Living with a shady yard used to make me so sad. All the pretty hummingbirds would fly right past my garden to visit my neighbors’ sunny yards instead.
That is, until I found these amazing plants!
Now I have more hummingbirds than I can count, and the best part? They all grow in the shade!
The Top 10 Shade-Loving Plants
1. Columbia Lily
This stunning native of Western North America has completely transformed my shaded garden corners. Standing proudly at 3-6 feet tall, it’s truly a show-stopper.
The bright orange flowers, decorated with charming maroon spots, feature elegant curved petals that nod gracefully in the breeze.
I’ve noticed hummingbirds simply can’t resist these blooms, and the extended flowering period keeps them coming back for more.
2. Cardinal Flower
The Cardinal flower holds a special place in my heart, with its deep scarlet blooms that light up even the darkest corners of my garden.
What makes this plant truly remarkable is its unique five-petaled, tubular shape that seems custom-made for hummingbirds. In fact, most insects struggle to reach the nectar, making it a hummingbird exclusive!
It thrives in those tricky semi-shaded, damp spots where other plants might fail.
3. Bleeding Heart
The romantic bleeding heart has been one of my most reliable shade garden companions. Its whimsical heart-shaped flowers seem to dance in the dappled light.
I’ve found it pairs beautifully with ferns and hostas, creating a peaceful woodland feel.
While the foliage typically fades by summer, a quick trim encourages fresh growth, keeping the garden looking lush.
4. Ginger Lily
Looking to add some tropical flair to your shaded spaces? The ginger lily is your answer. The fragrant blooms never fail to stop visitors in their tracks.
In my zone 8 garden, these beauties thrive in rich, moist soil, producing stunning flowers in white, salmon, and yellow.
For my northern garden friends, don’t worry – you can overwinter these indoors and replant in spring!
5. Red Buckeye
This woodland shrub has become the cornerstone of my shade garden. Those impressive clusters of red blooms are like a beacon for hummingbirds.
I learned early on to plant them young, allowing their taproot to develop properly.
They’ve proven incredibly adaptable to dense shade, making them perfect for those challenging spots under trees.
6. Weigela
I absolutely adore how this spring-flowering shrub bridges the gap between my tall trees and lower perennials. It’s like nature’s perfect transition piece!
What really sold me on Weigela was discovering that some varieties rebloom throughout the season. The Strobe variety, with its colorful foliage, adds an extra pop of interest.
These early spring blooms provide crucial nectar when my hungry hummingbirds first return for the season.
7. Coral Bells
Talk about versatility! My coral bells collection ranges from deep burgundy to bright lime green, providing year-round interest even when not in bloom.
Those delicate, bell-shaped flowers dancing atop slender stems never fail to attract hummingbirds to my shaded spots.
I’ve tucked them under larger shrubs where they thrive with virtually no maintenance – perfect for busy gardeners like me!
8. Columbine
These crown-like bloomers have become the self-seeding superstars of my shade garden. Growing up to 2 feet tall, they create the most enchanting display.
The tube-shaped spurs filled with nectar are like tiny drinking fountains for hummingbirds.
I love how they naturally spread into colonies, filling empty spaces with their cheerful presence year after year.
9. Toad Lily
Don’t let the name fool you – these beauties are pure elegance! Their orchid-like, speckled purple flowers are my garden’s best-kept secret.
I especially value them for their fall blooming period when most other plants are winding down.
As a bonus, the deer in my neighborhood completely ignore them, making them a reliable choice for woodland gardens.
10. Turtlehead
Last but certainly not least, turtlehead has become my go-to plant for those challenging damp, shady spots where nothing else seems to grow.
The flowers truly do resemble tiny turtle heads, and the ‘Hot Lips’ variety adds the most gorgeous pop of hot pink to late summer gardens.
I’ve noticed it’s not just hummingbirds that love these blooms – they attract all sorts of beneficial insects too!