Perennials for the shade: our top 10

There is always that one dark location where all the plants die. We remedy the situation and present ten perennials for the shade.

Plants for full-sun locations are available without end – but what about plants for the shade? Although many gardens have shady corners, they are still treated quite neglectfully and often overlooked. At the same time, with the right perennials, the inconspicuous shade bed can become a real eye-catcher in the garden. We have already summarised for you our personal top 10 most beautiful perennials for shade.

Perfect for shady spots and still beautiful eye candy? These ten perennials are perfect for turning your shaded flowerbed into a real eye-catcher.

1. Wild ginger

Beautiful foliage all year around – if you are looking for a great groundcover for the shade, wild ginger (Asarum europaeum) is the way to go. Even in winter, the herbaceous perennial impresses with glossy dark green foliage that often takes on a reddish hue at the edges. In addition, the hazel root smells spicy peppery, making it a treat for all the senses.

2. Wild bugle

The wild bugle (Ajuga reptans) scores not only with its easy-care nature and its reliable winter hardiness, but is also a great eye-catcher. Especially in May and June, the wild bugle attracts all attention: then magnificent purple flower candles decorate the dense carpet of leaves. But it is not just people who like wild bugle, bees also like to visit the perennial in the shade.

3. Fairy wings

Beauty does not always have to be sophisticated. This is impressively demonstrated by the fairy wings (Epimedium versicolor): With its greenish-red leaves and delicate, almost fragile flowers, the fairy wing is a particularly graceful perennial and has been used as a plant for shade beds since the 19th century. Despite this, it requires little maintenance and as a groundcover is also perfect for suppressing weeds.

4. Wolfsbane

The wolfsbane (Aconitum napellus) is beautiful, but not entirely harmless. With its bright blue flowers, the plant is an impressive beauty and a real bee magnet. People, however, should avoid direct contact with the plant: wolfsbane is one of the most toxic ornamental plants in Europe and can because initial symptoms of poisoning even through skin contact.

5. Great masterwort

The great masterwort (Astrantia major) brings particularly beautiful flowers to the garden. With its dense, filigree flower umbels in delicate pink or bright pink-purple, the perennial attracts all eyes even in the shade. Especially for naturalistic gardens, great masterwort is extremely popular because it has a great wild perennial character.

6. Sedge

Think grasses are boring? Then you have not met the sedges (Carex). These leafy ornamental plants feature impressively delicate leaves and countless variations: Whether monochrome in green or variegated with yellow or white – thanks to their versatility, sedges fit into almost any garden and are robust and long-lasting, even in the shade.

7. Ferns

Ferns in the garden create a jungle flair and atmosphere. These amazing plants, which have been growing on our planet for 400 million years, captivate with their characteristic filigree leaf fronds. These unusual plants feel particularly at home in the shade and make great eye-catchers.

8. Hosta

If you are looking for a plant that is particularly versatile, you cannot beat the hosta (Hosta). With countless variations in leaf colour, patterning and growth habit, the hosta is almost begging to be collected, and offers something for everyone. But its mostly purple or white flowers also make the perennial a welcome addition to the shady flowerbed.

9. Christmas rose

It is not just in summer that the shady flowerbed be a great eye-catcher – perennials such as the Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) also provoke envious glances in winter. From November and even in snow and cold, the elegant Christmas rose blooms with its white flowers. Especially as Christmas plant, the Christmas rose is therefore popular and finds a place in many gardens.

10. False goatsbeard

It is the perennial for the shade par excellence – the false goatsbeard (Astilbe x arendsii), also known as astilbe, brightens up any spot, however dark, with its charm. With its large panicles of flowers that shine in colours ranging from white to purple, it will brighten up any shaded bed. At the same time, the false goatsbeard is known above all for its vigorous growth and amazing longevity.