For areas that receive almost no sunlight at all, ferns may be the best choice. Ferns are well known for their ability to thrive in places that are often too damp and dark for other plants to grow, and there are a variety of different fern species you can choose from. Some ferns are evergreen, meaning they will remain green all year long, while the leaves of other varieties will die back in the fall and then regrow during the spring. Most fern species prefer an area that is not just dark, but also damp. Many types spread rapidly, so if you are concerned about your shade perennial garden being overrun with ferns, you should plant the noninvasive types.
If your gardening area receives only partial shade, there are many other plant species you should also consider. Pulmonarias, also known as lungworts, are beautiful shade loving perennials whose leaves have silver-white splotches on them and either blue or pink flowers. Bluestar perennial flowers (Amsonias) can also be grown in shady areas. The flowers usually bloom in May and June, while the green foliage remains attractive all summer long.
Finally, hostas (plantain lilies) are very popular for shady garden areas because of the wide variety of colors, textures and sizes available. Besides having beautiful leaves in a variety of shades and shapes, most hostas also produce beautiful lilylike white and lavender flowers that bloom in late spring until late summer.
Although gardening in shady regions of your garden can be challenging, by selecting the right combination of shade loving perennials you should be able to create a beautiful shade perennial garden.
