Best Plants for Part Shade

Part shade areas are common in many landscapes and can support a wide variety of plants when the right selections are made. While light levels are lower, many plants thrive in these conditions and provide color, texture, and seasonal interest. This guide outlines plants well-suited for part shade, along with key characteristics to help you choose the right fit for your space.

Annuals

Alyssum
Begonia
Caladium
Coleus
Fuchsia
Impatiens
Iresine
Nemesia
Polka Dot
Potato Vine
Purple Heart
Rex Begonia
Viola

Perennials

Astilbe
Bergenia
Bleeding Heart
Brunnera
Columbine
Coralbells
Epimedium
Ferns
Goats Beard
Hosta
Jacob’s Ladder
Japanese Forest Grass
Lady’s Mantle
Lamium
Lily of the Valley
Lungwort
Pulmonaria
Solomon’s Seal
Ivy
Pachysandra
Vinca

Shrubs

Alpine Currant
Burning Bush
Calycanthus
Chokeberry Red & Black
Clethra
Climbing Hydrangea
Diervilla
Dogwood Red Twig
Dogwood Ivory Halo
Fothergilla
Hydrangea
Itea
Kerria
Sweetshrub
Vernal Witchhazel
Viburnum