Got some shady spots in your garden that need filling? Finding plants that grow tall in low-light areas can be tricky. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 10 great tall shade plants that can thrive without much direct sunlight.
Some of these plants like damp soil, while others do fine in drier conditions once they’re settled in. Most don’t need much care – just a bit of cleanup each spring to make room for new growth. These plants can add height, texture, and color to those tricky shaded corners of your yard.
Design Tips for Incorporating Tall Shade Plants
Creating layers in your garden
Layering your garden with tall shade plants creates a lush, forest-like atmosphere that adds depth and interest to your outdoor space. Start with the tallest plants at the back or center, then gradually work your way forward or outward with medium-height and low-growing plants to create a natural, tiered effect.
Combining tall plants with understory species
Pairing tall shade plants with shorter, shade-loving understory species mimics natural forest ecosystems and maximizes the use of vertical space in your garden. Choose complementary plants that thrive in similar conditions, such as ferns, hostas, or shade-tolerant groundcovers, to create a harmonious and diverse plant community beneath your tall shade-givers.
Using tall plants as focal points or screens
Tall shade plants can serve as striking focal points in your garden, drawing the eye and creating visual interest. Alternatively, they can be strategically placed to create natural privacy screens or to divide your garden into distinct “rooms,” offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits to your outdoor space.
1. Hostas (Hosta plantaginea)
If you’re looking for a reliable workhorse for shady spots, hostas are hard to beat. These hardy perennials offer graceful mounds of leafy foliage in shades from blue-green to bright chartreuse, often with interesting variegated patterns.
In summer, tall flower stalks rise above the leaves, carrying white or lavender blooms that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Hostas grow steadily larger each year, eventually forming dense clumps that can be divided and shared with friends.
Plant them under trees or along north-facing foundations where other plants struggle, and pair them with ferns or astilbe for a classic shade garden combination.
2. False Goat’s Beard (Astilbes)
Shade gardeners love astilbes for their reliability and no-fuss nature in low-light spots. These hardy perennials send up feathery plumes of pink, red, or white flowers that rise above deeply cut, dark green foliage from early to late summer.
Astilbes prefer moist, rich soil and can handle locations where other plants might struggle. Once established, they form thick clumps that gradually spread, creating natural borders along woodland paths or water gardens.
They work well with ferns and hostas, offering a different texture and form that helps break up large areas of ground cover. Even after the flowers fade, the dried seed heads add winter interest to the garden when left standing.
3. Ferns (Polypodiopsida)
Ferns have earned their place as reliable shade garden companions for good reason. Their arching fronds unfold like nature’s own umbrellas, creating layers of cool green texture in dark corners where other plants struggle.
In spring, these woodland natives push up copper-colored fiddleheads that slowly uncoil into familiar leafy shapes. Most ferns spread gradually over time, forming natural groundcovers that work well with other shade-lovers like hostas and wild ginger.
They ask for little maintenance beyond regular water and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Plant them in rich, well-draining soil and watch as they fill those tricky shaded spots with their easygoing charm.
4. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum)
Solomon’s Seal is a natural choice for filling those quiet corners in woodland gardens. Its long, graceful stems arch over like a fountain, sporting oval leaves that line up neatly along each branch.
In spring, small white flowers dangle beneath the stems like tiny bells, followed by bluish-black berries later in the season. The leaves turn a soft yellow in fall before the plant retreats underground for winter.
Pair it with ferns and wild ginger to create a peaceful shade garden that looks like it’s always been there. This easy-going plant spreads slowly through underground stems, gradually forming a nice colony that helps keep weeds at bay.
5. Leopard Plant (Ligularia)
With large broad leaves and tall yellow flower spikes, Ligularia makes a bold statement in shady garden spots. In mid to late summer, golden daisy-like flowers rise up on dark stems above the rounded, toothed foliage, creating natural drama in darker corners.
The plant’s big leaves offer a tropical look that pairs well with ferns and hostas. It prefers consistently moist soil and protection from hot afternoon sun – if it dries out, the leaves will quickly wilt to let you know it needs water.
Plant it near water features or in low spots where moisture naturally collects, and you’ll be rewarded with reliable color when many other shade plants have finished blooming.
6. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
Japanese forest grass offers a wonderfully unique texture to any shaded garden spot. Its slim, arching leaves create a graceful waterfall effect, swaying gently with every breeze.
Growing 12-18 inches tall, this grass forms neat mounds that spread slowly over time, making it an excellent companion for hostas and ferns. The green-and-gold striped leaves maintain their good looks from spring through fall, when they take on warm golden tones before winter dormancy.
In areas with hot summers, Japanese forest grass appreciates consistent moisture and protection from afternoon sun. Plant it along pathways or at the front of borders where its cascading habit can soften hard edges.
7. Foxgloves (Digitalis)
These tall, tube-shaped blooms have been a cottage garden favorite for generations, and it’s easy to see why. Foxgloves send up spikes of spotted, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white that nod gracefully in summer breezes.
The plants grow naturally in woodland areas, so they’re right at home in partly shaded spots where other flowers might struggle. Each flower spike can reach 4-5 feet tall, making them perfect partners for shorter perennials like geraniums or lamb’s ear.
While foxgloves are technically biennial (flowering in their second year), they self-seed readily, creating new plants that keep the show going year after year.
8. Bugbanes (Cimicifuga)
Bugbanes bring natural charm to shaded gardens with their tall, graceful flower spikes that sway gently in the breeze. The dark green, toothed foliage creates a full backdrop, while clusters of white or pink flowers rise up on long stems in late summer and fall.
These shade-loving perennials release a light, sweet fragrance that attracts butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. When paired with ferns and hostas, bugbanes add welcome height to woodland settings and create layers of interest.
Despite their size, these plants are easy to care for and return year after year with minimal fuss.
9. Goat’s Beard (Aruncus)
Looking like a giant relative of astilbe, goat’s beard brings a welcome dose of white blooms to shady spots. In early summer, plumes of small, creamy flowers rise above large, compound leaves that add nice texture to woodland gardens.
The male plants produce bigger, showier flowers, while female plants offer more compact blooms. By late summer, the plant goes dormant, so pair it with hostas or ferns that can fill in after goat’s beard fades away.
Growing up to 6 feet tall in moist conditions, this native perennial works especially well in the back of borders or as a natural backdrop along wooded edges.
10. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos)
There’s little wonder why bleeding hearts charm gardeners with their unique blooms and graceful presence. Heart-shaped flowers in shades of pink or white dangle from gently curved stems like strings of tiny valentines, creating a romantic display in spring and early summer.
The green, divided leaves add an airy, natural feel beneath the flowers. After its main show, bleeding heart takes a summer nap, disappearing until next season.
Consider planting ferns or hostas nearby to fill the space when the bleeding heart rests. This classic perennial thrives in shady spots and brings a touch of whimsy to woodland gardens.
11. Toad Lily (Tricyrtis)
Growing 2-3 feet tall, toad lilies shine in late summer and fall when most shade gardens are winding down. These hardy perennials (zones 4-9) produce orchid-like flowers speckled with purple, pink, or white spots.
The arching stems carry lance-shaped leaves that provide a graceful backdrop for the unusual blooms.
Popular varieties include ‘Sinonome’ with its white petals dotted in dark purple, and ‘Tojen’ featuring soft lavender flowers. Toad lilies prefer rich, well-drained soil with regular moisture and shelter from hot afternoon sun.
They’re remarkably trouble-free and rarely bothered by deer or rabbits. Plant in groups of three or more for best effect.
12. Rodgersia
Looking for drama in a shady spot? Rodgersia delivers big impact with its large, textured leaves that resemble horse chestnut foliage.
This hardy perennial (zones 5-8) reaches heights of 3-4 feet and produces plumes of tiny pink or white flowers in early summer.
The leaves emerge with bronze tints in spring before maturing to deep green. Varieties like ‘Bronze Peacock’ feature burgundy-tinged foliage, while ‘Superba’ offers pink flower spikes above green leaves.
Prefers rich, moist soil and partial to full shade. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance once established, Rodgersia handles humidity well but needs protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer regions.
13. Hellebores (Helleborus)
Gardeners know and love Hellebores as one of the first perennials to bloom in late winter, sometimes while snow is still on the ground. These tough plants feature dark green, leathery leaves and downward-facing flowers in shades of white, pink, purple and cream.
