If you have a shaded yard or garden, it might seem hopeless to grow bright and colorful flowers and plants. However, there are plenty of vibrant plants that thrive in partial to full shade. Here is a guide to some of the best shade-loving outdoor plants to consider for your garden:
Hosta
Hostas are a staple of shady gardens everywhere. They're also an easy way to add color and interest to your landscape without worrying about sun exposure. Hostas come in an array of color combinations including some varieties with blue or yellow foliage. They'll thrive in shaded gardens as long as the soil remains moist.
Coleus
Coleus are another plant grown for their stunning foliage rather than flowers. Conveniently, they grow quite happily in partial to full shade, meaning you can enjoy their stunning colors in a yard without heavy sun exposure. Coleus plants have a wide range of colors from lime green to red, pink and orange depending on the type.
Caladium
Caladiums are stunning plants with colorful heart-shaped leaves. While they die back in the winter, caladiums can brighten up any shaded garden throughout the year. This plant is often grown indoors as a houseplant, so if you want to bring them inside for the winter you can plant them in containers for flexibility.
Viola
With over 500 different types of viola, it's important to check the specific light requirements before you decide on what's best for your shaded garden. Some require full sun while many will thrive in partial to full shade. The flowers are extremely varied in color and combination, making them a great option for planting in decorative garden beds or containers outdoors.
Fuchsia
If you're looking for a shade-loving plant to hang in baskets or trail over an arbor, fuchsia is the perfect choice. The blooms on this stunning plant hang reminiscent of tiny pink, purple and white lanterns. Fuchsia also attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators to your yard.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
