19 Best Shade-Loving Flowers That Thrive Out of the Sun (2024)

Gardening

Flowers

• 01 of 19

  Coral Bells

  

  Blooming from spring to early summer, semi-evergreen coral bells come in many shades of flowers and foliage. Grown primarily for their fabulous foliage, the plants produce wispy flower stalks with petite blooms. The leaves are traditionally green but also can be purple, gold, and more. Many coral bells sport interesting variegation in their foliage, too. These flowers can grow in full sun, but they prefer partial shade. Too much light can burn the foliage.

  • Name: Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:4–9
  • Foliage Color Varieties:Green, purple, chartreuse, plum, red, taupe, coral, many variegated options
  • Sun Exposure:Partial sun to shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained

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• 02 of 19

  Hydrangea

  

  Hydrangeas are a favorite among gardeners for their variety of flower colors and appearances. Some bloom in large, round clusters, and others have a smaller, flatter appearance. Hydrangea species tend to do quite well in the partial shade under tall deciduous trees. Too little light will reduce their flower output, but too much sun and heat can wilt the plant. Ideally, they should get morning sun followed by some shade in the afternoon.Make sure to give them some extra water on particularly hot days.

  • Name: Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3–9
  • Color Varieties:White, blue, green, red, pink, purple
  • Sun Exposure:Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained. Soil pH can affect bloom color

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  See Also

  24 Best Cutting Garden Flowers - Garden DesignCut flowers: growing and selection / RHS Gardening20 plants perfect for a cut flower patchCut Flower Garden: The Absolute Best Flowers to Grow For Beautiful Displays

• 03 of 19

  Astilbe

  

  The secret to cultivating thriving astilbe is water. These plants need moist, well-drained soil, so make sure to water once a week if rain doesn't do the job for you, and mulch around the plant to preserve moisture. Astilbes are slow-growing and produce plume-like flowers on stalks above the foliage in the spring and summer. They do best in partial shade but also can tolerate heavier shade. However, they likely won’t achieve their maximum size in full shade.

  • Name: Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3–8
  • Color Varieties:Pink, red, white, lavender
  • Sun Exposure:Partial to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained

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• 04 of 19

  Impatiens

  

  With their brightly colored blooms in a multitude of hues, impatiens are popular annual shade-loving flowers. There are dozens of species in this genus, but the most commonly grown ones remain under 1 foot tall. They flower in the spring and summer. These plants will bloom to their fullest potential even in heavy shade, and too much light can wilt them. So if your impatiens are in a sunny spot, make sure to give the plants extra water.

  • Name: Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:10–11, typically grown as annual
  • Color Varieties:Red, pink, violet, coral, purple, yellow, white
  • Sun Exposure:Partial shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained

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• 05 of 19

  Bleeding Heart

  

  Bleeding heart blooms in the spring with arching stems of heart-shaped flowers. Even though they are some of the best flowers for shade, these plants will tolerate some sun in cooler climates. However, too much sun and heat can interfere with flowering. In addition to shade, select a planting site that’s protected from strong winds as the flowers are delicate. Also, when watering, make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

  • Name: Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3–9
  • Color Varieties:Pink, white
  • Sun Exposure:Partial shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained

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• 06 of 19

  Rhododendron

  

  Gardening under trees isn’t always easy due to the shade and competition with tree roots for soil moisture and nutrients. Where many other plants would die under the cover of trees, rhododendron species thrive. These flowering shrubs bloom in the spring to early summer, and their root system doesn’t like to be exposed to heat. Thus, planting them in a shady spot is ideal. Adding some mulch around your shrub also will help to keep the roots cool and retain soil moisture.

  • Name: Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:4–8
  • Color Varieties:Pink, lavender, white
  • Sun Exposure:Partial shade to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained

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• 07 of 19

  Lungwort

  

  A nice attribute about pulmonaria, or lungwort, is that it spreads steadily but not invasively. These plants bloom early in the spring when most other plants are just barely waking up from the winter. The blooms are bell- or funnel-shaped and grow in clusters.Lungwort prefers to grow in partial to full shade, but it also can tolerate more sunlight when the weather is still cool. Too much light can burn the foliage while too much shade can minimize flowering. The attractive foliage often sports pretty spotting for additional garden interest.

  • Name: Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3-9
  • Color Varieties:Pink, violet, white
  • Sun Exposure:Partial, shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

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• 08 of 19

  Fuchsia

  

  Fuchsia plants are prized for their bright, teardrop-shaped blooms on trailing stems. These stunning flowers need light to bloom their best, but they dislike harsh afternoon sun. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. Plus, a spot that's sheltered from winds is ideal. What fuchsias don't like is hot summer wind blowing on them like a hairdryer. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and feed your plants once a month with a basic fertilizer for annual flowers.

  • Name: Fuchsia (Fuschia spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:8–11, depending on cultivar
  • Color Varieties: Red, pink, white, purple, bicolors
  • Sun Exposure:Sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Acidic, rich, moist, well-drained

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  See Also

  10 best cutting garden flowers to grow – plus planting tips for shade and sun

• 09 of 19

  Siberian Bugloss

  

  Siberian bugloss is a long-lived and low-maintenance plant, making it one of the best flowers for shade. Its tiny, vivid blue flowers with white centers bloom in the springtime and resemble the flowers of forget-me-nots, but its foliage makes it a shady garden star. Siberian bugloss prefers a shady spot and needs more frequent watering if it’s grown in sunnier conditions. Too much light can burn the foliage and cause the plant to go dormant.

