Matching Plants
14
Perennials
5
Shrubs
4
Ground Covers
5
Shade Classification
Partial Shade
14 matching plants
Perennials
5
Shrubs
4
Ground Covers
5
Inputs
Result
At 3 hours of sun, the garden is classified as Partial Shade. Loam soil with average moisture supports the widest range of shade plants including hostas, coral bells, hydrangeas, and lamium.
Inputs
Result
At 1 hour of sun, the garden is Full Shade. Clay soil with moist conditions narrows options to shade-loving plants that tolerate heavy soil: hostas, brunnera, ajuga, vinca, sweet woodruff, and lily of the valley.
Inputs
Result
Dappled shade with loam and moist conditions is ideal for the widest plant palette. Options include bleeding heart, astilbe, ligularia, toad lily, hydrangea, and multiple ground covers.
Full shade (less than 2 hours of direct sun) limits options but several plants thrive. Hostas are the most popular shade perennial, tolerating deep shade. Ferns, brunnera, lily of the valley, ajuga, and vinca minor all do well with minimal sun.
| Plant | Type | Height | Bloom Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosta | Perennial | 12–36" | Lavender/White |
| Japanese Fern | Perennial | 12–18" | Foliage only |
| Brunnera | Perennial | 12–18" | Blue |
| Ajuga | Ground Cover | 4–6" | Blue/Purple |
| Vinca Minor | Ground Cover | 4–6" | Purple/Blue |
Partial shade means 2–4 hours of direct sun per day, usually morning or late afternoon. Dappled shade means 4–6 hours of filtered sunlight through a tree canopy. Dappled shade offers more total light and supports a wider range of plants including hydrangeas and astilbe.
Spacing depends on mature plant size. Ground covers like ajuga and vinca go 12 inches apart. Perennials like hostas need 18–24 inches. Shrubs like hydrangeas need 48–60 inches. In shade gardens, plant slightly closer than sun gardens since growth is slower.
Shade gardens under trees often have dry, root-filled soil. Add 3–4 inches of compost to improve moisture retention and nutrients. Leaf mold is the ideal amendment for shade gardens — it mimics the natural forest floor. Avoid tilling near tree roots.
| Amendment | Benefit | Application | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compost | Nutrients + drainage | 3–4" tilled in | $30–$50/cu yd |
| Leaf Mold | Moisture retention | 2–3" as mulch | Free (make your own) |
| Pine Bark | Acidifying mulch | 2–3" surface layer | $35–$45/cu yd |
| Sulfur | Lower soil pH | 1–2 lbs per 100 sq ft | $10–$15/bag |
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
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