Shady Characters: Plants That Thrive Out of the Spotlight

Not every plant craves the spotlight. Some of the most beautiful and hardworking plants are the ones that do their best in the shade. Whether you’re working with full shade under a tree canopy or a partly shaded porch, our Shady Characters collection brings texture, color, and life to your low-light spaces.

From lush hostas to hardy hellebores, these plants were made for the shade. They don’t just survive in lower light—they shine in it. With a wide range of foliage colors, bloom times, and sizes, there’s something for every shady nook and north-facing bed.

Why Shade Plants Deserve the Attention
Shade gardening comes with unique opportunities. Instead of relying on constant sun, you can create layered interest with foliage contrast, seasonal blooms, and reliable structure. Many shade plants are also low-maintenance once established and require less watering than their sun-loving counterparts.

Top Picks from the Collection:

• Astilbe – Feathery blooms in bold pinks, purples, and whites. Perfect for adding height and soft color.

• Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Vibrant foliage in every shade from deep plum to lime green. Adds year-round interest.

• Hostas – A classic for a reason. They offer endless variation in leaf shape and color.

• Ferns – Add texture, movement, and a lush woodland feel.

• Toad Lily – Delicate, orchid-like flowers that bloom late in the season for a surprise pop.

Design Tips for Shade Gardens:
Use contrasting foliage to create visual interest where bright flowers might be limited. Mix textures like the bold leaves of hostas with the delicate fronds of ferns. Try planting in layers—taller plants at the back, mid-sized fillers, and low groundcovers—to give shady beds depth and dimension.

Whether you’re refreshing an entryway, filling a forgotten corner, or building out a woodland-inspired garden, our Shady Characters collection is ready to help you create something beautiful.

Visit us in-store to see what’s looking best this week or shop the collection online to get a head start on your shade garden.