Plants That Grow in Full Shade

23 Beauties That Are Not Afraid of the Dark

By David Beaulieu

Updated 08/12/19

Helleborus orientalis
49pauly / Getty Images

Searching for plants that grow in full shade is an endeavor fraught with challenges. The difficulties begin with the language used to discuss the subject. First, some clarifications on terminology. 

For horticultural purposes, a location is in "full shade" if it receives less than three hours of direct sun daily but does receive indirect sunlight. Second, if a plant is recommended for full shade, that means it can not only survive in low-light conditions but rather it can thrive.

illustration of plants that grow in full shade
Illustration: The Spruce / Ashley Nicole DeLeon
  • 01 of 05

    Shrubs

    First, take a look at shrubs. You might easily overlook them when planning your shade garden (many gardeners gravitate toward annuals and perennials). Do not forget about them since shrubs provide structure and background for that planting bed you are so eager to fill with the smaller plants that tend to be much more visible at the garden center. All of the following shrubs are grown for their foliage, not for flowers and can add undeniable value to a shade garden (The zone recommendations listed refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone system):

    30 Shrubs for Shady Areas
  • 02 of 05

    Perennials

    This is where you can begin to make up for the floral color that your non-flowering shrubs lack:

    10 Excellent Plants for Your Shade Garden
  • 03 of 05

    Annuals

    Supplement the flowers provided by your perennials with judiciously placed annuals. Keep in mind that many of the plants that Northerners treat as annuals are actually perennials in warmer parts of the world where they are originated (in most cases, the tropics). These plants are too tender to live long in climates that have cold winters. This is a case where usage trumps botany. These plants are termed "annuals" because that is how they are used in gardens and landscapes in colder climates.

  • 04 of 05

    Ground Covers

    Ground cover plants for full shade come in especially handy when you need to cover large swaths of shaded land and do not have the time or inclination to mess around with perennial beds or to plant a fresh batch of annuals every year to serve as bedding plants.

    Be Wary When Choosing a Ground Cover Plant for Shady Areas
    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
  • 05 of 05

    Vines

    Options for vines are limited, particularly if you are in search of a flowering vine for shady locations that is hardy in cold-winter climates. Boston ivy is grown for its foliage, yet it is not as colorful in fall if it is grown in full shade. But the nice, green foliage it provides in summer is nice to look at.