Move over hostas and impatiens! You already know these shade-lovers are reliable performers, but there are a whole lot of other beauties out there that flourish in less sunny locations. The trick is to choose the right plant for the right place. “There are many degrees of shade,” says Michael Sheek, senior horticulturalist with the Atlanta Botanical Garden. “Pay attention to your planting area for a few days to get a sense of what kind of light it receives at different times of day.” For example, full shade means the area never receives direct light. Part shade means it doesn’t get more than three or four hours of direct sunlight daily. Some sun-loving plants will tolerate a bit of shade, and some shade plants can handle a little sun, especially if it’s in the morning. (Ask your nursery or read the plant tag to find out whether a plant you’ve fallen in love with will do well in your specific conditions!)
These shade-lovers will brighten up any dark corner of your yard or patio: