Not every garden enjoys full sun all day—and that’s perfectly fine. Whether you’re working with dappled light, morning sun, or bright shade, there are plenty of stunning perennials that will flourish and flower beautifully in part-shade conditions.
This list includes 27 reliable, low-maintenance plants that love a break from the heat and perform best with just a few hours of daily sunlight.
From foliage-focused charmers to blooming beauties, these plants will brighten up those tricky in-between spaces and return year after year.
1) Toad Lily
Toad lilies are delicate, exotic-looking perennials that thrive in shady, damp corners of the garden. Their orchid-like flowers bloom in late summer to early fall, offering unexpected color when many other plants are winding down.
Despite their dainty appearance, toad lilies are tough and dependable. They prefer rich, moist soil and are perfect for woodland borders, under trees, or near water features.
Plant them where you can admire the intricate blooms up close.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Toad Lily ‘Sinonome’ | 4–8 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Toad Lily ‘Miyazaki’ | 4–9 | Fall |
| Toad Lily ‘Samurai’ | 5–9 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Toad Lily ‘Empress’ | 5–8 | August to October |
2) Foxglove
Foxgloves are classic part-shade perennials with tall, stately spikes of tubular flowers in pink, purple, white, and yellow. They add drama and height to shady borders and woodland edges.
These pollinator favorites attract bees and hummingbirds and bloom in late spring to early summer. While some foxgloves are biennials, many perennial varieties will return and reseed naturally.
They prefer moist, well-drained soil and dappled sunlight for best growth.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Foxglove ‘Dalmatian Purple’ | 4–9 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Foxglove ‘Excelsior Mix’ | 4–8 | Summer |
| Foxglove ‘Camelot Cream’ | 4–9 | Late Spring to Mid Summer |
| Foxglove ‘Foxy’ | 4–9 | Early to Mid Summer |
3) Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese painted ferns are grown for their stunning foliage—fronds painted in silvery green with hints of burgundy and purple. They brighten up shady areas and pair beautifully with hostas, heucheras, or bleeding hearts.
They thrive in consistently moist soil and part to full shade. These ferns are excellent for woodland gardens, borders, or shaded containers and bring elegance and texture without the need for flowers.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Foliage Season |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Painted Fern | 3–8 | Spring to Fall |
| ‘Burgundy Lace’ | 4–8 | Spring to Fall |
| ‘Pictum’ | 4–8 | Spring to Fall |
| ‘Crested Surf’ | 4–9 | Spring to Fall |
4) Corydalis
Corydalis is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial that produces delicate, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or yellow. It blooms in spring and often reblooms in cooler weather.
This plant thrives in part shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Its finely cut foliage adds soft texture to the garden, and it works beautifully in woodland borders or under shrubs.
It’s deer-resistant and generally trouble-free.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Corydalis ‘Blue Panda’ | 5–8 | Spring to Fall (off/on) |
| Corydalis lutea | 5–9 | Spring to Frost |
| Corydalis ‘Blackberry Wine’ | 5–8 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Corydalis ‘Purple Bird’ | 5–8 | Spring |
5) Barrenwort
Barrenwort is a tough, adaptable groundcover with delicate, heart-shaped leaves and dainty spring flowers that resemble tiny columbines. It thrives in dry shade once established and spreads gently to form a dense mat of foliage.
This low-maintenance perennial is ideal for shady borders, under trees, or beneath shrubs. The semi-evergreen leaves often take on red or bronze tones in fall and winter.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Barrenwort ‘Sulphureum’ | 4–9 | Mid to Late Spring |
| Barrenwort ‘Pink Champagne’ | 5–9 | Spring |
| Barrenwort ‘Orange Queen’ | 5–8 | Spring |
| Barrenwort ‘Frohnleiten’ | 4–9 | Spring |
6) Trillium
Trilliums are native woodland perennials prized for their three-petaled flowers and whorled leaves. Blooming in early spring, they thrive in rich, moist, part-shade environments and lend a natural, wild charm to woodland gardens.
These plants are slow to establish but long-lived, returning reliably each spring if left undisturbed.
Trilliums are an excellent choice for native gardens or naturalized areas under deciduous trees.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| White Trillium | 4–8 | Early to Mid Spring |
| Red Trillium | 4–8 | Spring |
| Yellow Trillium | 4–8 | Spring |
| Painted Trillium | 4–8 | Mid Spring |
7) Rodgersia
Rodgersia is a bold perennial known for its large, textured leaves that resemble horse chestnut or fern fronds. In early to mid-summer, it sends up tall plumes of creamy white or pink flowers. Its dramatic foliage gives shady gardens a lush, tropical vibe.
