Mature landscapes frequently include large trees that cast shade across broad areas of the garden. Shade perennials transform these dark, often ignored parts of the yard into woodland tapestries of leaf and flower. Of course, there are many degrees of shade, and each supports a different kind of perennial garden.

Shade gardens can be filled with perennials that thrive in dim light and flowers that delight the senses.

Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard

Hydrangeas require moist, acidic soil rich in organic matter to achieve their intense blue and purple colors. If the color of your shade plants begins to dim, you may need to feed with some acidic fertilizer.

Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard

Wake robins, or trilliums, are a staple of many woodland shade gardens.

Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/Robert Dolezal

Full shade is the densest of all, as well as the most challenging area to plant with perennial flowers. Also called heavy shade, full shade is found under mature evergreens or along the north sides of buildings in areas of the garden that receive little sunlight throughout the year. To create a perennial garden in full shade, seek out plants that thrive in the low light and frequently moist conditions found under established trees and shrubs. Where leaves and needles fall, the soil in such areas may become highly acidic, so choose plants that grow well in such conditions.

Dappled shade is found under deciduous trees, where patterns of sun and shade move across the garden by the hour. Dappled shade is ideal for the great majority of shade plants if the soil is enriched and the area is sheltered from hot, dry winds. Choose plants like bluebell, bluestar, false indigo, lilyturf, plantain lily (hosta) and trillium. There are lots of plants to choose from that thrive in this level of sunlight.

Bright shade can be found at the outer edges of tree canopies in spots that receive sun in early morning and evening hours. This is the place for perennials that take partial shade, including columbine, daylily and foxglove. Many full-sun plants will adapt to bright shade conditions providing that the area receives full sun at least half the day.

With so many shady characters to choose from, you can create all kinds of shade gardens. Woodland glades, with their quiet colors and fern accents, are just one style. Consider a tropical look with big-leafed perennials and the exotic blooms of daylilies. Add a palm and flowering annuals in summer. An Asian-style garden takes low-key, textural perennials like lilyturf, spring-blooming primroses and fall-blooming toad lily. All you need is a little imagination and inspiration to get started!