The Best Flowering Shade Plants

Toad Lily

• The toad lily (Tricyrtis formosana) is an herbaceous perennial that prefers humus-rich, moist soils in partially to fully shady locations. This lily species blooms from August through September, featuring clusters of small, white flowers with dark red-purple spots and yellow throats. The broad, green leaves have hairy undersides. This Taiwanese native winters well in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hardiness zones 4 to 9. Mature plants range from 2 to 3 feet in height with spreads between 18 and 24 inches. Watch your plants for slugs. Use toad lilies in shady areas of your woodland gardens, naturalized areas and borders.

Hellebore

• Hellebore plants (Helleborus orientalis) bloom in April, featuring nodding, rose-like flowers with bright yellow stamens and interior spots. Petal colors include white, pink, pale rose or purple. This hellebore species bears shiny, leathery green leaves that are deciduous in very cold climates but evergreen in warmer winter environments. The roots, leaves and stems of this plant contain poisonous elements. Native to Russia, Greece and Turkey, this herbaceous perennial winters well in USDA zones 4 to 9. Plants prefer humusy, rich soils in partially shady to fully shady locations that protect them from harsh winter winds. Mature plants form clumps that range from 12 to 18 inches in both height and spread. Crown rot and leaf spot occasionally occur. Group hellebore plants in shady areas of your border and woodland gardens, or mass plant hellebore to create a flowering ground cover.

Partridge Berry

• Partridge berry plants (Mitchella repens) form mats that reach up to 3 inches in height and 12 inches in width. This shade-loving plant naturally occurs in North America and winters well in zones 3 to 8. Partridge berries bear shiny, deep green leaves and fragrant, white flowers with pink tints. Flowers appear from May through July, giving way to vibrant red, edible berries that have very little taste. This broadleaf evergreen prefers partially to fully shady locations and rich soils with good drainage. Flowering is best with a regular watering schedule, but this plant can tolerate some drought conditions. This prostrate plant only reaches 2 inches in height but can spread as much as 12 inches. Few pests or health problems affect this hardy plant. Use partridge berry plants in shady locations in your rock gardens, around small bodies of water and in the front of your border plantings.

Tannia

• Tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is a summer-blooming bulb plant from tropical America. This perennial likes partially to fully shady positions with well-drained, moist soils. Winter hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10, this plant needs locations that protect them from strong winds. Watch your plants for leaf spots, Pythium rot and snails. The green leaves look similar to elephant ears, while the green-white flowers bloom in July and August. Mature plants range from 2 to 4 feet in both height and width. Plant tannia in shady garden areas or plant them in containers and put them in shady spots on your patio.