  • Name; Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3–8
  • Color Varieties:Blue
  • Sun Exposure:Partial sun, shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

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• 10 of 19

  Lily of the Valley

  

  Lily of the valley is a hardy ground cover with arching medium green leaves and petite, fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the spring. These plants tend to spread quickly and are notoriously shade-loving flowers. They can be aggressive in some areas, so check before planting. They can tolerate direct morning sun but should be protected from strong afternoon sun. Full shade is ideal in warm climates. Water to keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy.

  • Name: Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
  • USDA Growing Zones:2-9
  • Color Varieties:White, pink
  • Sun Exposure:Partial to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained

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• 11 of 19

  Wishbone Flower

  

  Wishbone flowers are annuals that should be planted in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Their trumpet-shaped blooms will appear in the early summer and stretch until cold weather arrives in the fall. These plants don’t need much sun to bloom at their best. They ideally should get some morning light followed by afternoon shade. But in hot climates, they will need a fairly shady spot.

  • Name: Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri)
  • USDA Growing Zones: annual
  • Color Varieties:Blue-purple, lavender, pink, rose, white
  • Sun Exposure:Partial, shade
  • Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained

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• 12 of 19

  Lamb's Ear

  

  Lamb’s ear is an interesting, low-growing ground cover plant. Its silvery green leaves are thick and have a fuzzy texture. The plant can thrive in poor soil and has good drought tolerance. Be careful not to overwater it, as it’s susceptible to root rot. Partial shade is best for lamb’s ear, especially in hot and sunny climates. In cool climates, it can be grown in full sun. However, the attractive foliage might scorch under strong light.

  • Name: Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina)
  • USDA Growing Zones:4–9
  • Color Varieties:Light purple
  • Sun Exposure:Full, partial
  • Soil Needs: Well-drained

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• 13 of 19

  Foxglove

  

  Foxgloves have a tall, slender growth habit and bloom in the early summer with clusters of tubular flowers. Climate will determine how much light these plants need. In warm climates, they require a shady spot to protect them from wilt. In cool climates, they can handle full sun, though they still will perform best in partial shade. Make sure not to overwater these plants, as they are susceptible to rot. These plants are biennials, meaning that they only last two years, although often foxgloves self-seed, creating more plants.

  • Name; Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
  • USDA Growing Zones:4–9 (biennial)
  • Color Varieties:Pink, purple, red, white, yellow
  • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained

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• 14 of 19

  Forget-Me-Not

  

  With their delicate, five-petal, bright blue blooms with yellow or white centers, forget-me-nots make a beautiful addition to any garden. If you live in one of the warmer areas where they grow, the plant would prefer some shade, especially from strong afternoon sun. Forget-me-nots can tolerate more sun in cooler climates. Be sure to deadhead your plants (remove the spent blooms) if you want to control their spread.

  • Name: Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis sylvatica)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3–8
  • Color Varieties:Blue
  • Sun Exposure:Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

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• 15 of 19

  Dogtooth Violet

  

  The dogtooth violet or trout lily produces delicate-looking flowers with curved petals in the springtime. The blooms open with morning light and close in the evening. As one of the best flowers for shade, this plant thrives in woodland settings under the dappled light of trees. It needs protection from harsh sunlight and heat. A layer of mulch around the plant will help to keep the roots cool and retain moisture.

  • Name: Dogtooth Violet (Erythronium spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3-8
  • Color Varieties:Violet, white, yellow
  • Sun Exposure:Partial to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

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• 16 of 19

  Hellebore

  

  The Helleborus genus contains several species of shade-loving flowers. They are among the earliest plants to bloom in the winter or early spring with flowers that look similar to roses. These plants thrive in partial to full shade, though they can tolerate more sunlight in the spring when the weather is cool and the sun isn’t strong yet. But make sure they will have shade once the temperature rises.

  • Name: Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:5-8
  • Color Varieties:White, pink, purple, yellow, red
  • Sun Exposure:Partial or full shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

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• 17 of 19

  Primrose

  

  Primula is a large genus of shade-loving flowers. There is considerable variety within the genus. Many of the plants feature dark green leaves and colorful flowers that rise above the foliage on stalks. They’re fairly low-maintenance plants aside from liking consistent watering but not soggy soil. Some species prefer a spot with partial shade but morning sun. However, others do best in a spot that has full shade.

  • Name: Primrose (Primula spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3-8, depending on variety
  • Color Varieties:All colors except green
  • Sun Exposure:Partial to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

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• 18 of 19

  Hosta

  

  The genus Hosta contains dozens of species known for their green and sometimes variegated foliage. Hosta is a quintessential shade plant. It grows tall flowers stalks that bloom in various shades. Be warned though that hosta are a favorite for deer.

  • Name: Hosta (Hosta spp.)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3-9
  • Color Varieties:White, purple, pink
  • Sun Exposure:Partial to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained

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• 19 of 19

  Woodland Phlox

  

  The small woodland phlox grows up to just a foot off the ground. It's an herbaceous perennial that spreads easily but isn't considered invasive. It makes for a great flowering groundcover and has the benefit of attracting butterflies.

  • Name: Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
  • USDA Growing Zones:3-8
  • Color Varieties:Purple, blue
  • Sun Exposure:Partial to full shade
  • Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained