Lorraine Johnson It used to be that gardeners considered shade a problem. Today, however, more and more gardeners are realizing that shady conditions in fact represent a great opportunity to grow hundreds of wonderful ornamental plants, especially perennials. In order to determine the best shade-loving plants for your site, you must first identify the kind of shade you're dealing with.
Deep shade refers to areas that receive no direct sunlight in spring, summer or fall.
Shade refers to areas that receive no direct sunlight in the summer, but that do receive direct sunlight in the spring, before the trees leaf out, and in the fall, after the tree leaves drop. Partial shade refers to areas that are predominantly shady, but receive some sunlight during the day. Light shade refers to the dappled light that filters through the leaves of open, airy trees such as a linden. Perennials for Deep Shade Bloodroot, Wild ginger, Hostas, Marginal fern, Christmas fern, Lady fern, Cinnamon fern, Maidenhair fern. For Light Shade Columbine, penstemon, Canada anemone, violets, bee balm, hay-scented fern, New York fern, ostrich fern.