Loving plants is for all seasons, but not all plants love all four seasons. The reality is, plants are seasonal. But there’s hope for the enthusiast. True to its name, perennials live more than two years, with some living several years depending on the climate. Most gardeners’ favorite perennials are flowering plants that bloom, die and return-giving meaning to seasons in bloom. If you’re thinking about giving your home a makeover by growing the best perennial flowers for shade.
The 8 Best Shade-Loving Perennials
If you have a shaded nook in your garden for summer afternoon reading sessions, it’s high time to consider some perennials to beautify the space. Here are some excellent ideas on the best perennial flowers for shade:
Ferns
These plants have been around for ages, and love the shade. These are one of the best perennial flowers for shade, as they thrive in their natural environments by getting glimpses of the sunlight from tree branches. You can replicate this by hanging your ferns under a deck, so they get the right amount of sun and shade. Although ferns don’t flower, they make excellent shade partners for other flowering perennials.
Jacob’s Ladder
With well-drained soil, this plant will grow dark and rich foliage in the shade. They should be watered regularly but must not be soggy. These perennials also prefer partial shade, which makes them perfect for verandas or balconies.
Astilbes
Bright pink colors in the garden are a welcome sight, which is why Astilbes are a favorite among many perennial lovers. This plant needs moist soil and thrives in pots better than the ground. Astilbes also love the shade and brighten any gloomy area effortlessly.
Leopard Plants
These beautiful foliage plants can become large, up to 9 inches long. They don’t tolerate direct sun and prefer growing in the shade. And as long you have humus-heavy soil with a layer of organic mulch, they won’t need feeding.
Foamflowers
These soft pink flowers cannot tolerate too much sun, making them one of the best perennial flowers for shade or partial shade. They prefer moist areas and regular watering. The more shaded the area, the less vibrant the color will be.
Hostas
Big leaf plants like the leopard plants do well in the shade. However, there are varieties of the Hosta that require specific amounts of shade. The colorful variants can thrive in partial shade, and the green ones grow best in the shade. Some hosta flowers are bell-shaped and grow in midsummer.
Creeping Jenny
This plant is not as odd as its name. The low-growing stems creep, creating a carpet of lime-colored oval leaves and flowers in the summer with yellow cup leaves. You can strategically place them in a container where they can hang freely like a vine without smothering other plant life.
Lily of the Valley
These fragrant blooms are flexible in their light needs. They can thrive in full sun or full shade, depending on the soil’s moisture. They grow into a rich clump of foliage and have an aroma irresistible to plant lovers. But it is worth noting that in spite of this flower’s pure facade, it is toxic to humans and animals. It is best to position them strategically.
Conclusion
The best perennial flowers for shade give us more reasons to love plant life, and as we continue to provide them with new homes in our personal nooks and spaces, we’re sure to get the benefits of all the beauty and calm they offer. We hope the list of the plants we provided helped you choose the best plant for your garden.
