10 Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants for Your Garden Landscape

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Low growing perennial shade plants are an excellent addition to any garden, whether it's a small patio, a balcony, or a spacious outdoor space. These plants not only provide beauty and diversity to your garden but can also help prevent soil erosion during heavy rainfall.

In this post, we've compiled a list of 10 low-growing perennial shade plants that you should consider adding to your garden. But before we dive into the list, let's first address why it's important to choose the right plant for your shaded garden space.

Choosing the right plants for your shaded garden is essential to ensure healthy growth and an attractive landscape. While many plants may come to mind when you think of gardening, not all varieties thrive in less sunlight.

But what exactly is a shade plant? Shade plants require less than four hours of direct sunlight per day, making them ideal for gardens with limited sun exposure.

That said, here are some low growing perennial shade plants that you can consider adding to your garden:

1. Hostas

Hostas are a popular choice for shaded gardens due to their beautiful foliage and ability to grow in various soil types. They require minimal maintenance and are incredibly versatile, making them a go-to option for gardeners.

Overview

Hostas are well-known for their broad, colorful leaves and low-maintenance requirements. They are native to Asia and are often grown for their ornamental qualities.

Growing Tips

• Hostas grow best in moist, well-drained soil.
• They benefit from regular watering and a layer of mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
• Hostas thrive in cooler temperatures and are best planted in the spring or fall.

2. Foamflower

Foamflower is a delicate, low-growing plant that produces beautiful white or pink flowers in late spring or early summer. It's a great option for gardens that need a pop of color or texture.

Overview

Foamflower, also known as Tiarella, produces light green foliage that typically blooms in late spring or early summer. It's an excellent ground cover and grows well in shaded areas.

Growing Tips

• Foamflower grows best in moist, well-drained soil but can also tolerate dryer conditions.
• They benefit from regular fertilization and plenty of water during hot, dry spells.
• Foamflowers can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.

3. Lamium

Lamium is another popular low-growing perennial that thrives in partial to full shade. It's known for its silver foliage and beautiful pink or purple flowers.

Overview

Lamium is often grown for its variegated leaves, which range from white to silver, and attractive flowers. It's commonly used as a ground cover in shaded gardens.

Growing Tips

• Lamium prefers moist, well-drained soil.
• They do well with yearly pruning to promote new growth and keep the plant looking neat.
• Lamium is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal fertilizer and water.

4. Astilbe

Astilbe is a beautiful perennial that produces feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It's a great addition to any shaded garden and pairs well with other shade-tolerant plants.

Overview

Astilbe thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and produces showy blooms in mid to late summer. It's a favorite among gardeners who want to add height and color to their gardens.

Growing Tips

• Astilbe requires consistent moisture and does well with regular watering or mulching.
• They benefit from annual fertilization to promote healthy growth.
• Astilbes can be propagated by division in the spring or fall.

5. Plantain Lily

Plantain lilies, also known as Hosta plantaginea, is a low-growing perennial that produces large, lush foliage and white or purple flowers. They do particularly well in rock gardens or used as border plants.

Overview

Plantain lilies are native to eastern Asia but have become popular with gardeners around the world for their attractive leaves and beautiful flowers.

Growing Tips

• Plantain lilies prefer well-drained soil and consistent moisture.
• They benefit from occasional pruning to maintain their size and shape.
• Dividing plantain lilies every few years helps keep the plant healthy and promotes new growth.

6. Barrenwort

Barrenwort is a romantic, dainty plant that produces delicate flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. It's an excellent option for gardens that need some texture or ground cover.

Overview

Barrenwort is also called Epimedium and is often grown for its attractive foliage and exquisite flowers. It's a resilient plant that grows best in moist or rocky soils.

Growing Tips

• Barrenwort does well in partial to full shade and prefers well-drained soil.
• During hot, dry spells, they require regular watering.
• Barrenwort is best propagated by division in the spring or fall.

7. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are a classic garden perennial that produces heart-shaped blooms in shades of pink, white, and red. They're a favorite among gardeners who want to add some color to their shaded landscapes.

Overview

Bleeding Hearts, also known as Dicentra, have been cultivated for centuries for their showy flowers and delicate foliage. They thrive in moist or well-drained soil and require minimal care.

Growing Tips

• Bleeding Hearts prefer partial to full shade and average, well-drained soil.
• During hot, dry spells, they require regular watering to prevent wilting.
• Bleeding Hearts can be propagated by division or seed in the spring or fall.

8. Coral Bells

Coral bells are a versatile plant that produces stunning foliage in a range of colors. They're easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners.

Overview

Coral bells are native to North America and produce beautiful foliage in shades of red, purple, and green. They're often grown as ornamental plants and are a great option for shaded gardens.

Growing Tips

• Coral bells prefer nutrient-rich soil and consistent moisture.
• They benefit from regular fertilization and division every few years to promote new growth.
• Coral bells can be propagated by seed or division.

9. Cranesbill

Cranesbill, also known as Geranium, is a hardy plant that produces beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. It's an excellent option for gardens that need some ground cover or texture.

Overview

Cranesbill is native to Europe but has become popular with gardeners around the world for its hardiness and beautiful blooms. They come in a variety of colors and thrive in most soils.

Growing Tips

• Cranesbill prefers well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
• They require minimal fertilization and water but benefit from regular deadheading to encourage new growth.
• Cranesbill can be propagated by division or seed in the fall or spring.

10. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a low-growing perennial that produces delicate white flowers in late spring or early summer. It's an excellent ground cover and pairs well with other shade-tolerant plants.

Overview

Sweet woodruff is often grown for its attractive foliage and beautiful blooms. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and are best planted in the fall.

Growing Tips

• Sweet woodruff does well in partial to full shade and prefers rich, moist soil.
• During hot, dry spells, they require regular watering to avoid wilting.
• Sweet woodruff can be propagated by division in the fall.

In low-growing perennial shade plants are an excellent addition to any garden. They not only add variety and beauty to the garden but also help in the prevention of soil erosion during heavy rainfall.

When selecting shade-loving perennials for your garden, consider their sun requirements, water needs, and bloom periods. With proper care, these plants will thrive in even the shadiest corners of your landscape.

FAQ

1. Are Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants Good Ground Cover? Yes, many of the plants on this list make great ground cover due to their low height and spreading growth habit.

2. How do I Care for My Low Growing Perennial Shade Plant? Most low growing perennial shade plants require moist, well-drained soil and occasional fertilization. They also benefit from regular pruning to promote new growth.

3. Can These Plants Grow in Full Shade? Most of the plants on this list do well with partial shade, but some are capable of growing in full shade. Check individual plant requirements for specifics.

4. Do Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants Attract Pollinators? Yes, many low-growing perennial shade plants attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

5. When is the Best Time to Plant Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants? The best time to plant low growing perennial shade plants is in the spring or fall when the ground is moist and temperatures are cooler.

6. What Soil Type is Best for Growing Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants? Low growing perennial shade plants generally prefer humus-rich, moist, and well-draining soil.

7. Are These Plants Toxic to Pets or Humans? Some of the plants listed may be toxic to pets or humans if ingested. Research individual plant toxicity before planting.

8. Can These Plants Be Grown in Containers? Yes, most of the plants on this list can be grown in containers as long as they have adequate drainage and moisture.

9. Will These Plants Survive the Winter Months? Most of the plants on this list are hardy perennials that will survive the winter months when planted in their appropriate USDA hardiness zone.

10. Is It Necessary to Deadhead These Plants? Deadheading is not required but can help promote new growth and prolong blooming periods.