Full shade is found in woodlands and forests, where the rees provide a full, sheltering canopy. Here plants receive less than an hour of direct sun a day, though they often benefit from filtered sun during part of the day. It's possible to have a gorgeous garden in full shade by choosing shade-tolerant plants like hostas, bleeding hearts.
Deep shade is the bane of gardeners. In nature, look for deep shade in coniferous forests where direct sunlight seldom if ever reaches the ground. In the garden, deep shade occurs where walls and other solid structures completely block out the sun.
The following plants may be planted in an area with decidous trees such as oak and maple. In general, such areas are too shady for grass and may be covered in leaf litter. The higher the canopy, the more chance plants will succeed. Rain showers will likely not penetrate the canopy, and unless sufficient rain falls, plants must be watered by hand.
Virginia BluebellMertensia virginica
Anemonella thalictroides - Rue anemone
Asarum (all species) - Wild ginger
Arisaema (all species) -
Jack-in-the-pulpit
Brunnera macrophylla - Brunnera
Epimedium (all species) -
Barrenwort
Galeobdolon luteus - Yellow archangel
Heuchera americana -
Alum root
Hosta (all species) -
Hosta
Mertensia virginica -
Virginia bluebell
Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' -
Fragrant solomon's seal
Stylophorum diphyllum -
Wood poppy
Tiarella (all species) -
Foam flower
Trillium (all species) -
Trillium
Viola labradorica -
Labrador violet
Dry, shaded areas are some of the most difficult sites to fill. The most difficult places are those where the shade is the result of large shade trees whose roots suck out all the available water from benethe and around the trees. No plants enjoy such conditions, but a few will tolerate them. Provide additional irrigation whenever possible.
Plants Tolerant of Dry Shade
Alchemilla mollis -
Lady's-mantle
Epimedium versicolor "Sulphureum" -
Barrenwort
Galeobdolon luteum -
Yellow archangel
Lamium maculatum -
Dead nettle
Polygonatum odoratum "Variegatum" -
Fragrant Solomon's seal
Viola labradorica -
Labrador violet