Best Flowers for Shade: 20 Beautiful Blooms for Low Light
Transform dark corners and shady spots into colorful gardens with these shade-loving flowers that actually thrive without full sun.
Shade gardens can be just as stunning as sunny borders—if you choose the right plants. Whether you have dappled light under trees, a north-facing yard, or the shade of a building, these best flowers for shade will bring color and life to your low-light spaces.
Understanding Shade Types
Part Shade
3-6 hours of direct sun
Most shade plants thrive here. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Full Shade
Less than 3 hours of direct sun
Can still be bright with reflected or filtered light. Many plants adapt well.
Deep Shade
No direct sun, limited light
The most challenging. Focus on foliage plants with occasional blooms.
Best Shade-Loving Annuals
These plants complete their life cycle in one season and provide reliable color from spring to frost.
1. Impatiens
The classic shade annual with non-stop blooms in every color.
- - Light: Part to full shade
- - Colors: Pink, red, white, orange, purple
- - Height: 6-24 inches
2. Begonias
Waxy flowers and attractive foliage for beds and containers.
- - Light: Part shade to shade
- - Colors: Pink, red, white, orange
- - Height: 6-18 inches
3. Lobelia
Delicate trailing flowers perfect for containers and edges.
- - Light: Part shade
- - Colors: Blue, purple, white, pink
- - Height: 4-9 inches (trailing)
4. Fuchsia
Dramatic hanging flowers loved by hummingbirds.
- - Light: Part shade to shade
- - Colors: Pink, red, purple, white combinations
- - Height: 1-2 feet (trailing)
5. Torenia (Wishbone Flower)
Trumpet-shaped blooms that love heat and humidity.
- - Light: Part shade to shade
- - Colors: Blue, purple, pink, yellow
- - Height: 6-12 inches
6. Coleus
Grown for stunning foliage in endless color combinations.
- - Light: Part shade to shade
- - Foliage: Red, pink, green, purple, yellow
- - Height: 6 inches to 3 feet
Best Shade-Loving Perennials
These plants return year after year, creating a permanent foundation for your shade garden.
7. Hostas
The king of shade gardens with stunning foliage variety.
- - Zones: 3-9
- - Light: Part to full shade
- - Features: Blue, green, gold, variegated leaves
8. Astilbe
Feathery plumes above fern-like foliage.
- - Zones: 4-8
- - Light: Part shade
- - Colors: Pink, red, white, purple
9. Bleeding Heart
Heart-shaped flowers on arching stems. Old-fashioned charm.
- - Zones: 3-9
- - Light: Part to full shade
- - Colors: Pink, white, red
10. Lily of the Valley
Fragrant white bells and excellent groundcover.
- - Zones: 3-8
- - Light: Part to full shade
- - Note: Spreads aggressively
11. Hellebores
Late winter blooms when nothing else flowers.
- - Zones: 4-9
- - Light: Part to full shade
- - Colors: White, pink, purple, green
12. Ferns
Texture and movement for woodland gardens.
- - Zones: Varies by species
- - Light: Part to full shade
- - Try: Japanese painted fern, autumn fern
13. Brunnera
Heart-shaped leaves and forget-me-not blue flowers.
- - Zones: 3-8
- - Light: Part to full shade
- - Try: 'Jack Frost' for silver foliage
14. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Stunning colored foliage in nearly every shade.
- - Zones: 4-9
- - Light: Part shade
- - Foliage: Purple, lime, orange, black, silver
Shade Bulbs for Spring
15. Bluebells
Carpet of blue in spring before trees leaf out.
16. Snowdrops
First flowers of late winter, even through snow.
17. Winter Aconite
Bright yellow cups in late winter shade.
Shade Shrubs with Flowers
18. Hydrangeas
Big blooms in part shade. Oakleaf varieties tolerate more shade.
19. Rhododendrons
Evergreen with spectacular spring flowers. Classic shade plant.
20. Azaleas
Smaller cousin of rhododendrons. Blazing spring color.
Shade Gardening Tips
- 1Improve drainage
Shade often means damp soil. Add organic matter to improve drainage and root health.
- 2Use lighter colors
White, yellow, and pale pink flowers show up better in low light than deep colors.
- 3Embrace foliage
Colorful and variegated leaves provide interest when flowers aren't blooming.
- 4Watch for root competition
Tree roots compete for water and nutrients. Use raised beds near large trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any flowers grow in full shade?
Very few flowers bloom well in deep shade. Focus on foliage plants like hostas, ferns, and heucheras, with occasional blooms from hellebores, lily of the valley, and astilbe.
Why aren't my shade plants blooming?
They may be getting too much shade, or not enough water/nutrients. Try thinning tree branches to let in more dappled light, and fertilize in spring.
What's the most colorful shade flower?
Impatiens offer the widest color range and bloom most continuously. For perennials, heucheras provide year-round foliage color in shades from lime to nearly black.
Shade gardens offer a cool retreat from summer sun and provide opportunities for plants that can't handle intense heat. With the right selection of flowers for shade, your low-light areas can become the most peaceful and beautiful parts of your landscape.
Local Flower Team
Local Flower
The Local Flower team is dedicated to helping you discover beautiful blooms and connect with talented florists in your area.