Bloom All Season: Perennial Flowers for Your Shade Garden

Perennial flowers for shade that bloom all season! Learn how to create a colorful garden with this simple guide.

Want to spice up your shade garden? If you want to get more blooms, but you have a lot of shade you are going to love this post. Because today, we are chatting about how to enjoy a shade garden that captivates with color from spring through fall – with the magic of perennial flowers!

Reduce your workload with fleeting annuals and embrace the enduring beauty of perennials. These steadfast bloomers return year after year, painting your shady canvas with a symphony of beautiful colors and textures. But the key to a shade garden that continually flowers lies in selecting perennials that bloom in succession so you ensure texture and color throughout the seasons.

This guide shares the perfect ensemble of perennial flowers to illuminate your shade garden. Get ready to transform your shade garden into a haven of incredible color and tranquility!

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A lush garden scene featuring clusters of delicate blue flowers (brunnera) in the foreground, surrounded by green foliage. Further in the background are pink flowers, a white picket fence, and various trees, creating a serene and vibrant landscape. Growing brunnera in a serene shade garden.

Perennial Flowers That Bloom in Early Spring (March – May)

Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)

These early bloomers offer a welcome sight in late winter or early spring, with their rose-like flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and green. Hellebores brighten shady spots with their nodding blooms, often adorned with intricate spotting or veining.

Hardiness Zone: 4-9
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 1-1.5 feet tall and wide
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

To learn more about how to grow hellebores, read my post here.

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

These ephemeral beauties create a carpet of blue bell-shaped flowers in mid-spring. Their delicate blooms bring a touch of ethereal charm to woodland gardens and shady borders.

Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

A close-up of vibrant blue virginia bluebells with lush green leaves in a sunlit garden, with a blurred lattice fence in the background. — Virginia Bluebells

Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spp.)

The classic bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis) has arching stems with heart-shaped pink or white flowers, while the fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) offers fern-like foliage and delicate pink flowers. Their whimsical, pendant blooms add a touch of romance to shady spots.

Hardiness Zone: 3-9 (varies by species)
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

To learn more about how to grow bleeding hearts, read my article here.

Close-up of pink bleeding heart flowers with delicate heart-shaped petals, surrounded by lush green foliage in a garden. a white fence and blue flowers blur in the background.

Trillium (Trillium spp.)

These elegant woodland natives are prized for their unique three-petaled flowers in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow. Trilliums bring a touch of understated elegance to shady areas, their blooms often blending seamlessly with the surrounding foliage.

Hardiness Zone: 4-9 (varies by species)
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0
Size: 6-18 inches tall and wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)

Lungwort adds early color and texture to the shade garden with its spotted foliage and clusters of pink, blue, or white flowers. The vibrant blooms of lungwort create a cheerful display in the spring shade garden.

Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
Size: 1-1.5 feet tall and wide
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)

Cultivars like ‘Jack Frost’ are prized for their silvery, heart-shaped foliage and sprays of blue forget-me-not-like flowers. Brunnera’s delicate blue flowers add a cool, calming touch to shady spots.

Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 1-1.5 feet tall and wide
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

To learn more about how to grow brunnera, please read my article here.

close up of brunnera flowers with variegated foliage — Brunnera

Foamflower (Tiarella spp.)

Foamflowers form attractive mounds of foliage and produce delicate, feathery spikes of white or pink flowers. Their airy blooms bring a touch of lightness and grace to shady areas.

Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5
Size: 6-12 inches tall and wide
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

Columbines add a touch of whimsy to the shade garden with their spurred, bell-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. Their unique blooms add a playful touch to shady borders and woodland gardens.

Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

A cluster of vibrant pink columbine flowers with yellow centers, blooming amidst green foliage. — Columbine flowers

Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

This versatile groundcover offers colorful foliage and spikes of blue flowers in spring. Bugleweed’s vibrant blue flower spikes create a cheerful carpet in shady areas.

Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Average, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 3-6 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide
Deer Resistance: Deer-resistant

A close-up view of dense purple flowers with lush green leaves in a garden, depicting a vibrant blooming patch of ajuga groundcovers. — Ajuga (bugleweed) with purple flowers

Lamium (Lamium maculatum)

Also known as dead nettle, lamium is another excellent groundcover with variegated foliage and pink or purple flowers. Lamium’s attractive foliage and cheerful blooms brighten up even the darkest corners of the garden.

Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Average, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 6-12 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide
Deer Resistance: Deer-resistant

Late Spring to Early Summer Perennial Flowers (May – June)

Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)

Astilbes are loved for their feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. Their graceful plumes add a touch of elegance to shady borders and woodland gardens.

Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5
Size: 1-4 feet tall and wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

A vibrant garden featuring lush green foliage and blooming plants with tall, feathery pink flowers. Wooden lattice fencing painted green forms the backdrop, partially obscured by the dense vegetation. The scene is bathed in bright, natural sunlight.

Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)

Foxgloves add vertical interest to the part shade gardens with their tall spikes of tubular flowers. Their stately presence and vibrant blooms bring a touch of drama to shady spots.

Hardiness Zone: 4-8 (varies by species)
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 2-5 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

To learn more about how to grow foxgloves, you’ve got to check out my article here. It took me almost 25 years to grow them with success and it’s worth the read!

A vibrant garden scene featuring tall stalks of foxgloves with tubular flowers. The flowers range in color from bright purple to cream, standing in front of lush green foliage and a green fence in the backdrop. The ground is covered with dark mulch. Growing foxgloves in a flower garden. Growing digitalis in a beautiful flower garden

Cranesbill (Geranium spp.)

Hardy geraniums offer long-blooming, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. Their cheerful blooms provide a continuous splash of color throughout the summer months.

Hardiness Zone: 4-8 (varies by species)
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

blooming rhododendron with bleeding hearts and geraniums in the shade garden

Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)

This plant features ladder-like foliage and clusters of bell-shaped blue or white flowers. Jacob’s ladder adds a touch of whimsy and delicate beauty to shady areas.

Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

perennial flowers for shade jacob's ladder

Perennial Flowers For Summer Blooms (June – August)

Hostas (Hosta spp.)

Hostas are primarily grown for their diverse and beautiful foliage, but many also produce attractive lavender or white flowers. Their lush foliage and delicate blooms create a calming oasis in the shade garden.

Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 1-4 feet tall and wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Not deer-resistant (unfortunately, a favorite snack for deer!)

To learn more about how to grow hostas, I’ve written a few articles on the topic! To drill down, read these articles.

A garden bed with lush hosta plants, a shade-loving perennial, featuring large green leaves with yellow edges in the foreground and small purple flowers atop tall stems in the background. The bed is bordered by a stone edging and a dirt path. Dense foliage is visible further back.

Goats Beard (Aruncus dioicus)

This majestic plant adds architectural interest with its tall, plume-like white flower panicles. Goats beard brings a touch of grandeur to shady landscapes, its airy plumes creating a sense of lightness and movement.

Hardiness Zone: 3-7
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 4-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

A lush bush with arching stems covered in tiny, cream-colored flowers rises above a bed of vibrant green foliage in a garden setting. — Photo by Proven Winners

Heuchera (Heuchera spp.) and Heucherella (x Heucherella spp.)

These plants are primarily grown for their colorful foliage, but also produce delicate flower spikes in summer. Heuchera and heucherella (a cross between tiarella and heuchera) add vibrant color and texture to shady spots with their eye-catching foliage and delicate blooms.

Hardiness Zone: 4-9 (varies by species)
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
Size: 1-2 feet tall and wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

To learn more about how to grow heucheras, read this article here.

Close-up image of a growing heuchera plant's leaves covered in water droplets. The leaves exhibit various shades of reddish-brown with intricate veining, giving them a textured appearance. Peachberry Ice Coral Bells from Proven Winners — Heuchera ‘Peachberry Ice” by Proven Winners and Walter’s Gardens

Ligularia (Ligularia spp.)

Ligularia brings bold texture and vibrant color to shady, moist areas. Its large, heart-shaped leaves provide a lush backdrop for tall spikes of daisy-like yellow or orange flowers. These striking blooms add a touch of drama and brightness to the summer shade garden.

Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant.
Notes: Ligularia thrives in consistently moist conditions, making it an excellent choice for boggy areas or rain gardens. It prefers cool shade and should be protected from hot afternoon sun.

Vivid orange flowers on ligularia with a background of green leaves and blurred pink flowers in a lush garden.

Perennial Flowers for Late Summer to Fall Blooms (August – October)

Japanese Anemone (Anemone x hybrida)

Japanese anemones offer elegant, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white, extending the bloom season into fall. Their graceful blooms bring a touch of serenity to the autumn shade garden.

Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 2-4 feet tall and wide
Deer Resistance: Deer-resistant

Japanese Anemone - perennial flowers for shade garden

Toad Lily (Tricyrtis spp.)

Toad lilies have unique, orchid-like flowers in shades of purple and white, adding a touch of exotic charm to the late-season garden. Their intricate blooms bring a touch of unexpected beauty to shady spots in late summer and fall.

