9 plants for shade gardens

Do you own a home with a lot of shade and find yourself with garden envy? No need to be green with envy! Below are nine gorgeous plants for shade gardens that will make all of your neighbors jealous. 

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Ferns
Ferns

Ferns are a great way to add contrast to your shade garden. Choose from thousands of varieties. For the best results, ferns prefer a wooded, moist area.

Wax Begonia
Wax Begonia

Wax Begonias maintain a consistent bloom through spring and summer and come in an assortment of colors ranging from bright scarlet to white. Wax Begonias have been cultivated for varying degrees of sun and shade. Check the tag to be sure you've picked the right one for your shade garden. 

Rhododendron
Rhododendron

Looking for a shrub that likes the shade but also provides you with a nice hue of pink, red or white? A rhododendron will do the trick! It's clustered spring blooms can been seen from afar and will be sure to wow the neighbors. 

Astilbe
Astilbe

Astilbe will grace your garden with tall, fluffy plumbs of pink and fern-like foliage throughout the spring and summer. 

Coral Bells
Coral Bells

Coral Bells–or heuchera–add a nice pop of color with their bright purple, maroon and lime green foliage. There are many hues to choose from. Expect blooms from June to August. 

Toad Lily
Toad Lily

If you love orchids and have a shady place in your garden, you'll definitely want to scoop up a Toad Lily or two. Don't let the name fool you, this plant has some of the most gorgeous blooms you'll see in the shade. 

Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Heart

The bleeding heart will really make your heart sing. It has beautiful heart-shaped flowers that come in a variety of colors. 

Hosta
Hosta

Hosta la vista, baby! This is a traditional Southern staple for shade gardeners. Hosta come in all shapes and sizes. Take your pick!

Fatsia
Fatsia

Fatsia will keep your garden green year-round! It's an evergreen shrub (although it looks like a tropical) that every shade garden needs.