This plant thrives in part shade with moist, rich soil. It’s ideal for woodland borders, damp garden beds, or planting near water features.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Rodgersia ‘Chocolate Wings’ | 5–8 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Rodgersia aesculifolia | 5–7 | Summer |
8) Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese forest grass brings elegance and movement to shady areas with its cascading foliage. Available in green, gold, and variegated forms, it brightens up darker spaces with graceful texture rather than flowers.
This slow-growing ornamental grass prefers part to full shade and evenly moist soil. It’s perfect for edging shaded paths, layering under shrubs, or softening stone borders.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Foliage Season |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Forest Grass ‘Aureola’ | 5–9 | Spring to Fall |
| Japanese Forest Grass ‘All Gold’ | 5–9 | Spring to Fall |
9) Canada Anemone
Canada anemone is a tough, native groundcover that thrives in part-shade and moist soils. It produces simple white, buttercup-style flowers in late spring to early summer and spreads to form dense, weed-suppressing mats.
It’s ideal for naturalizing under trees, around woodland edges, or along shady pathways.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Anemone | 3–8 | Late Spring to Early Summer |
| Canada Anemone ‘Robustissima’ | 4–8 | Late Spring to Summer |
10) Bellwort
Bellwort is a charming woodland perennial with soft green leaves and delicate, drooping yellow flowers that appear in early spring. Its subtle beauty adds a naturalistic feel to shade gardens.
It prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil and works wonderfully in native or woodland-themed gardens.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Bellwort ‘Yellow’ | 4–9 | Early to Mid Spring |
| Bellwort ‘Uvularia grandiflora’ | 4–9 | Spring |
11) False Solomon’s Seal
False Solomon’s Seal resembles true Solomon’s seal but ends its arching stems with a fluffy cluster of white flowers rather than dangling bells. It later produces red berries that add seasonal interest into fall.
It’s ideal for woodland plantings and shady borders, thriving in part to full shade with moist, rich soil.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| False Solomon’s Seal | 3–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
| False Solomon’s Seal ‘Variegated’ | 4–8 | Spring to Summer |
12) Bloodroot
Bloodroot is one of the earliest blooming woodland perennials, known for its pure white flowers and distinctive lobed leaves. Although the blooms are short-lived, they are incredibly striking.
It thrives in part shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Once established, it naturalizes beautifully in undisturbed areas.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodroot (Single) | 3–8 | Early Spring |
| Bloodroot ‘Multiplex’ | 3–8 | Early to Mid Spring |
13) Wild Ginger
Wild ginger is a low-growing, ground-hugging perennial with glossy, heart-shaped leaves that form a dense carpet in shady areas. While its unusual, hidden maroon flowers bloom beneath the foliage in spring, it’s mainly prized for its lush greenery.
This plant thrives in part to full shade and moist, rich soil. It’s perfect for woodland gardens, shady borders, or as a natural groundcover under trees.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Ginger (Eastern) | 4–8 | Mid to Late Spring |
| Wild Ginger (Western) | 6–9 | Spring |
14) Ornamental Sedge
Ornamental sedges are versatile grass-like perennials grown for their texture and form, offering a soft, flowing look in shady or woodland gardens. With foliage ranging from green to golden to variegated, they add elegance even without flowers.
They’re perfect for edging, containers, or mass planting in moist, part-shaded areas.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Foliage Season |
|---|---|---|
| Sedge ‘Evergold’ | 5–9 | Spring to Fall |
| Sedge ‘Ice Dance’ | 5–9 | Spring to Fall |
15) Celandine Poppy
Celandine poppy adds cheerful bursts of bright yellow blooms to shady gardens in spring and early summer. Its deeply lobed, bluish-green foliage remains attractive after blooming.
This native wildflower thrives in part shade and rich, moist soil. It spreads gently and reseeds itself to form beautiful drifts in woodland settings.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Celandine Poppy | 4–8 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Celandine Poppy ‘Multipetala’ | 4–8 | Spring |
16) Virginia Bluebells
Virginia bluebells are a spring favorite, known for their clusters of bell-shaped flowers that start pink and mature to soft blue. These ephemeral beauties bloom early and go dormant in summer.
They thrive in moist, shady woodland areas and naturalize well when left undisturbed. Combine with hostas or ferns to maintain visual interest after they fade.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Bluebells | 3–8 | Early to Mid Spring |
| Virginia Bluebells ‘Pink Bluebell’ | 3–8 | Early Spring |
17) Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a unique native woodland perennial with hooded, pitcher-like flowers followed by clusters of bright red berries in late summer. It adds an exotic touch to shady spaces.
