cope with exposed locations and thrives in partial shade, though it should also grow well in full sun or shade.

3. Rhododendron 'Scarlet Wonder': Rhododendrons are woodland plants that thrive in dappled or partial shade. 'Scarlet Wonder' will add a brilliant burst of colour to your garden in April and May with trusses of vibrant red flowers. The dark green foliage forms a dense, round bush shape. Growing to around a metre in height, Rhododendron 'Scarlet Wonder' is a good mid-height shrub for a large border, or you can plant it in a large pot if you don't have acidic soil in your garden.

4. Escallonia 'Apple Blossom': This summer-flowering evergreen shrub needs a good amount of light, but it will thrive in light, partial or dappled shade (as long as the tree canopy isn't too thick). It produces clusters of pink-tinged white flowers throughout the summer months that contrast beautifully with the deep green leaves. Although this cultivar is hardy in most parts of the UK, it will grow best when planted in a sheltered spot in warmer parts of the country.

5. Mahonia 'Winter Sun': Mahonias thrive in deep or partial shade, and their spiky frond-like leaves offer a nice contrast to the more rounded foliage of other evergreen shrubs. Mahonia × media 'Winter Sun' blooms from November to January, with elongated stalks of bright yellow flowers that develop into clusters of blue-black berries. It has an upright habit, with a maximum height of 3 metres.

6. Camellia 'Debbie': If you love roses and peonies, but your garden is too shady to grow them, you need a camellia. These evergreen shrubs produce masses of showy blooms in late winter and early spring. Camellia × williamsii 'Debbie' is a large, hardy hybrid that's particularly resilient to our cold UK winters. It will also grow well in full shade, making it suitable for training up a north-facing wall. It grows to 4 metres and flowers in mid-spring, producing stunning peony-like pink blooms. 

7. Euonymus 'Emerald 'n' Gold': This compact shrub adds year-round colour to shady areas with its glossy golden and green leaves. You can grow it as a low shrub or hedging plant or train it up a wall or fence. Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold' needs some sun to give the brightest colour, so it's best planted in partial shade. Euonymus 'Emerald Gaiety' is another good option for shade.

8. Skimmia 'Rubella': Skimmias are perfect for low-maintenance gardens and grow well in partial or full shade. Skimmia japonica 'Rubella' produces clusters of bright red buds that add interest to your garden over the winter months. The buds bloom into white flowers in spring. A versatile, slow-growing shrub, Skimmia 'Rubella' is happy growing in pots, window baskets or borders.

9. Pieris 'Forest Flame': With its colour-changing foliage and creamy spring flowers, this evergreen shrub brightens up shade borders. Pieris japonica 'Forest Flame' produces bright red new growth that matures to a pale pink before turning green in summer. It tolerates deep shade but prefers partial shade, and is a great shrub to grow alongside rhododendrons and camellias in acidic soil and dappled shade.

10. Daphne 'Perfume Princess': Daphnes flower in late winter, producing masses of gloriously fragrant flowers. Daphne 'Perfume Princess' is arguably the most fragrant of these scented shrubs, and its pretty pink flowers are a welcome sight during the cold winter months. Plant it next to a doorway, path or patio to make the most of its scent.

Plants for full shade

While there are plenty of plants that grow well in deep shade, there is definitely a predominance of green foliage, with fewer options for flowering plants. I cover green plants in detail below, so here I'm going to focus on how to bring some colour to beds or gardens that rarely see the sun. I haven't included heucheras here, as they prefer dappled or partial shade to deep shade, but you may be able to include their colourful foliage in the sunnier parts of shady borders.

11. Hosta 'June': Hostas are the first plant many people come across when searching for shady loving plants. There are hostas to suit all sizes of border, from the diminutive Hosta 'Blue Mouse' to the massive leaves of Hosta 'T-Rex'. The variegated varieties offer more varied colours, and Hosta 'June' is a particularly stunning cultivar, with grey-green leaves painted with lime-gold. In late summer, it produces pale purple flowers held on tall stalks above the foliage.

12. Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash': A pretty, slug-resistant perennial, pulmonaria gives a wonderful display of brightly coloured flowers in early spring when the garden is just starting to wake up. Pulmonaria 'Raspberry Splash' produces clusters of pink and purple flowers, and the silver-speckled green leaves add interest until they die back in autumn. You can grow pulmonaria in partial or full shade, but it will flower best if it gets a couple of hours of sun a day.