Growing 18-24 inches tall, they thrive in partial to full shade and well-draining soil. The flowers last for several months, gradually changing color as they age. Hellebores are deer resistant and handle drought well once established.
Hardy in zones 4-9. Popular varieties include ‘Pink Frost’ with pink and white blooms, ‘Royal Heritage’ offering mixed colors, and ‘Winter Jewels’ with double flowers in varied hues.
14. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)
Gardeners love this perennial shade companion for its heart-shaped leaves and clusters of blue spring flowers that look like forget-me-nots. Growing in zones 3-8, Brunnera forms neat mounds of foliage that stay fresh from spring through fall.
Most varieties reach 12-15 inches tall. The leaves can be solid green or variegated with silver patterns, depending on the cultivar. ‘Jack Frost’ offers silvery leaves with green veining, while ‘Alexander’s Great’ has larger silvery foliage.
‘Looking Glass’ impresses with nearly solid silver leaves. Performs best in moist, rich soil and part to full shade. Deer and rabbit resistant.
15. Japanese Anemone (Anemone × hybrida)
Late-summer shade gardens come alive when Japanese anemones begin their bloom show. These hardy perennials, growing in zones 4-8, produce charming pink or white flowers that dance on tall, wiry stems from August through October.
The main varieties include ‘Honorine Jobert’ with pure white blooms and ‘September Charm’ featuring soft pink petals. Deep green maple-like foliage forms dense clumps that spread gradually through rhizomes.
While they prefer cool, moist soil with good drainage, once established they can handle periods of drought. Morning sun with afternoon shade provides ideal growing conditions. Pair them with hostas and ferns for a natural woodland look.
16. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral bells have come a long way from their simple green-leaved origins, now boasting foliage in shades from burgundy to chartreuse, plus silvery patterns.
These hardy perennials (zones 4-9) form neat mounds of leaves topped by tiny bell-shaped flowers on tall stems during late spring through summer.
While the blooms attract hummingbirds, the foliage steals the show year-round. Popular varieties include ‘Palace Purple’ with its deep purple leaves, ‘Caramel’ showing warm amber tones, and ‘Lime Rickey’ featuring bright chartreuse foliage.
They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, holding up well in heat and humidity as long as they get regular water. Disease resistant and deer-resistant too.
17. Epimedium (Barrenwort)
Growing just 12-18 inches tall, Epimedium works beautifully as a graceful shade garden groundcover. Hardy in zones 4-9, this tough perennial is also known as barrenwort or bishop’s hat for its unique flower shape.
The heart-shaped leaves emerge with reddish tints in spring before turning green, while dainty blooms in pink, purple, yellow or white appear in early spring. Drought tolerant once established, it spreads slowly via rhizomes to form tidy clumps.
Popular varieties include ‘Pink Champagne’ with rose-pink flowers, ‘Sulphureum’ featuring bright yellow blooms, and ‘Rubrum’ with red-tinted foliage.
Deer and rabbit resistant, it thrives in partial to full shade and handles dry conditions under trees with ease.
18. Monkshood (Aconitum)
Also known as wolf’s bane, monkshood is a perennial that reaches 3-6 feet tall with dark green, deeply-cut leaves. The late summer to fall blooms appear as hood-shaped flowers in rich shades of purple, blue, pink or white, depending on the variety.
Though slow to establish, monkshood thrives in zones 3-8 and prefers partial shade with rich, well-draining soil. Resistant to deer and rabbits, but all parts are highly toxic so use caution.
Best varieties include A. carmichaelii with violet-blue spikes, A. napellus with deep purple blooms, and white-flowering A. album. Requires consistent moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun.
19. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort makes a great garden companion, offering blue-speckled leaves that light up shady spots and remain attractive all season. A hardy perennial in zones 3-8, this low-growing plant puts on its best show in spring when sprays of pink buds open to blue-purple flowers.
The blooms change color as they age, creating a multi-toned display. Most varieties grow 8-12 inches tall and spread slowly to form neat clumps.
