Shade-Loving Plants for Tennessee

Perennials

• Several perennial plants thrive in full or partial shade in Tennessee's various climates. Grape leaf anemones (Anemone tomentosa "Robustissima"), which grow in USDA zones 4 through 8, thrive in full shade to full sun. Its showy pink flowers brighten dark gardens. Hostas (Hosta spp.) grow in USDA zones 3 through 8, depending on species, and are among the most common shade-loving perennials. Hostas show off large foliage in various shades of green, yellow and bluish green depending on species or variety.

Ferns

• Various ferns are native to Tennessee, and most are woodland species that prefer the shaded understory with dappled sunlight throughout most of the day. Several non-native species are available at nurseries, as well. The native American maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) grows in wet soils in USDA zones 3 through 8. The colorful Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum "Pictum") grows in USDA zones 5 through 8 in wet soil; this fern has blue or blue-green foliage that fades to silver at the tips.

Shrubs

• If you're looking for something a little bit bigger than perennials and ferns, several shrubs also do nicely in Tennessee's climate zones. "Northern Exposure" camellia (Camellia sasanqua "Northern Exposure") is an ideal choice for a partial shade location in USDA zones 6 through 8. For a different look, try hardy fuchsia (Fuchsia genii), which grows in USDA zones 7 through 9. Bright, lime-green foliage is decorated with red, hanging flowers during summer. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) are another choice for shady locations; most prefer fairly shaded locations with dappled sunlight. Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), a U.S. native, grows in USDA zones 5 through 9 and has large, oakleaf-shaped foliage.

Trees

• Although you'll be out of luck looking for a tree that can handle full shade, several do well in partial shade. The pink-flowered eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), another Tennessee native, is an understory tree that reaches heights of 25 feet, although some cultivars are smaller. These trees grow in USDA zones 4 through 9. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum cvs.) thrive in USDA zones 5 through 8, and most prefer protected areas in dappled shade.