13. Actaea 'White Pearl': This tall, autumn-flowering perennial thrives in moist soil in shaded and semi-shaded areas. The bottlebrush spikes of fragrant white flowers appear in late summer and early autumn, providing late season colour and food for pollinators.

14. Lamium 'Red Nancy': Another excellent slug-resistant plant, Lamium 'Red Nancy' thrives in shade, adding colour with its silver leaves and magenta flowers. It's a ground-hugging plant that works well on the edges of borders, and it also grows well in pots, where its foliage will spill over the edge of the container. Don't be put off by its common name of dead nettle – lamium has no stinging hairs, and it's actually part of the mint family.

15. Brunnera 'Looking Glass: Thriving in cool, shady parts of the garden, the silvery leaves of a brunnera bounce light around a gloomy border. These perennials really shine in spring, when sprays of light blue flowers appear. Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' flowers well in shade and has almost completely silver leaves with dark green veins.

16. Athyrium 'Metallicum': This colourful painted lady fern has silvery green foliage with deep purple veins. It makes a beautiful companion to other ferns and green plants. Athyrium niponicum 'Metallicum' is a deciduous fern that's fully hardy in the UK.

Plants for dry shade

Dry shade is one of the toughest conditions to plant in. It's typically found under or around trees and shrubs, but north-facing beds next to tall walls, fences or buildings can also end up dry if the structure creates a rainshadow. The soil in these areas also tends to be deprived of nutrients, as well as worms and other bugs that create a healthy soil ecosystem. Fortunately, there are some hardy plants that survive and even thrive in these conditions. While all the plants below are drought tolerant once established, they do need regular watering for the first summer or two to help them settle in.

17. Alchemilla mollis: Lady's mantle is a very popular perennial as it will grow anywhere, including in areas of dry shade. Frothy sprays of yellow flowers bloom above the scalloped green leaves in summer. It is a vigorous self-seeder and an effective groundcover plant. If you cut it right back to the base in late July, you'll get fresh new growth and possibly a second flush of flowers.

18. Euphorbia 'Robbiae': A taller perennial with similar colouring to Alchemilla mollis, Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae thrives in dry soils in partial and full shade. The tall spikes of bracts make an excellent cut flower, and the dark green foliage gives year-round interest. It spreads rapidly once established.

19. Liriope 'Moneymaker': This useful evergreen perennial has dark green, grassy leaves that contrast with other evergreen foliage. In late summer, purple buds appear on red stalks; these bloom into lavender flowers. Lirope muscari 'Moneymaker' looks wonderful planted under deciduous trees, along the edge of a border or path, or in pots on a patio.

20. Dryopteris 'Crispa Cristata': A semi-evergreen fern with bright green fronds that have a ruffled appearance. It will grow well in partial or full shade and doesn't mind dry conditions, as long as you water it well to help it become established.

21. Helleborus 'Angel Glow': Hellebores thrive in woodland settings and are suitable for areas of partial, dappled or light shade. They'll benefit from a layer of mulch, but can cope with dry conditions once established. 

22. Polypodium vulgare: This low-growing fern is an ideal evergreen plant for woodland areas and dry shade borders. It has leathery, deeply cut fronds with dark red spores on the underside.

Green plants for shaded areas

A monochrome green border can be incredibly effective, giving a wonderful verdant feel to enclosed, shaded spaces. The key is to combine plants with different styles of foliage to maximise textural contrast. This look is particularly effective in small city gardens, where you can create a lush, cool retreat from the bustling, hot streets. 

23. Fatsia japonica: This large evergreen shrub gives a tropical feel to any garden with its large, glossy, palmately lobed leaves. Perfect as a statement plant in a shady courtyard. It's happy in full or partial shade, but ideally needs some shelter from cold winds.

24. Heuchera 'Lime Marmalade': One of the most shade-tolerant heuchera cultivars, 'Lime Marmalade' has zingy lime-green foliage that will brighten up any green border throughout the year. The ruffled leaves contrast nicely with ferns and larger-leaved plants.

