10 Shady Spot Plants That Will Survive & Thrive In A Shady Yard

A collage of pictures of flowers and plants in a shady spot.

These 10 shady spot plants will not only survive…they will thrive in a shady yard. You probably googled this topic because you have a shady yard. So you may be having challenges finding plants that will flourish.

Don’t worry, we are sharing this list of 10 shady spot plants that are easy to care for, require the shade, and will grow in all but the hottest of climates.

1 – JERUSALEM SAGE

A plant with yellow flowers in a shady spot on top of a mountain.
Jerusalem Sage is hardy and adds tons of color. |Photo Credit: Austin Native Landscaping

Jerusalem Sage is a hardy plant. Gardeners plant it as a border because it grows low. You can choose from several colors to add color to your garden.

2 – ASTIBLE

A group of purple flowers in a shady garden spot.
Astible adds color and charm. | Photo Credit: The Spruce

Gardeners choose astible for shade gardens for two reasons. First, their feathery textured spikes add height to the garden. Second, the color selection is gorgeous.

3 – HOSTA

Many different types of shady spot plants in a garden bed.
Hosta is perfect to fill in shady spots.| Photo Credit: DIY Home & Garden

When gardeners think of shade plants, hosta is at the top of the list. The hosta fills in shady spots and grows rapidly. The tall purple or white flowers shoot up the top of the plant and add color. Also, you choose from solid or variegated leaves.

4 – BLEEDING HEARTS

Bleedinghearts blooming in a shady garden.
Of course, bleeding hearts take name from their shape.|Photo Credit: DIY Network

Because of the heart-shaped blooms, gardeners easily identify Bleeding Hearts. They are a shade garden fave.

5 – TRILLIUM

A white trillium flower bloom in a shady spot.
Gardeners identify trillium from the three delicate petals on each bloom.|Photo Credit: Easy Wildflowers

You can easily spot a Trillium flower. It has a delicate bloom with three flowers. Of course, it is named for this three petal pattern.

6 – LILY OF THE VALLEY

Shady spot plants.
Of course, no shade garden is complete without lily of the valley.|Photo Credit: Pinterest

Gardeners have added Lily of the Valley to their offerings for centuries because they are easy to grow and care for.

7 – BLUEBELL

A field of bluebells in a wooded area, providing a shady spot for plants.
Of course, bluebells are famously British.|Photo Credit: National Trust UK

Many gardeners plant Bluebells to fill in their shady spots. Of course, they thrive in the shade. In fact, they are prolific bloomers, as well!

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8 – ENGLISH IVY

Ivy creating a shady spot around a tree in a garden.
English Ivy thrives directly under trees.|Photo Credit: Gardeners Direct

While some plants don’t co-exist well directly under a tree, this is not the case for English Ivy. It loves to be planted just under your trees and will even climb up them in time.

9 – COLUMBINE

A purple flower plant in a shady spot.
Because it spreads quickly, use columbine any place that you need quick coverage. | Photo Credit: Flower Picture Gallery

Columbine grows quickly, then drops seeds that take quickly. If you need coverage in a hurry, grow columbine in your shade garden.

10 – HYDRANGEA

A shady spot with a bush of blue flowers in front of a wooden fence.
Hydrangea produces lush, large blooms. | Photo Credit: North Coast Gardening

Fun fact. Hydrangea takes its color depending on the acidity of your soil. For example, your blooms may be blue or purple depending upon that factor. Either way, they love the shade!

So if you are thinking of a shade garden, remember these 10 shady spot plants. Keep them in mind and you will have a lush garden space.

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