Perennials

Astilbe (Astilbes chinensis)

are known for their feathery plumes of flowers and can tolerate consistently moist soils.

Hosta:

Hosta’s are known for their lush, attractive foliage and come in a variety of sizes and colors. They are well-suited for shaded areas.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

This spring-blooming perennial has distinctive heart-shaped flowers and thrives in shaded areas.

Shrubs

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs that produce large clusters of vibrant flowers. They prefer partial to full shade and acidic soil.

Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)

This evergreen shrub features cascading clusters of flowers and does well in partial to full shade.

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Oakleaf hydrangea offers large, showy blooms and attractive foliage, thriving in partial shade.

Groundcovers

Lamium (Dead Nettle)

Lamium is a low-growing ground cover with variegated foliage that brightens up shady areas.

Pachysandra

Pachysandra is an excellent ground cover that forms a dense mat, suppressing weeds and providing greenery in shaded spots.

Ferns

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Ostrich ferns have a distinctive feathery appearance and are well-suited for shaded, moist areas.

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)

This evergreen fern is well-adapted to shady conditions and retains its green color throughout the winter.

Native Plants

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Wild ginger is a native groundcover with heart-shaped leaves that thrive in the shade.

Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

Foamflower produces delicate, frothy flower spikes and is native to woodland areas.

When planting in shady areas, consider the specific light levels (partial shade, full shade) and soil conditions of your site. Additionally, providing organic matter in the form of compost can improve soil fertility and structure. Watering appropriately and mulching around plants will help retain soil moisture. Always consider the mature size of the plants to ensure they fit the available space. Consulting with local nurseries or gardening experts can provide additional guidance based on the specific characteristics of your site in Massachusetts.

Astilbe 

Astilbe is great for areas with partial to full shade. Variety colors include White, Pink, Deep Red, Lavender, and Violet. Depending on the variety, astilbe will provide blooms from late spring to late summer. A few selections are even fall flowering. With proper moisture, the foliage remains attractive throughout its blooming period. Astilbe prefers shade but can tolerate sun with afternoon shade. 

Aster 

There are about 250 species of asters native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Aster comes in a variety of colors including white, purple, blue, and pink. Sizes can range from 1-6 feet tall depending on the variety. The most common Aster time is the New England Aster with its purple and peddles and a striking yellow center. Aster prefers to grow in full sun, but some can tolerate light shade. 

Black-Eyed Susan

Also referred to as Rudbeckia hirta is a great native addition to any garden. Black-eyed Susans grow 1 to 3 feet tall with flowers with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. Their nectar attracts butterflies, bees, and other insects. They enjoy full sun but can tolerate partial sun. Although shade areas may affect the reliability of their blooms.

Garden Phlox 

Garden phlox is a hardy, long-lived perennial. From midsummer to early fall, these sturdy, upright plants are topped with large clusters of fragrant flowers that come in a fantastic range of colors including white, pink, fuchsia, red, lavender, purple, and orange as well as dozens of eye-catching bicolors. Garden Phlox prefers full sun. 

Peony 

Peonies are perennial garden classics, loved throughout the world for their extravagant, early summer blossoms. They are dependable, incredibly long-lived plants and will bloom for generations with little attention. They come in pink, red, white, and yellow making them great for a variety of colors in a cutting garden. Peonies bloom best in full sun. 

Sedum 

There are over 400 different types of Sedum with greatly varying colors, sizes, and looks. Sedum are succulent plants that store water in their thick leaves. Tall sedum varieties are great for well-manicured gardens since they tend not to spread only getting to about 2 feet in diameter. Sedum perfer sun to filtered sunlight to grow strong and healthy.