Stunners for shade
By: Garden Gate staff
| 1 of 3
Surefire Rose begonia Begonia benariensis
Surefire® Rose is one versatile begonia — you can grow it in the sun, but it looks just as good in the shade. It’s at home in containers, and you won’t have to worry about not seeing it in the border — an upright habit and vigorous growth mean it doesn’t get overwhelmed by larger perennials nearby.
Plus, this begonia’s copper foliage makes a nice accent to the rose-pink flowers. Just allow the potting mix or soil to dry out between waterings for the most success.
Type Tender perennial
Blooms Rose-pink from spring to fall
Light Full sun to full shade
Soil Well-drained
Size 12 to 24 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 10 to 11
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 12 to 1
Source Local garden centers
| 2 of 3
Lady fern Athyrium filix-femina
Ferns are a go-to plant for shade, and the lacy foliage of lady fern provides a great contrast to hostas (Hosta spp. and hybrids) and other large-leaf shade perennials. Lady fern is also super easy to grow, and though it does best in moist conditions, it tolerates drier soils than other ferns.
Type Perennial
Blooms Insignificant
Light Part to full shade
Soil Moist, well-drained
Size 24 to 36 in. tall, 24 to 30 in. wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 4 to 8
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 8 to 1
Source Fieldstone Gardens
| 3 of 3
‘Misty Blue’ white baneberry Actaea pachypoda
After its white bottlebrushlike flowers finish, ‘Misty Blue’ white baneberry’s pretty white berries form, just like you see here, and the red stems become much more visible.
To keep it looking good and growing strong, make sure it gets regular moisture and well-draining soil.
Type Perennial
Blooms White from spring to early summer; white fruit in fall
Light Part shade
Soil Moist, well-drained
Size 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide
Cold-hardy USDA zones 3 to 8
Heat-tolerant AHS zones 8 to 1
Source Lazy S’S Farm and Nursery
- 1
- 2
- 3
