Shade Loving Perennials That Won’t Overrun Your Garden

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Soloman’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.)

Graceful and elegant, Solomon’s Seal features arching stems adorned with pairs of delicate, bell-shaped flowers.

Hybrid Astilbe  (Astilbe x arendsii)

Astilbe is a showstopper in the shade garden, offering feathery plumes of pink, red, purple, or white flowers that rise above its delicate, fern-like foliage.

Ladybells (Adenophora spp.)

These perennials provide a soft, romantic feel while thriving beneath the canopy of trees or in dappled shade.

Jack in the Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

A true woodland treasure, Jack-in-the-Pulpit adds an intriguing architectural element to shaded gardens. Its unusual hooded flower structure, resembling a preacher’s pulpit, makes it a conversation starter.

Hardy Begonia (Begonia grandis)

Unlike its tender cousins, this perennial variety can withstand cooler temperatures, making it a great option for Zones 6-9 gardeners.

Turtlehead (Chelone obliqua)

Named for its distinctive blossoms that resemble a turtle’s head, this perennial brings late-season color to shaded gardens. Its tall, upright stems are topped with clusters of pink, white, or purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.