Shade isn't a limitation so much as a different palette — plenty of plants actually prefer it to full sun.
Knowing Your Shade Type
Light shade gets a few hours of direct sun or bright filtered light all day; full shade gets no direct sun at all. Most shade-tolerant plants actually prefer the lighter version — very few plants thrive in truly deep, dark shade under dense evergreens.
Reliable Choices for Shade
Hostas, ferns, astilbe, bleeding heart, and coral bells are all dependable performers in shady beds, valued as much for foliage texture and color as for flowers. Impatiens and begonias are popular shade-loving annuals for adding seasonal color to a shady bed.
Watch for Dry Shade Under Trees
The area beneath established trees is often both shady and dry, since tree roots compete heavily for water. Vinca, pachysandra, and epimedium tolerate these tougher dry-shade conditions better than many other shade plants.
