Hostas, astilbe, coral bells, ferns, foamflower and lungwort are the most dependable perennials for shade in Maine. Most want moist soil rich in organic matter.
- Plantain Lily (Hosta) — The backbone of any shade garden.
- False Spirea (Astilbe) — Feathery plumes in shade and damp soil.
- Coral Bells — Colorful leaves from lime to purple.
- Foamflower — Native with frothy spring flowers.
- Lungwort — Spotted leaves and early blue flowers.
- Alkanet — Heart-shaped silver leaves.
- Lenten Rose — Blooms in early spring, deer resistant.
- Ragwort — Bold leaves for wet shade.
- Goat's Beard — Tall cream plumes for the back.
- Jacob's Ladder — Fine leaves and blue flowers.
Alkanet 'Alexander's Great'
Brunnera 'Alexander's Great'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Heartleaf (macrophylla)'
Brunnera 'Heartleaf (macrophylla)'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Jack Frost'
Brunnera 'Jack Frost'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Jack of Diamonds'
Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Looking Glass'
Brunnera 'Looking Glass'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Permafrost'
Brunnera 'Permafrost'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Queen of Hearts'
Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Sea Heart'
Brunnera 'Sea Heart'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Baltic Ivy; English Ivy 'Baltic'
Hedra 'Baltic'
from $27.99 · 1/2 Flat
- Colorful foliage
- Winter interest
- Spreads quickly
Baltic Ivy; English Ivy 'Thorndale'
Hedra 'Thorndale'
from $27.99 · 1/2 Flat
- Colorful foliage
- Winter interest
- Spreads quickly
Barren Strawberry 'Ternata'
Waldsteinia 'Ternata'
from $6.99 · 1QT
- Native
- Spreads quickly
Barrenwort 'Rubrum'
Epimedium 'Rubrum'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Drought tolerant
- Rabbit resistant
Tips
- Part shade means 3 to 6 hours of sun; full shade under 3.
- Under trees, water more — tree roots take most of the moisture.
- Light-colored and variegated leaves brighten dark corners.
Frequently asked questions
What perennials grow in full shade?
Hostas, ferns, Lenten roses, lungwort and foamflower handle deep shade.
Will shade perennials grow under trees?
Yes, if you add compost and water through dry spells. Barrenwort and Lenten rose handle dry shade best.
Which shade plants do deer leave alone?
Ferns, Lenten rose, lungwort, bleeding heart and astilbe are rarely eaten. Hostas are a deer favorite.
Do shade perennials flower?
Many do — astilbe, bleeding heart, foamflower and Lenten rose all bloom in shade.