Shady spots are frustrating. Your eyes scan your typically lively yard and notice those regions that look out of place. That’s an opportunity.
Many shrubs not only tolerate shade but thrive in it, offering flowers, fragrance, bold foliage, or berries.
Shady gardens can feel like a challenge (and they are), but there’s an opportunity in the frustration. In fact, some of the most beautiful shrubs prefer life away from the sun and they’re still going to offer you colorful flowers, sweet fragrance, beautiful foliage, and, with some, even helpful berries that your local pollinators will love.
Look at the dappled, shaded spots in your backyard. We’ll wait.
With the right choices, those dark corners will become the most enchanting part of your yard. Or, at the very least, they’ll go from boring and dull to interesting with an added depth of life. Here are 18 expert-approved shrubs that thrive in shade, along with the planting information you need to grow them successfully. And we tossed in a scattering of interesting facts just to keep this article interesting.
1. Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)
Sometimes called “Lily of the Valley shrub,” Japanese pieris is an evergreen beauty with cascading white or pink flower clusters in spring. New growth often emerges with a blush of pink or red, giving it year-round interest.
● Zones: 5–8
● Light: Partial to full shade
● Size: 8–10 ft tall, 6–8 ft wide
● Planting time: Fall or early spring
● Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Fun fact: In Japan, pieris is often planted near temples as a symbol of purity.
2. Lily of the Valley Shrub (Pieris floribunda)
Fragrant, bell-shaped flowers appear in clusters, bringing life to shady beds. Unlike the groundcover lily of the valley, this is a woody shrub.
● Zones: 5–7
● Light: Shade to dappled sun
● Size: 4–6 ft tall and wide
● Planting time: Early spring or fall
● Growth rate: Slow
Fun fact: Native to the Appalachian Mountains, it’s prized in U.S. woodland gardens.
3. Camellia (Camellia japonica)
A classic southern shrub with glossy evergreen leaves and large, waxy flowers in pink, white, or red. Many varieties bloom from late fall through spring.
● Zones: 7–9 (some hardy hybrids down to 6)
● Light: Partial shade
● Size: 6–12 ft tall, 6–10 ft wide
● Planting time: Fall for best root establishment
● Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Fun fact: In Asia, camellia flowers symbolize admiration and longevity.
4. Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica)
This tropical-looking shrub thrives in shade, with oversized glossy leaves that bring bold texture.
● Zones: 7–10
● Light: Full to partial shade
● Size: 6–10 ft tall, 6–8 ft wide
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Moderate
Fun fact: Popular in Victorian-era conservatories, fatsia is still a favorite for shady city courtyards.
5. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Few shrubs rival hydrangeas for sheer flower power. Their mophead or lacecap blooms can be blue, pink, or white depending on soil pH.
● Zones: 5–9
● Light: Partial shade
● Size: 4–6 ft tall and wide
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Moderate
Fun fact: In Japan, hydrangea tea (amacha) is used in Buddhist ceremonies to celebrate Buddha’s birthday.
6. Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia)
Nicknamed “elephant’s ears” for its large leathery leaves, bergenia is incredibly hardy and thrives in shady areas. Pink flowers appear in spring.
● Zones: 3–8
● Light: Shade to part shade
● Size: 1–2 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Slow
Fun fact: Bergenia leaves turn bronze or red in cold weather, adding winter interest.
7. Yew (Taxus spp.)
A timeless evergreen with needle-like foliage. Dense and easy to shape, yews are often used as hedges or foundation shrubs.
● Zones: 4–7
● Light: Shade to sun (tolerates deep shade well)
● Size: 4–20 ft tall depending on species
● Planting time: Fall or early spring
● Growth rate: Slow
Fun fact: Ancient yews in Britain are over 2,000 years old and often found in churchyards.
8. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
Though technically a perennial, astilbe behaves like a small shrub in borders, with feathery plumes in pink, red, or white.
● Zones: 4–9
● Light: Partial to full shade
● Size: 1–3 ft tall and wide
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
Fun fact: Astilbe is sometimes called “false spirea” for its plume-like blooms.
9. Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)
A shade jewel with silver-splashed, heart-shaped leaves. Tiny blue flowers in spring resemble forget-me-nots.
● Zones: 3–8
● Light: Partial to full shade
● Size: 12–18 in tall, 18–24 in wide
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Slow
Fun fact: Its shimmering foliage makes brunnera one of the most popular plants for moon gardens.
10. Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
With hundreds of cultivars, rhododendrons offer vivid clusters of spring flowers and evergreen leaves in many varieties.
● Zones: 4–8
● Light: Dappled shade
● Size: 3–10 ft tall depending on type
● Planting time: Fall or spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
Fun fact: Rhododendrons are the national flower of Nepal.
11. Daphne (Daphne odora)
This compact shrub is legendary for its intoxicating winter-to-early-spring fragrance. Small clusters of pink or white flowers make it a treasure.
● Zones: 7–9
● Light: Partial shade
● Size: 3–4 ft tall and wide
● Planting time: Early spring or fall
● Growth rate: Slow
Fun fact: In Greek mythology, Daphne was a nymph transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo.
12. Holly (Ilex spp.)
Best known for their glossy green leaves and red berries, hollies brighten winter gardens and provide shelter for wildlife.
● Zones: 5–9 (depending on species)
● Light: Sun to shade
● Size: 3–50 ft depending on species
● Planting time: Fall or early spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
Fun fact: Druids considered holly sacred, believing it protected against evil spirits.
13. Mahonia (Mahonia x media)
Mahonia produces spiny, holly-like leaves, fragrant yellow winter flowers, and blue-black berries.
● Zones: 5–9
● Light: Shade to part shade
● Size: 6–10 ft tall, 4–6 ft wide
● Planting time: Fall or spring
● Growth rate: Moderate
Fun fact: Its berries are edible when cooked and used in jams and jellies in some cultures.
14. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)
A versatile group with many shade-tolerant species. Viburnums often have fragrant flowers, berries for birds, and colorful fall foliage.
● Zones: 4–8
● Light: Sun to part shade (many do well in shade)
● Size: 3–12 ft depending on variety
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Moderate
Fun fact: Viburnum berries are food for over 30 species of birds.
15. Kerria (Kerria japonica)
Produces bright yellow pom-pom flowers in spring and sometimes again in fall. Its slender green stems add winter interest.
● Zones: 4–9
● Light: Shade to partial sun
● Size: 5–7 ft tall, 3–6 ft wide
● Planting time: Spring
● Growth rate: Fast
Fun fact: Kerria is native to China and Japan, where it’s valued for its cheerful spring display.
16. Aucuba (Aucuba japonica)
Also known as “gold dust plant,” aucuba has glossy green leaves speckled with yellow. Ideal for dark, dry corners.
● Zones: 6–10
● Light: Full to deep shade
● Size: 6–10 ft tall, 4–6 ft wide
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Slow
Fun fact: In Japan, aucuba has been cultivated since the 18th century as a house and garden plant.
17. Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa)
A compact evergreen that produces tiny but powerfully fragrant flowers in late winter.
● Zones: 6–9
● Light: Deep shade to part shade
● Size: 2–3 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide
● Planting time: Fall or spring
● Growth rate: Slow
Fun fact: Its name comes from its sweet perfume, which can scent an entire pathway in bloom.
18. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Native to eastern North America, mountain laurel thrives in woodland shade. Clusters of pink and white star-shaped flowers appear in late spring.
● Zones: 4–9
● Light: Shade to part sun
● Size: 5–15 ft tall, 5–15 ft wide
● Planting time: Spring or fall
● Growth rate: Slow to moderate
Fun fact: George Washington planted mountain laurels at Mount Vernon.
Final thoughts
Shade doesn’t have to be a problem or even a challenge. You can have fun with and surprise your neighbors, and yourself. The point is…you have options and we just proved that.
From fragrant daphne and sweet box to bold-leaved fatsia and hydrangeas that glow in the half-light, these 18 shrubs prove that low-light gardens can be just as colorful and welcoming as sunny borders. With the right planting choice, your shady spots may soon become the most admired part of your garden.
