List Shade Loving Plants

List Shade Loving Plants.  Often when I observe my landscape area I see shady spots and wonder what type of plant will do well in that area.  You too have probably had those same thoughts.

So without further ado here is a list of plants that like shade.

Hostas all Varieties

Hostas are grown for their lush green color and many now come in variegated foliage.  They are also called Plantain Lily and is a herbaceous perennial.  They love the shade and do well in large containers as their foliage will cascade over your pots.

Caladium

These flowering plants are in the family of Araceae.  Grown for their colorful leaves and can be used in decorative pots or planted in the garden bed.  However, they are considered annuals in places where temperatures drop below 32° Fahrenheit.  Many gardeners also call them the Elephant’s ear.

Caladiums like to be watered a lot especially during the hot summer seasons but don’t keep them soggy.  A little less often if indoors about 2-3 times per week. It’s important that your containers drain well.

Impatiens

These plants like shade and do well in pots small or large.  They will grow to about 4-6″ in height and will spread slightly larger than their height.  Put them in a small container and place them in front of the kitchen window that has shade. There are over 1,000 species of Impatiens but the most common is the impatiens “walleriana”.  The flowers are small and grow to about 1″ in width.

Bleeding Hearts Lamprocapnos spectabilis

Another plant that tolerates lots of shade.  Beautiful over-hanging heart-shaped flowers.  It’s in the Papaveraceae genus family.  They will do great in hanging baskets underneath a pergola, porch, or patio.  It is considered an annual in colder regions.

Flowering Vinca – Periwinkle

These plants are great in pots or planted in the garden, however, they are annuals in colder climates.  They will tolerate shady conditions but will also do well in full sun provided you give them lots of water.  Every other day during the hot mid-summer seasons.

Hydrangeas – Hortensia

The blue Hydrangea is the most common.  They thrive in partial shade, plant them underneath trees or on a northeast corner or wall where there is lots of shade.  Nice looking mophead-looking flowers on this reblooming hydrangea below. The blue variety likes acidic soils the pink ones love alkaline soils. Flowers age to a vintage cream-splashed green color. Prized for cut or dried flower arrangements.  They are perennial plants but will lose their leaves during the winter season.

Bugloss Plant (Brunnera macrophylla)

This plant loves shady areas and can be planted with other types of shade plants. Is also called Siberian bugloss or “Alexander’s Great”.  It produces a nice spiky flower during the spring season.  Grows about 1ft. maybe 1.5 ft. tall.  It thrives in good loamy organic composted soil.  Do not let the soil dry out on this plant.  They Do well in USDA zones 3-8.

Star Jasmine – Trachelospermum jasminoides

It is a fast-growing evergreen vine that will do well in partial shade.  It does not mind the hot southwest weather but it will do better in shade.  Do water consistently during the summer months as it is not a drought-tolerant vine. A very fragrant white flower that will bloom from spring until early summer.  You can also use it as ground cover.  It will do excellent in a container with some type of support.

Vinca Vine Catharanthus roseus Periwinkle

The Vinca minor is a great ground cover that loves shade. Perfect for underneath a large shade tree.  It’s almost an evergreen in warmer regions.  It will grow about 4″ in height and will spread 20ft. or more.  It is considered an invasive plant where there is lots of rainfall.

Problems with shade plants

Shady plants are susceptible to powdery mildew, slugs, and snails.  Here are a few tips to follow to prevent mildew and snails.

• Avoid overspray from lawn sprinkler heads.
• Water early morning after sunrise is best.
• Do NOT water at night.
• Avoid overwatering your plants.
• Make sure potted plants have proper drainage.
• Do not plant in hard, rocky, or caliche soils. 
• Use copper tape to prevent snails and slugs from entering your garden.
• Place a pan of beer nearby your shade plants. The snails love beer they will drown in it!
• Purchase “Sluggo” to organically kill snails and slugs. Ask for it at your friendly neighborhood garden store.  Sluggo is safe around wildlife and pets.

The best deterrent to a healthy plant is to keep it well-fed and properly watered.  List Shade Loving plants.