Hardiness Zone: 4-8
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5
Size: 1-3 feet tall and wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Generally deer-resistant

Close-up of maroon and white speckled flowers with unique shapes resembling open mouths, growing on a plant with elongated green leaves. The background is blurred, highlighting the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the flowers. — Photo by Dutch Grown

Monkshood (Aconitum spp.)

Monkshood offers striking blue or white flowers in late summer and fall, but handle with care as all parts of the plant are poisonous. Their tall, spiky blooms add a touch of drama to the late-season shade garden.

Hardiness Zone: 3-7
Light: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5
Size: 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide (varies by species)
Deer Resistance: Deer-resistant

A cluster of vibrant purple monkshood flowers with tall stems and lush green leaves, growing in a garden. The blossoms have a distinct hooded shape and are surrounded by various types of foliage. — Photo by White Flower Farm

Designing Your Shade Garden With Perennial Flowers

Now that you have a palette of perennial flowers to choose from, let’s explore how to artfully arrange them in your shade garden. Consider these design principles:

Layering: Create depth and visual interest by incorporating plants of varying heights. Place taller plants like goats beard and Japanese anemone at the back, medium-height plants like astilbe and foxglove in the middle, and low-growing plants like bugleweed and lamium at the front.
Foliage: Remember that foliage plays a crucial role in shade gardens. Select plants with interesting leaf shapes, textures, and colors to provide year-round appeal. Hostas, heuchera, and brunnera are excellent choices for foliage interest.
Color Schemes: Choose a color scheme that complements your personal style and the surrounding landscape. You could opt for a harmonious blend of cool colors like blues and purples, or create a vibrant contrast with bold pops of pink, red, and yellow.
Texture: Combine plants with different textures to add another layer of visual interest. Contrast the smooth leaves of hostas with the feathery plumes of astilbe or the spiky blooms of monkshood.
Repetition: Repeat certain plants or colors throughout the garden to create a sense of unity and flow.
Focal Points: Include a few eye-catching focal points to draw attention. This could be a specimen plant, a unique garden ornament, or a strategically placed boulder.

A lush shade garden features pink bleeding hearts in the foreground, surrounded by vibrant green plants and foliage. In the background, a tree with delicate purple blossoms stands gracefully under a soft, clear sky.

Additional Tips For Growing Perennial Flowers in Your Shade Garden

Consider the existing landscape: Take into account existing trees, shrubs, and structures when planning your design.
Think about maintenance: Choose plants that suit your level of gardening experience and available time for upkeep.
Start small: If you’re new to gardening, begin with a small area and gradually expand as you gain confidence.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Gardening is a creative process, so have fun and try new things!

A vibrant garden with various plants and flowers. At the forefront, lush green hostas display purple flowers, showcasing shade-loving perennial beauty. Behind, tall flowering plants with pinkish blooms contrast with deep red flowers, all set against a backdrop of leafy trees and a stone border.

General Care Tips for Perennial Flowers in Your Shade Garden

While the specific needs of each perennial will vary slightly, here are some general guidelines to keep your shade garden thriving:

Soil Preparation: Before planting, amend the soil with compost and leaf mold to improve drainage and fertility. Most shade-loving plants prefer rich, well-drained soil. Get my best compost recipe here and learn how to make leaf mold here.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. I shared the best watering practices for your flower garden here.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or leaf mold, to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. To learn more about proper mulching techniques, read this article here.
Fertilizing: I recommend not fertilizing your perennial flowers and instead, focus on providing good soil quality.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
Dividing: Divide overcrowded perennials every few years to maintain vigor and promote healthy growth.
Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Consult your local extension office for advice on appropriate control methods.

A lush shade garden with green foliage and pink and white flowers beneath a cloudy sky. A green lattice fence is visible in the background, along with various trees and plants. Lenten roses add to the scene, depicting a tranquil and well-maintained outdoor space.

Final Thoughts About Creating a Shade Garden Filled With Perennial Flowers

With a little planning and these plant suggestions, you can create a shade garden that provides beauty and enjoyment throughout the growing season in New Jersey. Remember to amend your soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility, and water regularly, especially during dry periods. Happy gardening!

For more information about growing perennial flowers, please see this post from the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension.

To drill down on more beginner gardening techniques and tips, please read these posts:

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

A collage of perennial flowers for shade gardens: Top shows purple blossoms among green leaves. Bottom left features light green flowers with hints of pink. Bottom right displays purple and pink flowers on lush foliage. Text reads "Perennial Flowers for Your Shade Garden".

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