Shade Plants That Thrive in Low Light

By Jorge Melo

Introduction

Low light doesn’t mean low beauty. In fact, shade gardens can become some of the most eye-catching parts of your property if you choose the right plants. In our 35 years of business, we’ve seen Massachusetts homeowners struggle with dark corners and tree-covered yards, unsure what to grow. The good news? There are plenty of plants that not only survive in shade but thrive in it.

So, what plants and flowers do best in low light for Massachusetts weather? Perennials like hosta, astilbe, lungwort, and bleeding heart perform year after year, while groundcovers such as wild ginger and ajuga fill in empty spaces. Shrubs like dogwood and summersweet add structure, and ferns or Japanese forest grass bring soft texture. Add in colorful annuals like impatiens and begonias, and suddenly shade becomes an asset, not a limitation. With the right mix, you’ll have a thriving garden from spring to fall.

Perennials, Shrubs, and Vines for Shade

Hosta

Hostas are the backbone of shade gardens. With foliage ranging from deep green to blue, gold, and striking variegations, they fill space easily and come back year after year. Some varieties even send up fragrant flowers in summer.

Astilbe

This perennial produces feathery plumes in shades of red, pink, or white, bringing light and movement to shady spots. It thrives in consistently moist soil, making it perfect for shaded beds near downspouts or ponds.

Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Known for their colorful foliage—ranging from lime green to deep burgundy—coral bells add texture and contrast. Their flowers attract pollinators, but the foliage is the main show.

Bleeding Heart

A romantic spring bloomer with heart-shaped flowers that hang from arching stems. Traditional bleeding hearts fade by summer, while fern-leaf varieties hold foliage longer.

Lungwort

With silver-spotted leaves and clusters of pink or blue flowers, lungwort brightens dark spaces. It’s also deer- and rabbit-resistant, which is a bonus for local gardens.

Ferns

Ferns add instant woodland charm. Japanese painted ferns, in particular, show off silver and burgundy tones, while native varieties bring lush greenery to borders.

Brunnera

This perennial has large, textured leaves and small blue flowers in spring. Variegated types are especially striking in the shade.

Wild Ginger

A tough groundcover with heart-shaped leaves that gradually forms a dense mat. It’s great for filling space beneath trees.

Japanese Forest Grass

Soft, cascading foliage that glows in golden or variegated tones. It creates movement and pairs beautifully with bold hostas.

Lilyturf

A grass-like perennial that produces spikes of purple or white flowers in late summer. It’s durable, drought-tolerant, and works as an edging plant.

Shrubs for Shade

Some shrubs also thrive in shade, offering structure and seasonal interest. Options like red-twig dogwood, summersweet, inkberry holly, and boxwood can be used to create backdrops, hedges, or natural screens in shaded areas.

Seasonal and Pollinator-Friendly Choices

Spring Highlights

• Foamflower: white frothy blooms in spring; forms a lush carpet.

• Primrose: one of the earliest bloomers with cheerful flowers.

• Hellebore: also called Lenten rose, blooming in late winter to early spring.

Summer Standouts

• Impatiens: nonstop blooms until frost in pinks, reds, and whites.

• Begonia: both flowers and foliage add color in containers or beds.

• Coleus: bold foliage patterns that thrive in partial shade.

Late-Season Interest

• Goldenrod species for shade: extend bloom into fall while supporting pollinators.

• Japanese forest grass: develops warm tones in autumn.

• Asters: add late-season blooms, feeding bees and butterflies.

Watering and Care Tips for Shade Gardens

Keep Soil Moist

Shade plants often prefer evenly moist soil. Add compost or mulch to help regulate moisture and reduce weeds.

Don’t Overcrowd

Even though shade plants fill in quickly, give them space to spread. Overcrowding leads to poor airflow and disease.

Layer for Depth

Use taller plants like hostas or shrubs in the back, mid-height perennials like astilbe in the middle, and groundcovers like wild ginger or deadnettle up front.

FAQ About Garden Bed Design

Q: How do I design a shade garden bed that looks balanced? A: Start with layers. Use taller shrubs or hostas in the back, mid-sized perennials like astilbe or coral bells in the middle, and low groundcovers such as wild ginger or deadnettle near the front. If you’re not sure how to make it all come together, our team can design the bed for you and handle the entire installation.

Q: Can you take care of the planting and mulching for me?A: Yes. We don’t just create the design—we can plant everything for you and finish with a clean mulch layer that protects the soil and gives your beds a polished look.

Q: What soil prep works best for shade plants?A: Most shade plants thrive in rich, well-drained soil. We recommend adding compost and then topping with mulch to hold moisture and reduce weeds. Our crews can handle this prep for you to make sure the plants have the best start.

Q: How can I keep beds colorful all season?A: Combine spring bloomers like hellebores, summer performers like impatiens, and fall-interest plants such as Japanese forest grass. By mixing foliage with flowers, you’ll keep interest year-round. We can build this type of planting plan for you, so there’s always something in bloom.

Q: Which shade plants stand up best to deer?A: Great options include lungwort, hellebores, and barrenwort. If deer are a concern in your area, we can choose resistant varieties when designing and installing your garden.

FAQ About New England Tree & Landscape

Q: Do you design garden beds? A: Our team can create a custom design for your shade garden, handle all the planting, and finish with a fresh layer of mulch for a clean, professional look.

Q: Can you maintain the garden after it’s installed? A: Yes. We provide ongoing maintenance, including pruning, edging, mulching, weeding, and seasonal cleanups to keep your garden looking its best year-round.

Q: What towns do you serve? A: We offer full-service landscaping in Mattapoisett, MA, Rochester, MA, and throughout nearby towns in Bristol and Plymouth County.

Q: Do you handle other landscaping projects besides gardens? A: Absolutely. Along with shade garden design, we specialize in hardscaping, lawn care, grass seeding, planting trees and shrubs, hedge trimming, full property transformations, and more!

Q: Why choose New England Tree & Landscape? A: We bring decades of local experience, a hands-on team, and the ability to do everything from concept to completion. You won’t have to hire multiple contractors—we can design, plant, mulch, and maintain your entire landscape.

MLA Citations

“The 17 Best Perennial Plants for Shade.” Weston Nurseries, www.westonnurseries.com/the-17-best-perennial-plants-for-shade/.

Wigglesworth, Shelley. “10 Best Shade-Loving Plants.” Yankee Magazine, 28 Apr. 2021, newengland.com/living/gardening/shade-loving-plants/.

Loughrey, Janet. “21 Shade-Tolerant Plants for Beautiful Low-Light Gardens.” Garden Design, 26 Mar. 2025, www.gardendesign.com/shade/plants.html.

Shell, Wyatt. “Native Plants of Massachusetts: 12 Options For Your New England Garden.” My Home Park, 5 Nov. 2024, www.myhomepark.com/blog/native-plants-of-massachusetts-12-options-for-ne-garden.

“Plants for Shade.” Great Garden Plants, 2025, www.greatgardenplants.com/collections/shade-plants.