Ready to give up on that dark corner of your yard? Wait!
Before you cover it with rocks or fake plants (been there!), check out these 7 amazing plants that actually love growing in dry, shady spots.
They turned my yard’s ugly spots into my favorite garden areas!
Top 7 Perennials for Dry Shade
1. Hosta: The Reliable Shade Champion
My love affair with hostas began when I was desperately trying to beautify that barren spot under our massive maple tree.
These amazing plants come in hundreds of varieties, from tiny to enormous, with leaves ranging from lime green to steely blue.
I particularly adore the variegated varieties that add a pop of brightness to dark corners.
What really sold me on hostas was their absolutely low-maintenance nature – perfect for busy moms like me who can’t spend hours fussing over plants.
2. Lungwort (Pulmonaria): The Pretty Problem-Solver
When weeds were taking over my shaded border, lungwort came to my rescue.
Its dense growth naturally suppresses weeds, which means less time pulling unwanted visitors from my garden.
The spotted leaves look like they’ve been splattered with paint, and when spring arrives, these tough plants burst into bloom with the most delightful blue, pink, white, or purple flowers.
3. Bleeding Heart: The Romantic Soul
If you’re dreaming of a cottage garden vibe, bleeding heart is your perfect match.
I fell in love with its whimsical heart-shaped blooms that dangle like tiny valentine decorations in spring.
Don’t panic when it disappears in summer – it’s just taking a well-deserved nap and will return next spring, ready to charm again.
4. Coral Bells: The Color Queen
These little beauties have become my go-to solution for adding color without relying on flowers.
Their foliage looks almost painted, with some varieties sporting dramatic veining that catches the eye.
I’ve found they’re particularly stunning when planted in groups, creating a tapestry of colors even in the darkest corners.
5. Hellebore: The Winter Warrior
As a gardener who gets antsy for spring, hellebores are my saving grace.
They bloom when everything else is still sleeping, often pushing through snow with their leather-tough leaves.
Best of all? The deer and rabbits that plague our neighborhood won’t touch them!
6. Foam Flower: The Native Beauty
Being a fan of supporting local ecosystems, I adore this North American native.
Its heart-shaped leaves with marbled patterns create a beautiful groundcover in those tricky spots.
When it blooms, the delicate white or pink flowers really do look like tiny puffs of foam floating above the foliage.
7. Barrenwort (Epimedium): The Ultimate Survivor
If you have a spot where absolutely nothing grows, barrenwort might be your answer.
I’ve watched mine thrive through drought, deer visits, and even my kids’ soccer ball mishaps.
The heart-shaped leaves take on beautiful red and gold tints in spring, and the delicate flowers in various colors are like tiny fairy decorations in the garden.