It’s difficult to look past the town’s yards and gardens in the spring and summer, when they’re bursting with vibrant flowers and foliage. If you’ve always believed that the soil in your yard is too sandy, too dry, or too shaded to support such lovely plants, think again. Actually, you might be motivated to choose plants with greater creativity as a result of these typical issues.
We’ve identified some lovely plants that will flourish in even the least plant-friendly environments with the help of professional guidance and maintenance recommendations from a few plant experts. With the availability of these hard-to-kill plants at nurseries and garden centers, you have no excuse to let a dry, low-light area prevent you from designing a jaw-dropping backyard.
Ajuga
If your backyard remains in the shadows for most of the day, finding plants that thrive in low light can be challenging. According to Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms, ajuga is a top choice for shady areas. “This resilient groundcover is excellent for adding color and minimizing upkeep in shaded spaces. It features charming blue-purple flower spikes in the spring and forms a dense, lush mat of foliage for the remainder of the season,” Hancock notes. For added visual interest, consider variegated varieties like “Burgundy Glow,” which showcase hues of pink and silver. Ajuga is a perennial, so it will continue to return each year with minimal effort.
Caladium
Bring a touch of tropical flair to your shaded backyard with caladium, suggests Hancock. Known for its large, striking arrowhead-shaped leaves, caladium comes in vibrant colors such as red, pink, and white, making it easy to coordinate with other garden plants. “White varieties are particularly captivating in the shade as they seem to glow, especially during dusk,” Hancock says. You can either treat caladium as an annual, keeping it in the ground throughout the year, or dig it up and store it in a cool place for winter.
Persian Shield
For a versatile plant that thrives in various conditions, including both sunny and shady spots, consider the Persian Shield. Hancock praises its stunning metallic-purple foliage, which stands out whether planted alone or with other plants. “This tropical plant is durable and makes a bold statement with its unique color,” he says. Treat it as an annual or, if you’re adventurous, bring it indoors during winter and place it in a bright location.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Jacob Burns from the Chicago Botanic Garden recommends oakleaf hydrangea for deep shade conditions. This shrub offers bold, textural leaves and large cone-shaped flowers that provide curb appeal even in dimly lit areas. “Starting its bloom in mid-June and continuing well into summer, the oakleaf hydrangea is a fantastic choice for a garden that lacks sunlight,” Burns explains. Its extended blooming period ensures vibrant blossoms throughout the season.
First Frost Hosta
Hostas are ideal for shady and dry areas, thriving in conditions where many other plants struggle. The “First Frost” variety, with its variegated leaves and pale lavender flowers, is especially suited for deep shade. Growing up to 16 inches tall and 30 inches wide, hostas can effectively fill space in low-light gardens. “Most hostas prefer some shade, and the darker varieties are particularly well-suited for dim environments,” Burns notes.
Carex Pensylvanica
For a shade-friendly ground cover alternative to grass, consider Carex Pensylvanica. “This plant serves as a soft, carpet-like cover for shady areas, spreading out gently over the ground without overwhelming other plants,” says Burns. It adds a subtle texture and pairs well with flowering plants like hellebores, which can provide a splash of color to the green backdrop.
Agave
For bright, drought-prone areas, agave is an excellent choice. This succulent requires minimal water and can make a striking statement in your garden. Hancock suggests looking for variegated types that offer extra visual appeal. “Varieties with contrasting colors, such as yellow-edged leaves with deep green centers, add a unique touch,” he says.
Desert Rose
Desert rose is perfect for drought-prone gardens or indoor container gardens. Its thick, water-storing trunk and flamboyant blooms make it both a hardy and attractive choice. “Desert rose can handle dry conditions due to its water-storing trunk, and its bonsai-like appearance and vibrant flowers make it a standout,” Hancock explains. In colder climates, treat it as an annual, while in frost-free regions, it can be grown as a perennial.
Sedum
Sedum is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in drought conditions and requires minimal watering. “With a wide range of sedum varieties, from groundcovers to upright types, you can easily integrate them into your garden,” Hancock suggests. For convenience, consider sedum tiles—living carpets of smaller plants that can be laid directly onto loose soil for easy planting.
Armeria
If you have sandy soil, armeria is an ideal plant for seaside or beachside gardens. “This low-growing perennial features tufts of grassy foliage and globe-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, and white,” Hancock explains. Measuring only 6 to 10 inches tall, armeria can handle salt spray and strong winds while adding charm to sandy soil areas.
Dianthus
Dianthus is known for its lovely fragrance and vibrant blooms, making it a standout in sandy soil gardens. Hancock notes that its sweet scent often precedes its colorful flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and lavender. “Certain varieties, like ‘Kahori,’ bloom from spring through summer, adding continuous color and interest,” he adds.
Shrubby Cinquefoil, “Primrose Beauty”
For sandy soil, consider “Primrose Beauty,” a low-maintenance flowering shrub. Known for its pale yellow blooms and adaptability to well-drained soil, this shrub thrives in full sun. “It’s a no-prune plant that blooms from June to September and remains compact, making it easy to integrate with other garden plants,” Burns reports.
Threadleaf Tickseed
Threadleaf tickseed is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators to your garden. “Its bright golden flowers are a favorite among bees and butterflies, and it blooms from June to July, continuing into fall if you deadhead the spent flowers,” Burns says. This plant’s vibrant blooms and resilience make it a great addition to a cutting garden.
Butterfly Weed
Plant butterfly weed for its vibrant orange blossoms and its role as a host plant for monarch butterflies. “Milkweed, which includes butterfly weed, supports the survival of monarch caterpillars,” Burns explains. Native to North America and adaptable to various conditions, this plant will add a burst of color and attract butterflies to your garden.
Lilac Sage, aka “Purple Rain”
Lilac sage, also known as “Purple Rain,” is a versatile plant that complements many garden colors. “Its purple blooms are harmonious with a wide range of colors, and while it typically thrives in sandy soil, cutting back drooping stalks can rejuvenate the plant,” Burns suggests. With a long blooming period from July to September, lilac sage brightens up gardens for months.
Lobelia
Lobelia adds a splash of purple to shaded gardens. This plant thrives in cooler fall weather and dislikes direct sunlight, making it ideal for shady spots. “Lobelia can wilt if temperatures exceed 70 degrees, but it looks beautiful cascading from planters or along garden walls,” notes Reiko Zoe T. If it looks droopy, a simple trim will help it bounce back when cooler weather returns.
Lenten Rose
Lenten Rose, a variety of hellebore, brings vibrant color to shady gardens. These perennials bloom in a range of bright hues and are well-suited for cooler climates. “Lenten Rose can even bloom when there’s still snow on the ground, making it perfect for adding color to wintery gardens,” says Jacky Parker Photography.
Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese Forest Grass is perfect for adding texture to shady areas. Its shaggy, pom-pom-like appearance adds visual interest to darker parts of the garden. “This ornamental grass thrives in the shade and forms cute, round clumps that brighten up shaded spaces,” Jacky Parker Photography notes.
Cranesbill
Cranesbill, or hardy geraniums, are known for their durability and resilience. “With pink and purple flowers that bloom from late spring to summer, these plants are almost indestructible and ideal for low-maintenance gardens,” says Nenov. Hardy geraniums can endure tough conditions and still deliver vibrant blooms.
Begonia
Begonias offer a wide variety of types and colors, making them a versatile choice for any garden. “From polka dot varieties to vibrant blooms, begonias can thrive in both sunny and shady spots,” says Blanchi Costela. Most begonias grow as annuals and are suitable for garden beds, pots, or other planting options.