It thrives in moist, rich, part-shaded soil and works beautifully in naturalized and native garden settings. Once planted, it can persist for many years.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Jack-in-the-Pulpit | 4–9 | Mid to Late Spring |
| Jack-in-the-Pulpit ‘Triphyllum’ | 4–9 | Spring |
18) Turtlehead
Turtlehead gets its name from the shape of its pink or white blooms, which resemble the head of a turtle. It blooms in late summer to early fall, bringing welcome color to the shade garden when most other perennials are fading.
It prefers moist soil and part shade and is a great native option for pollinator gardens or rain gardens.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Turtlehead (Pink) | 3–8 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Turtlehead (White) | 3–8 | Late Summer to Early Fall |
19) Siberian Bugloss
Siberian bugloss is a shade garden gem with heart-shaped leaves and tiny, forget-me-not-like blue flowers in early spring. Some varieties feature striking silver foliage, providing long-season interest even after flowering ends.
It thrives in part shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil and is excellent for woodland edges, under shrubs, or as a bold foliage accent.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Siberian Bugloss ‘Jack Frost’ | 3–8 | Early to Mid Spring |
| Siberian Bugloss ‘Looking Glass’ | 3–8 | Spring |
20) Coral Bells
Coral bells are grown primarily for their colorful foliage, which comes in shades of burgundy, caramel, lime, and silver. Delicate flower spikes bloom in late spring or early summer, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.
They do well in part shade with well-drained soil and are excellent for borders, containers, or mass planting under trees.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Coral Bells ‘Palace Purple’ | 4–9 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Coral Bells ‘Marmalade’ | 4–9 | Spring to Summer |
21) Astilbe
Astilbe adds feathery plumes of pink, red, white, or lavender flowers above fern-like foliage. It thrives in shady, moist spots and is a go-to for color and texture in shade gardens.
Its blooms appear in early to mid-summer, and it looks beautiful massed along shaded borders, paths, or near water features.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Astilbe ‘Fanal’ | 4–9 | Early Summer |
| Astilbe ‘Bridal Veil’ | 4–9 | Mid to Late Summer |
22) Bleeding Heart
Bleeding heart is known for its arching stems of heart-shaped flowers in pink or white. Blooming in spring, it brings old-fashioned charm to shady borders and woodland gardens.
It prefers moist, part-shade conditions and pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, and spring bulbs.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding Heart ‘Spectabilis’ | 3–9 | Spring to Early Summer |
| Bleeding Heart ‘Alba’ | 3–9 | Mid to Late Spring |
23) Foamflower
Foamflower produces frothy spikes of white or pale pink flowers in spring, rising above low-growing, often patterned foliage. It forms attractive clumps or groundcovers and pairs well with coral bells and brunnera.
It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil in part to full shade and is a great choice for naturalistic plantings or woodland borders.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Foamflower ‘Spring Symphony’ | 4–9 | Mid Spring |
| Foamflower ‘Running Tapestry’ | 4–9 | Late Spring |
24) Lenten Rose
Lenten rose blooms in late winter to early spring, often before the snow has melted. Its nodding, cup-shaped flowers come in a wide range of shades—from creamy white to dark plum.
It thrives in part to full shade and well-drained soil, and its leathery, evergreen foliage adds year-round structure. Lenten rose is deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Lenten Rose ‘Ivory Prince’ | 4–9 | Late Winter to Early Spring |
| Lenten Rose ‘Double Ellen’ | 4–9 | Early to Mid Spring |
25) Japanese Anemone
Japanese anemones bloom gracefully in late summer to fall, producing delicate pink or white flowers on tall, slender stems. They bring fresh color to part-shade gardens just as many other perennials are fading.
These plants spread slowly over time and thrive in moist, rich soil. They’re ideal for brightening up the back of borders, especially in cottage or woodland-style gardens.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Anemone ‘Honorine Jobert’ | 4–8 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Japanese Anemone ‘September Charm’ | 4–8 | August to October |
26) Lungwort
Lungwort is one of the earliest-blooming shade perennials, with clusters of pink, purple, or blue flowers and spotted or silver-dusted leaves that remain attractive through summer.
It thrives in part to full shade with moist, well-drained soil and works beautifully as a groundcover or filler in woodland settings. It’s also deer- and rabbit-resistant.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Lungwort ‘Raspberry Splash’ | 3–8 | Early to Mid Spring |
| Lungwort ‘Trevi Fountain’ | 4–9 | Spring |
27) Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s seal is a graceful woodland perennial with arching stems and rows of dangling, bell-shaped white flowers in spring. Its clean, architectural form and adaptability make it a favorite for shady borders.
It prefers moist, humus-rich soil in part to full shade and pairs beautifully with ferns and hostas.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Solomon’s Seal (Variegated) | 3–9 | Mid to Late Spring |
| Solomon’s Seal (Giant) | 4–9 | Spring |