13 Fast-Growing Shade Plants That Thrive With Little to No Sun

Columbine flower — Photo:
tvirbickis / Getty Images

Do you have an area in your garden where the sun just refuses to shine? Rather than leaving it bare, fill this negative space with plants that thrive in partial to full shade. To help you do so quickly, we asked experts to share fast-growing shade plants that can survive—and flourish—in gardens with little to no sun. From eye-catching foliage plants to colorful blooming varieties, these fast growers will give your shade garden a beautiful boost in no time.

Gavin Young, gardening expert for Eden Brothers, which offers one of the largest seed and flower bulb assortments available in the United States.
Adrienne Roethling, garden director for Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, a botanical garden in Kernersville, North Carolina.

01 of 13

Hosta

Hostas are shade-tolerant perennials with ornate leaves that look beautiful in any garden or yard. "Despite the fact that hostas produce flowers, the leaves are the main attraction," says Gavin Young, gardening expert for Eden Brothers. "The aesthetic opportunities truly are endless, with white and variegated hostas among the many hues and patterns available." What's more, hostas are very easy to grow and tolerant of challenging conditions, like deep shade.

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: Depends on variety
Care requirements: Partial to full shade; rich, well-drained soil

02 of 13

Caladium

Caladiums have colorful, heart-shaped leaves and are available in multiple varieties, offering colors like pink, white, green, and red. "Some caladium cultivars have splashes and speckles of contrasting color combinations, offering a showy season of about six months," says Young. "Caladiums look beautiful as a ground cover, border, or in pots, hanging baskets, and planters on your deck and inside your home." During the growing period, remove any dead or damaged leaves.

Zones: 8 to 11
Size: 15 to 20 inches tall x 8 to 14 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; rich, well-drained soil

03 of 13

Woodland Phlox

Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) produces a carpet of small, rounded, green leaves that produces blue or white flowers in spring. "There are a number of clump-forming varieties, but you may find the ground cover producing mass carpets that create a wonderful sea of blue in spring," says Adrienne Roethling, garden director for Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: Depends on variety
Care requirements: Partial shade; well-drained soil

04 of 13

Autumn Fern

Autumn fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) fills gardens with multiple seasons of interest. "The new leaves emerge in spring with a rusty colored hue," says Roethling. "The fine textured leaves eventually turn all green before turning copper in fall."

Zones: 5 to 8
Size: 18 to 24 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
Care requirements: Full shade; rich, well-drained soil

05 of 13

Coleus

Coleus will make a wonderful addition to your container garden. "From bright red leaves outlined with green trim to a bushy two-toned coral plant, the rewards of planting coleus seeds are endless," says Young. "Coleus likes fertile soil, so use organic fertilizer regularly. Until they're established, Coleus will need some protection from intense, direct sunlight, as well as strong winds."

Zones: 2 to 10
Size: Depends on variety
Care requirements: Partial to full shade; rich, well-drained soil

06 of 13

Bleeding Heart

Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) gets its name from its alluring heart-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, and white. "This long-lived perennial is perfect for a woodland border, cottage garden, or container," says Young. "The blooms of bleeding heart are delicate and need protection from strong winds. If ferns, hostas, or astilbe are already planted and thriving, consider pairing your bleeding hearts with these plantings as they all have similar needs."

Zones: 2 to 9
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall x 1 to 3 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial to full shade; humus-rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil

07 of 13

Heuchera

Heuchera is a semi-evergreen plant that boasts colorful, maple-like leaves. "The leaves can be green, chartreuse, and bronze with hints of red, yellow, and dark purple," says Roethling. "Heucherella is a clump-forming plant and will produce hundreds of spikes with white flowers in late spring through early summer." They have great cold tolerance but will also thrive in hot, humid climates.

Zones: 4 to 11
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; rich, well-drained soil

08 of 13

Astilbe

Astilbe is a favorite among gardeners for its showy flower plumes that bloom in summer, long after many other woodland plants have finished, says Young. It features flowers in shades of violet, pink, white, and red that rise above fern-like foliage, making it a standout woodland gardens. "Before planting, enrich the soil with compost. In spring, apply a 1- to 2-inch layer of compost and a balanced organic fertilizer, like 5-5-5, to promote new growth and flowering," says Young.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 1 to 4 feet tall x 1 to 4 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

09 of 13

Impatiens

Impatiens are characterized by bright flowers and seed pods that burst when touched. "Impatiens are loved as an heirloom cottage garden cultivar that is known for its ability to tolerate shade," says Young. "Fairly easy to start from seed and even easier to maintain, impatiens are a lovely choice for beginning gardeners and seasoned green thumbs." Keep the leaves dry and space plants far enough to allow for proper air circulation.

Zones: 10 to 11
Size: 10 to 20 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; rich, well-drained soil

10 of 13

Begonia

Begonias are a popular choice for shade gardens. "With numerous types to choose from, begonias pair beautifully with other shade-loving plants producing some of the most brilliant blooms in any late-season garden," says Young. "Feed begonias with a well-balanced plant food every 2 to 3 weeks and deadhead all your begonias regularly."

Zones: 8 to 11
Size: Depends on variety
Care requirements: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil

11 of 13

Columbine

Columbine is a spring-blooming perennial that is often found growing naturally in woods. "The flowers come in a variety of colors, including blue, red, yellow, pink, purple, white, black, and chocolate," says Young. "Plant this self-sowing beauty in a woodland border or in a shaded, protected area of your cottage garden."

Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 8 to 36 inches tall x 8 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; sandy or loamy, well-drained soil

12 of 13

Virginia Bluebell

Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica) is native throughout most of the U.S. and has oval-shaped, pale green leaves followed by stalks of blue, tubular flowers. "The flower buds open from pink to clear blue and will last for several weeks before going completely dormant," says Roethling.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 2 feet tall x 2 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial shade; rich, well-drained soil

13 of 13

Foam Flower

Foam flower (Tiarella cordifolia) is a fast-growing, shade-loving plant with long-lasting blooms. In early spring, the foliage gives rise to spikes of foam-like flowers that rise high above the leaves. "The leaves are mostly green, while some have purple veins," says Roethling. "The flowers are mostly white with a couple of cultivars producing soft pink spikes."

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 5 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
Care requirements: Partial to full shade; rich, well-drained soil

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