Do you have shady spots in your Ohio garden that you think are too challenging for beautiful blooms and lush foliage? Think again! Ohio gardeners have a fantastic selection of shade-loving plants that not only tolerate, but actually thrive, in the shade. You can even create a shade garden dedicated to shade-loving plants!
Shady garden spots can be perfect for creating a cool, tranquil retreat and are ideal for plants that prefer softer light. Choosing the right shade-loving plants ensures healthy growth, vibrant colors, and a thriving garden even in the absence of intense sun.
So, here are our top five shade-loving plants that will flourish in your Ohio garden and that you can incorporate into your shade garden designs.
1. Impatiens
Impatiens are a classic flowering plant choice for shady gardens. People love them for their vibrant, continuous blooms throughout Ohio’s hot summers. Also, they come in a wide array of colors, including pinks, reds, purples, oranges, whites, and bicolors. Impatiens are ideal for adding a cheerful splash of color to any shady corner. Use impatiens as container flowers or for ground cover.
Impatiens are sensitive to intense, direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate leaves and flowers. They thrive in partial to full shade, where they receive dappled sunlight or shade for most of the day. You can read more about how to keep impatiens happy and healthy at our Knowledge Center.
Plant impatiens in well-draining, moist soil, and water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage even more blooms.
2. Hostas
Hostas are mostly grown for their stunning foliage, although they do grow delicate purple flowers. They are great for adding foliage texture and variety to your outdoor spaces. With an incredible range of leaf sizes, shapes, textures, and colors (from deep blues and greens to vibrant yellows and variegations), hostas offer endless possibilities for creating visual interest in shady areas.
Some hosta types can handle a little morning sun. However, most hostas like partial to full shade, because the shade keeps their large leaves from burning. Deeper shade often intensifies the blue hues in blue-leaved varieties.
Plant hostas in well-draining, fertile soil. They prefer consistent moisture, especially during hot Ohio summers. Protect them from slugs and snails, which can sometimes be a nuisance.
3. Astilbe
Astilbes, also known as false spirea, bring delicate, feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, and white to shady garden areas. Their fern-like foliage adds another layer of texture and beauty throughout the growing season. Think of astilbes as “elegant foliage” that can add unique vertical elements to your Ohio garden.
Astilbes thrive in partial to full shade where their delicate blooms are protected from the harsh afternoon sun. They prefer consistently moist soil, which is often found in shady locations.
Plant astilbes in rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture, and water astilbes regularly (usually about once a week). Their blooms typically appear in late spring to mid-summer. Consider different astilbe varieties for varying bloom times and flower colors to extend the season of interest in your shady spots.
4. Bleeding Heart
With their distinctive heart-shaped pink or white flowers that dangle from arching stems, bleeding hearts are a truly captivating addition to any shady areas in your garden. Their delicate, fern-like foliage adds to their charm as well.
Bleeding hearts prefer partial to full shade, especially since intense sun can cause their foliage to fade or scorch. They thrive in cool, moist, shady conditions.
Plant bleeding hearts in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Bleed hearts typically bloom in spring and may go dormant in the heat of summer.
5. Lungwort
Lungworts are prized for their early spring blooms in shades of blue, pink, and white. Their unique foliage, typically adorned with silvery or white spots and blotches, provides lasting visual interest throughout the season. Their spotted foliage remains attractive even after the flowers fade.
Lungworts thrive in partial to full shade, because their delicate leaves are protected from intense sunlight. They prefer moist, well-draining soil.
Plant lungworts in humus-rich soil. They appreciate consistent moisture, especially in the spring during their bloom time.
Transform Your Shady Spots into Beautiful Havens
Don’t let shady areas in your Ohio garden go to waste! With the right plant choices, you can create vibrant and thriving spaces filled with color and texture. Stop by Stockslager’s Greenhouse & Garden Center to explore our wide selection of shade-loving plants.
Also, don’t miss our annual Sun & Shade sale where you can get healthy, shade-loving impatiens at prices that you’ll love. If you have missed it, then make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss out on our other seasonal deals, discounts, and specials. Also, follow us on our socials to get alerts on our best promos and upcoming community events.
For more sales, discounts, and expert gardening advice, come by Stockslager’s Greenhouse & Garden Center in Dayton, Ohio, and let one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members assist you. Call our garden center at 937-687-2722 for questions and inquiries about availability.
