Shade Garden Magic: My Top 5 Favorite Perennials

Get Inspired Week 96

“In the embrace of shade, the world transforms into a sanctuary.” — William Wordsworth

Just because you have shade doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful garden. I know many people feel disappointed when I tell them they don’t have enough sunlight for the cottage garden of their dreams. But here’s the secret: some of the most stunning, peaceful spaces I’ve designed are in shade! With the right plants, you can rejuvenate a shady spot into a lush, serene oasis that will bring you so much peace and happiness.

Here are my five favorite perennials for adding texture and color to your shade garden and big bonus, they’re all deer resistant.

Astilbe

Astilbe is hands-down one of my staples for shade. Their striking, vibrant plumes of flowers—ranging from reds, pinks, and purples to softer peach, lavender, and white—add high visual impact. Even after the blooms fade, the flower heads hold their shape, providing beautiful interest throughout the season.

Brunnera

Brunnera brings a lovely shimmer to any shade garden. In mid-spring, it produces tiny, delicate blue flowers that always make me smile, and its light green, often silvery leaves brightens up the other foilage. Brunnera pairs perfectly with coral bells for a dreamy, layered look.

Coral Bells

Coral bells are a shade garden must-have. Their foliage comes in an incredible range of hues and is a great way to keep vibrant color going all season long. The pretty bell-shaped blooms in spring are a lovely bonus, but it’s those vibrant leaves that keep me coming back to this plant year after year.

Ferns

Ferns are simply made for shade! Available in a range of sizes and shades of green, their foliage brings gorgeous patterns and textures to the garden. With ferns it’s so easy to create a woodland tapestry for your zen garden.

Veronica

Veronica is a plant I use in practically all of my designs—even in the shade! The spiky blooms look like little paintbrushes, adding a striking texture that stands out against softer foliage. With regular deadheading, Veronica will bloom all summer and right up until frost.

Don’t let shade get you down—embrace it! Some of the most magical gardens I’ve designed are tucked under trees and nooks. I hope you are encouraged to create a space that feels like a secret retreat, full of texture, movement, and full of peace.

Keep on dreaming,

Laura

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