Popular cultivars include ‘Raspberry Splash’ with silver-spotted leaves and raspberry-pink flowers, ‘Mrs. Moon’ with bright blue blooms, and ‘Bertram Anderson’ featuring dark silver leaves.
Prefers rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Deer and rabbit resistant.
20. Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) brings springtime joy with fragrant purple-blue blooms that rise 12-18 inches above the ground. A hardy perennial suitable for zones 3-8, this North American native spreads slowly to form tidy mounds of dark green leaves.
The flowers appear in April-May and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Most at home in partial to full shade with moist, well-draining soil. Resistant to deer and rabbits, but can be affected by powdery mildew in humid conditions.
The most popular cultivars include ‘Blue Moon’ with indigo flowers, ‘May Breeze’ featuring white blooms, and ‘Fuller’s White’ with pristine white petals.
21. Korean Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum)
Tall and tolerant perennial that rises up to 6 feet in height, Korean Mountain Mint has a minty fragrance and attracts butterflies like a magnet. Its leaves stay green from spring through fall, producing clusters of white flowers in late summer.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in zones 4-8 and adapts well to both sunny and partially shaded spots. Look for varieties like ‘White Swan’ with pure white blooms, ‘Blue Ghost’ showing lavender-tinted flowers, and ‘Silver Queen’ featuring silvery-green foliage.
Resists deer and rabbits naturally, handles drought once established, and doesn’t mind clay soil. Grows well in most climates but prefers regular moisture during hot spells.
22. Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
A graceful ornamental grass that adds movement and texture to shaded gardens with its bamboo-like foliage and drooping seedheads. Growing 3-4 feet tall, Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is a hardy perennial in zones 5-9.
The flat, copper-colored seedheads appear in late summer and persist through winter, creating visual interest in all seasons. Performs best in part shade with moist soil but tolerates heat and dry spells once established.
Main varieties include ‘River Mist’ with white-striped leaves and ‘Little Waves’ with more compact growth. Plants readily self-seed, so consider removing seedheads if spreading is a concern. Disease and deer resistant.
23. Cohosh (Actaea/Cimicifuga)
Cohosh comes in both black and blue varieties, with large compound leaves that reach up to 3 feet high. Black cohosh produces tall white flower spikes in late summer, while blue cohosh shows small purple flowers in spring followed by blue berries.
The long-lasting foliage stays attractive all season, creating dense natural shade. A hardy perennial for zones 3-8, cohosh grows best in rich, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
It’s remarkably drought tolerant once established and resists most pests and diseases. Popular varieties include ‘Black Pearl’ with dark stems, ‘Pink Spike’ featuring blush-tinted flowers, and the native American species with classic green foliage.
24. Tiarella (Foamflower)
Often called foam flower, Tiarella is a reliable perennial that thrives in shady spots across zones 4-9. The airy flowers bloom in spring, displaying pale pink to white clusters held above the foliage like little puffs of foam.
The leaves stay low to the ground and can be heart-shaped or maple-like, often with dark veining or mottling. Some varieties feature burgundy or purple markings that add interest throughout the growing season.
Popular cultivars include ‘Pink Skyrocket’ with bright pink blooms, ‘Iron Butterfly’ with deep purple leaf markings, and ‘Sugar and Spice’ with lacy, speckled foliage. Tiarella needs consistently moist, well-draining soil and performs best in partial to full shade.
25. Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
Growing 18-24 inches tall, Japanese painted ferns bring an artistic touch to shady spots with their silvery-gray fronds edged in burgundy. A low-maintenance perennial hardy in zones 5-8, they spread slowly to form dense clumps perfect for woodland gardens.
Spring brings fresh new growth that maintains its beauty through fall. Plants do best in rich, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. While they can handle morning sun, afternoon shade is a must to prevent scorching.
Top varieties include ‘Pictum’ with metallic silver leaves, ‘Burgundy Lace’ showing deeper red tones, and ‘Ghost’ featuring pale silver fronds. Heat-tolerant once established, though they appreciate extra water during hot spells.
Are the plants on this website available here, in the UK?
Love the look of your plants on the website. I have a bed under trees in my garden and I’m looking for plants that would survive here. (Not acid loving)!! Thanks for any help.
would like to buy plants if I can