13 Best Shade Perennials that Will Not Take Over Your Garden

Made in the Shade

As someone who has grown more than 1,000 different kinds of plants in the shade over the last 17 years, choosing just a handful to recommend is a daunting task. I’ve finally settled on a baker’s dozen of perennials, that I simply could not live without in my shade garden, to share with you here.

These perennials all have one very important trait in common — they won’t spread with reckless abandon or take over your garden. When space is at a premium and you’d like to fit in as many shade loving plants as possible, that is a very important characteristic to consider.

You may see some familiar faces here, like hostas and ferns, but I’ve also included a few perennials that have not yet had their moment in the spotlight in hopes that they will become more widely grown. Several garden-worthy natives also made the list. Pick one or two to expand your palette of shade-loving plants this season and you just might find your new favorite perennial.