25. Hosta 'Sum and Substance': One of the best foliage plants for shade, this hosta has large, yellow-green ribbed leaves that effectively suppress weeds. The thick leaves are more resilient to slugs than other varieties. Hosta 'Sum and Substance' looks wonderful planted in a large border or container. If you want a similar look, but a smaller plant, go for Hosta 'Guacamole'.

26. Polystichum makinoi: A lovely evergreen medium-sized fern with deep green fronds, Makino's holly fern prefers moist soil in partial or full shade and can also be grown in pots as part of a shaded patio garden.

27. Asplenium scolopendrium: Hart's tongue fern has a very different texture to feathery ferns like Polystichum and Dryopteris. Its wide, tongue-like fronds are leathery and form a rosette-like shape. The spores create distinctive stripes on the underneath of the fronds.

28. Hakonechloa macra: Very popular with garden designers due to its minimalist, elegant style, this ornamental grass forms cascading mounds of long, strappy foliage. You can grow it in containers or in a border, but it's best to avoid areas of deep shade.

29. Fargesia rufa: This clump-forming bamboo is ideal for adding height or creating privacy in small gardens. Growing to a maximum height of 3 metres with bright evergreen foliage, Fargesia rufa will happily grow in the ground or in a large pot.

Climbing plants for shade

Climbing plants are invaluable in courtyard gardens and small spaces, when you don't have the space for large beds. There are various climbers that are suitable for growing on north-facing walls or other shady places, many of which give beautiful, fragrant flowers.

30. Lonicera 'Gold Flame': This beautiful honeysuckle produces heavily scented pink and orange flowers in summer. It's a vigorous climber that can grow up to 5 metres – train it horizontally to maximise flowers along the length of the stems. Lonicera × heckrottii 'Gold Flame' is an adaptable plant that will grow in full shade, but you'll get a better display of flowers in a partially shaded location.

31. Trachelospermum 'Star of Milano': Star jasmine is another fantastic choice for a partially shaded spot. Trachelospermum jasminoides 'Star of Milano' produces masses of fragrant flowers throughout the summer months, and its variegated evergreen foliage gives year-round interest.

32. Hedera 'Marbled White': Ivy gets a bad rep, but it's an invaluable climber for shady situations, providing evergreen cover and shelter and food for wildlife. Hedera helix 'Marbled White' is a beautiful variegated variety with marbled leaves and flowers in late autumn. Regular pruning will help control the spread of ivy so it doesn't cause problems.  

33. Clematis 'Nelly Moser': This large-flowered clematis flowers twice, in late spring and early summer, and again in autumn. The pink-striped flowers look their best when it's grown in partial shade and it's a good choice for a north-facing wall. 

34. Hydrangea petiolaris: Climbing hydrangeas are brilliant for covering a north-facing wall or a sturdy pergola or trellis. Hydrangea petiolaris is a deciduous hydrangea that looks wonderful in late spring and early summer, when it produces large, lacy white flowerheads.

Flowering plants for shade

One concern many people have about shaded gardens is that they won't be able to grow flowers. While you'll certainly struggle if you try to grow popular sun-loving plants in the shade, there are many flowering plants that grow better in partial shade than full sun, particularly if that shade comes in the afternoon. Here are some of the best flowers to grow in shady spots:

35. Astilbe 'Ice Cream': With its feathery plumes of candyfloss-pink flowers, Astilbe 'Ice Cream' adds wonderful colour and structure to cottage garden and woodland borders in summer. Astilbes are wonderfully low maintenance plants that grow well in partial and full shade.

36. Geum 'Fiery Tempest': Geums need some sun to flower profusely, but they grow really well in moist, partially shaded areas. Geum 'Fiery Tempest' has large saucer-shaped flowers with layers of gently ruffled red petals. The long, wiry stems make it an excellent cut flower.

37. Geranium 'Samobor': This unusual geranium has deep purple-red flowers and striking lobed leaves. Geranium phaeum 'Samobor' prefers moist soil and partial, light or dappled shade and looks wonderful combined with geums and campanulas in a cottage border.

38. Digitalis 'Dalmation Peach': Foxgloves are woodland plants that thrive in dappled and light shade. The spectacular spires of bell-shaped flowers make them invaluable in a shady border. Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Peach' has gorgeous pale peach flowers that are a magnet for pollinators.

39. Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford': Dramatic plants are not just for sunny borders! This stunning late-season bloomer thrives in partial shade, producing golden daisy-like flowers that contrast dramatically with the near-black foliage. Plant it in moist soil alongside feathery ferns for textural contrast.

40. Dicentra 'Alba': This elegant perennial produces arching stems of pure white, heart-shaped flowers in spring. Outside of the flowering season, the lush green foliage provides a soft backdrop for other plants. Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' will grow in full shade, but thrives in partial or dappled shade.

Groundcover plants for shade

Groundcover plants are invaluable for tricky, hard-to-reach parts of the garden, such as steep banks or areas under trees or shrubs. They're also useful for budget and low-maintenance gardens, as they suppress weeds and spread naturally, though more vigorous plants will need to be kept in check if you don't want them running rampant.

41. Vinca 'Bowles's Variety': The lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor) is an indispensable groundcover plant for shady areas. It's evergreen, requires little to no care once established and flowers from spring through to autumn. Vinca 'Bowles's Variety' is an RHS-recommended cultivar with violet-blue flowers and glossy green leaves.

42. Galium odoratum: Sweet woodruff is a shade-loving perennial that blooms in spring, producing clusters of white, scented, star-shaped flowers. The emerald leaves are a popular culinary herb and give off a sweet vanilla scent when dried. It needs moist soil to flourish.

43. Pachysandra 'Variegata': Japanese spurge is a tough evergreen perennial that's renowned for thriving under trees and shrubs and in other shaded areas. This variegated cultivar has particularly attractive foliage; its dark green leaves are patterned with cream edges and markings, which brighten up dark parts of the garden.

44. Bergenia 'Bressingham Ruby': Bergenias are often grown for their large, thick, leathery leaves, which effectively suppress weeds, but a bed of bergenias blooming in spring is a stunning sight. The magenta flowers produced by Bergenia 'Bressingham Ruby' are striking, but this variety has another season of interest – when the weather cools in autumn, the green leaves turn a rich ruby red. Unlike many groundcover plants, bergenias are slow spreading and easy to control.

45. Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice': Grown primarily for their spring flowers and distinctive foliage, tiarellas thrive in shade and will outperform bergenias in areas of deep shade. Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' has decorative, deeply lobed green leaves with dark purple blotches. In early spring, stems emerge, carrying frothy clusters of scented pink and white flowers. 

Bedding plants for shade

Shady corners of a garden are often overlooked as seating areas, but they can be invaluable in summer, particularly in warmer parts of the country. While green plants provide a soothing backdrop, if you prefer brighter colours, there are plenty of bedding plants that thrive in shade. Pair them with small hostas, ferns and ivy for a balanced container display in a shady courtyard, porch or patio garden.

46. Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb': This compact fuchsia will add bright, long-lasting colour to shady corners of a patio. The pink and white pendulous flowers bloom from June through to the first frosts. Fuchsia 'Lady Thumb' is a half-hardy perennial that should be overwintered in a frost-free location.

47. Begonia 'Non-Stop Sunrise': The ultimate showy flower for shaded areas, Begonia x tuberhybrida 'Non-Stop Sunrise' produces masses of glorious, fully double, sunset-orange flowers from May through to September. Use these basket plants in patio containers, beds or hanging baskets, and feed and water them regularly to keep them blooming.

48. Impatiens 'Beacon Mixed': Another must-have plant for shaded patio gardens are Impatiens, commonly known as busy Lizzies. These cheerful pink, red and white flowers brighten up pots and hanging baskets throughout the summer months. The Impatiens walleriana Beacon series has been specifically bred to be disease resistant.

49. Primula 'Oakleaf Yellow Picotee': This sunny primrose is one of the first heralds of spring, its red-tipped golden-yellow flowers a promise of warmer weather. Primula vulgaris 'Oakleaf Yellow Picotee' is a hardy perennial that will come back year after year and will happily grow in shaded beds or pots.

50. Anthriscus cerefolium: Chervil is a hardy annual herb that prefers a cool, moist, shady planting spot. Other herbs that benefit from partial shade, particularly during the hot summer months, are coriander, parsley, mint and chives.