Some parts of my yard barely get any sun, and I used to think nothing pretty would grow there. But I was wrong. There’s a whole lineup of perennials that love part shade, and they do great in pots too.
I’ve learned that with the right plants, those dim spots can actually become the prettiest parts of your garden.
These plants come back every year, which means less work for you and more time to enjoy the view.
If you’ve got a shaded patio or porch, let’s talk plants that thrive in it. You’ll be surprised how many options you have.
1. Hellebores
I planted these near my front steps one year, and they were the first thing to bloom the next winter, before anything else woke up.
The flowers hang down like little bells and come in soft pinks, purples, even greens. They’ve got a gentle look, but they’re strong and steady.
Even in summer, the leaves stay neat and green. I keep them in ceramic pots and just let them be. Super low-maintenance.
2. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
These are my go-to when I want something colorful but not flashy. It’s all about the leaves, deep burgundy, caramel, lime. So many choices.
They don’t take over the pot, which I like. You can squeeze them in next to taller plants or let them shine on their own.
I’ve even used them indoors for a few weeks at a time when guests visit. They hold up really well and look polished.
3. Bleeding Heart
My grandmother had these in her garden, and now I keep them in pots on my porch as a quiet little tribute. The flowers are sweet and old-fashioned.
They bloom early in spring and then vanish by summer, but that’s part of the charm. I plant something leafy next to them to fill in after.
They like it cool and damp, so I tuck them behind a chair where they’re shaded most of the day.
4. Brunnera
These are my secret weapon for a shady corner. The bright blue flowers remind me of wild forget-me-nots from my childhood.
The leaves are large and silvery with a frosty finish. They light up even the darkest corners and look elegant without trying.
I mix them with ferns or grasses for a lush, textured container. They handle morning sun just fine but need shade in the afternoon.
5. Japanese Forest Grass
This one flows so gracefully over the edge of my pot, it looks like it’s been styled by a florist. The movement it adds is beautiful.
I like using it as a border plant around the base of something taller. The chartreuse green color brightens everything nearby.
If it starts to droop too much, I just trim it back a little. It fills out again easily without any drama.
6. Astilbe
These feathery blooms make me feel like I’m in a fancy garden, even though I just planted them in an old bucket last spring.
They come in pink, white, and red, and they like damp soil. I’ve had the best luck keeping them near the hose for easy watering.
Their leaves stay nice and full even after blooming, so the pot still looks alive and full the whole season.
7. Tiarella (Foamflower)
These are tiny but mighty. I keep a pot of them on the patio table and always get compliments. The flowers are soft and starry.
Their leaves have this lacy shape that makes them look like little woodland plants. Super pretty up close.
I plant them with other dainty plants like violets or lamium for a sweet cottage feel. They’re happy with just dappled light.
8. Lamium (Dead Nettle)
Horrible name, right? But honestly, this plant is adorable. The silver-striped leaves catch the light, and the flowers are soft and pink.
I like to use this as a trailing plant over the edge of pots. It adds softness and helps cover bare spots.
It spreads fast, so I snip it back when it gets too full. Don’t worry, it always bounces back.
9. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
I’ll admit, I only bought this once because I liked the name. But now I’m hooked. The speckled leaves are like nature’s confetti.
It blooms early in spring with small blue or pink flowers that bees love. It really wakes up the garden.
It does best in deep shade, so I place it under a bench or near a wall. Very reliable and cheerful.
10. Columbine (Aquilegia)
These are so delicate, I thought they’d be fussy. Turns out, they’re anything but. I’ve had them reseed in the same pot for three years.
The flowers have those fancy spurs that kids love to touch. I keep mine on a table by the window so I can enjoy them close-up.
They don’t bloom long, but even the leaves are nice to look at afterward.
11. Bergenia
These plants have thick, leathery leaves that stay green all year. I love how tough they are, even in cold weather.
In spring, they shoot up with hot pink blooms that remind me of birthday cake decorations. Big, bold, and fun.
I use them in my front porch planters for structure. They anchor everything and never look messy.
12. Hardy Geranium
Not your red summer geranium, these are the real perennials. They bloom in shades of violet, pink, and blue and keep going for months.
They’re good for filling in gaps. I use them around taller perennials in a pot to create a full, finished look.
If they get leggy, I just cut them back. They come right back with fresh flowers a few weeks later.
13. Epimedium
These have tiny flowers that look like they’re floating. I love them because they bloom right after winter, when I’m desperate for something cheerful.
The leaves are heart-shaped and change colors throughout the season, from bronze to green to red. It’s like three plants in one.
They handle dry shade better than most. I use them in neglected corners and they still show up year after year.
14. Solomon’s Seal
This one is pure elegance. The arching stems and hanging white flowers make the pot look so polished.
I keep a few of these near my patio swing and they sway gently with the breeze. It’s a little thing, but it makes the space feel peaceful.
They do well in tall, narrow pots where their shape can shine. Definitely a graceful addition.
Final Thoughts
I used to think shade meant boring plants and dull pots. But once I started experimenting with part-shade perennials, everything changed. These aren’t just filler plants, they’re the stars of my patio now.
If you’ve got a dim spot that needs a lift, try one or two of these in a big pot. Water when the soil feels dry, and that’s pretty much it.
You’ll be surprised how lush and inviting even a shady corner can become. I promise, once you start, you’ll never look at shade the same way again.