Best Plants For a Shady Site

Hostas have always been a favorite for shady areas of the garden. Shade can be a problem especially when it occurs for most of the day or is due to nearby trees.

The best plants for a shady spot are bedding begonia, coleus, and impatiens, but all the following popular types will flourish despite some shade.

  • Ajuga

  • Astilbe

  • Bedding Begonia

  • Tuberous Begonia

  • Calceolaria

  • Calendula

  • Campanula

  • Coleus

  • Conifers

  • Cyclamen

  • Euonymus

  • Euphorbia

  • Fuschia

  • Hedera

  • Hosta

  • Impatiens

  • Kochia

  • Lobelia

  • Mimulus

  • Nasturtium

  • Nemophila

  • Nicotiana

  • Pansy

  • Polygonum (geranium)

  • Stock

  • Viola

  • Vinca

Most bedding plants thrive where the site has some protection from the prevailing wind and received a little shade during the day. The soil should be free draining, reasonably rich in humus but not too rich in nitrogen. Unfortunately, we cannot change the situation so choose plants that can handle the situation you put them in.