Top 10 Shade Perennial Plants – Shade Perennial Flowers
While some plants require the attention of full sun to tolerate them, others thrive in low shade light. Like all plants, shade perennials need the right water and soil to survive, but they require very little sun to reach and maintain their full potential. Whether you’re looking for heart-leaf greens for a lush landscape or petal-colored flowers for a more romantic vibe, there’s a perennial plant to suit your style and needs. We’ve used our favorite experts to share with us which perennial shades you should use to turn your sun-deprived plot into a gorgeous garden.
chenille factory
says Keith Williams of Palm Beach-based landscape architecture firm Neverra Williams and author of The Graphic Garden . “The chenille plant can outgrow itself and start looking brittle as summer progresses. Cut 12-inch faded flowering tassels, and you’ll be rewarded with double flowers on a compact, multi-branched plant. Keep a moderate amount of water throughout the season.”
white feather hosta
“This is an amazing plant with tons of great cultivars and sizes,” says Mario Nevira of Nevira Williams. It tolerates shade and can reach three feet in height. The fragrant lavender flowers bloom in mid-to-late summer, and a weekly watering will preserve its beauty.”
Yellow Meadow Street
“Meadow Street comes in tons of sizes and colors,” says Nevira. “Most are deer-tolerant, and there are a few varieties that are native to North America. We love the late blooming flowers and natural look when grown en masse, especially when paired with perennial herbs.”
Purple Firespike
“Give this plant a tough spring pruning for volume, then let it grow up to form a nice natural shape. It also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.”
Everblooming Hardy Geranium
“Hardy perennials like geraniums love partial shade!” Williams says. “Not all of them are heat tolerant, but they are well worth it for their long flowering time. They can also be used in pots.”
Persian shield
“Persian shield has uniquely colored leaves throughout the year,” says Williams. “You can either allow this plant to reach its full height and then let it spread outward or press it back, sacrificing height but achieving a compact bush. This bright beauty thrives in moisture.”
dwarf azalea
“Dwarf azaleas bloom and bloom year-round. They can be pruned to maintain the appearance of a more compact shrub two to three feet high, or they can be grown into a taller mantle of six feet,” says Williams.
beacon silver dead nettle
“Beacon silver is one of our all-time favorite perennials that can work as a ground cover in many garden locations,” says Nevira. “It has the sweetest white-leaf and lavender-like forms. It is also deer and rabbit resistant. Can be placed in both shaded and part beds.”
Anemone
“There is no such thing as a hint of fall, when the anemones bloom!” says Nevira. “Flower heads and delicate stems rise above the medium and green leaves. Leaves turn brown after flowering, so cut them all out and fertilize in late fall.”
jasmine fan
“This can be a great source of year-round color in shady areas. Water it regularly, but give the plant time to dry out a bit between waterings,” says Williams. “Less is more with this plant.”
