The Best Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants for Your Garden

Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants: A Guide to Choosing the Right Ones

Are you looking for low growing perennial shade plants to add to your garden? If so, you're in luck because there are plenty of great options out there! When it comes to choosing the right plants for your garden, there are several factors to consider, including the amount of sunlight they need, their water requirements, and their growth habits.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best low growing perennial shade plants for your garden. We'll discuss their characteristics, how to care for them, and provide some tips for incorporating them into your landscape design.

What are Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants?

Before we dive into our top picks for low growing perennial shade plants, let's define what we mean by this term. Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, while "low growing" refers to plants that typically grow to less than 18 inches in height. Finally, "shade plants" are those that prefer to grow in areas with little to no direct sunlight.

So, when we refer to "low growing perennial shade plants," we're talking about plants that fit all three of these criteria. These plants are perfect for adding some color and texture to shady areas of your garden, such as under trees or along fences.

The Top 15 Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants

Here are our top picks for low growing perennial shade plants:

1. Hostas

Hostas are a classic choice for shady gardens. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a versatile option for any landscape design. Hostas prefer moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly during dry spells.

2. Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are another popular choice for shady gardens. Their heart-shaped flowers come in shades of pink, white, and red, and they bloom in spring and early summer. Bleeding hearts prefer rich, moist soil and should be fertilized in the fall.

3. Foamflowers

Foamflowers are a low-growing perennial that produce delicate, frothy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer moist soil and should be planted in partial to full shade.

4. Coral Bells

Coral bells (Heuchera) are known for their colorful foliage, which comes in shades of green, purple, and silver. They also produce delicate flowers on tall stems in the summer. Coral bells prefer well-draining soil and should be watered regularly.

5. Lamium

Lamium is a groundcover plant that produces pretty, variegated leaves and small flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. It prefers moist soil and should be planted in partial to full shade.

6. Tiarella

Tiarella, also known as foamflower, is a low-growing perennial that produces delicate, frothy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer moist soil and should be planted in partial to full shade.

7. Astilbe

Astilbe is a low-maintenance perennial that produces feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. They prefer moist soil and should be planted in partial to full shade.

8. Lungwort

Lungwort is a low-growing perennial that produces pretty, spotted leaves and small flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white. It prefers moist soil and should be planted in partial to full shade.

9. Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) is a low-growing ornamental grass that produces lovely, flowing foliage in shades of green and gold. It prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.

10. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a fragrant groundcover plant that produces delicate white flowers in the spring. It prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.

11. Foamflower

Foamflower is a low-growing perennial that produces delicate, frothy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. They prefer moist soil and should be planted in partial to full shade.

12. Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is a low-growing groundcover plant that produces pretty, yellow-green foliage. It prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.

13. Dead Nettle

Dead nettle (Lamium maculatum) is a low-growing groundcover plant that produces pretty, variegated leaves and small flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. It prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.

14. Ajuga

Ajuga is a low-growing groundcover plant that produces pretty, purple-blue flowers in the spring. It prefers moist soil and partial to full shade.

15. Hellebores

Hellebores are a low-growing perennial that produce pretty, cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and purple. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

How to Care for Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants

Now that you know which low growing perennial shade plants are best for your garden, it's important to know how to care for them properly. Here are some tips:

1. Water Regularly

Most low growing perennial shade plants prefer moist soil, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells.

2. Fertilize in the Fall

Many shade plants benefit from a fall fertilization, which will help them grow stronger and healthier the following year.

3. Provide Adequate Drainage

While most shade plants prefer moist soil, it's still important to ensure they have adequate drainage. Too much standing water can lead to root rot and other issues.

4. Mulch Around Plants

Mulching around your low growing perennial shade plants can help retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.

5. Prune as Needed

Be sure to prune your plants as needed to remove dead or diseased foliage and encourage healthy growth.

Incorporating Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants into Your Landscape Design

When it comes to incorporating low growing perennial shade plants into your landscape design, there are several things to keep in mind. Here are some tips:

1. Choose Complementary Colors

Consider the colors of your existing garden and choose low growing perennial shade plants that complement those colors.

2. Mix and Match Plant Sizes and Textures

Mixing and matching different plant sizes and textures can add interest and depth to your garden design.

3. Consider Planting in Groups

Planting low growing perennial shade plants in groups can create a cohesive look and make a bigger impact in your garden.

4. Use Containers

If you don't have enough space in your garden, consider planting low growing perennial shade plants in containers instead.

FAQs About Low Growing Perennial Shade Plants

1. Can low growing perennial shade plants grow in full sun?

Most low growing perennial shade plants prefer partial to full shade, but some may be able to tolerate full sun if they are watered regularly.

2. Do low growing perennial shade plants come back every year?

Yes, low growing perennial shade plants are designed to come back year after year.

3. How often should I water my low growing perennial shade plants?

Most low growing perennial shade plants prefer moist soil, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells.

4. How do I know which low growing perennial shade plants are right for my garden?

Consider the amount of shade in your garden, the colors of your existing plants, and the overall aesthetic you're trying to achieve when choosing low growing perennial shade plants.

5. Can I plant low growing perennial shade plants under trees?

Yes, many low growing perennial shade plants are perfect for planting under trees or in other shady areas of your garden.