Shaded garden

In the shade of large oak trees, Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® manager Sandra Gerdes plants hostas and other perennials in drifts for a sense of movement, with leaf colors and textures rather than flowers driving most of the design. In a foliage-heavy border, a large shrub that looks good through several seasons gives you a focal point. Here, ‘Incrediball’ hydrangea’s white flowers brighten the scene in summer, fading to rosy pink that lasts into the fall.

These shade garden ideas, plant suggestions, and photos will inspire you to add bold, beautiful colors, even in the shadiest reaches of your yard.

Use these shady garden corner ideas to enjoy bold, beautiful colors in a shade garden where your yard gets the least sun.

Shade, garden, Partial shade, dappled shade, dry shade, damp shade, full shade, plants for shade, holley designs, pulmonaria, geranium, tiarella

This round-up of pretty ways to grow and enhance your shade garden has everything you need, from plant suggestions to design ideas.

One aspect of creating a perennial garden for a shady space is learning to look carefully at foliage texture. In a sunny garden, bold, plentiful blooms easily steal the show throughout the growing season. In shade, blossoms often unfurl subtle hues and leaves can unfold fabulous variegations. Low light truly celebrates the intricate variations of leaves in many tones of green, showcasing textural differences.

Discover the best shade plants for hardiness zone 5! From shade-loving perennials to tough plants for dry shade, explore a variety of low-light picks that thrive in zone 5. Whether you're looking for hosta companion plants or beautiful options to grow in your garden, these zone 5 shade-loving plants are sure to add beauty and greenery to your outdoor space. Check out our collection of best shade plants for zone 5 and create a lush and vibrant garden oasis!

Find out which plants helped this backyard become an ecologically friendly place for creatures of all kinds to hang out