30 Best Types of Annuals for Shade
Whether you’re looking to fill a shaded spot under a tree or don’t have an abundance of natural sunlight in your garden, there’s still a fantastic array of plant life that will thrive with minimal or partial light. In this guide, I’ll run through 30 brilliant types of annuals for shade, including the best shade-tolerant flowering annuals, foliage plants, groundcovers, and vines.
Flowering Annuals for Shade:
If you’re looking for vibrant color in parts of your garden that lack direct sunlight, these are some of the best flowering annuals. These plants are perfect for spots beneath trees, alongside buildings, or in shaded garden beds. Plus, they have long blooming seasons, from spring through fall, making them ideal for filling in dark corners throughout the season.
Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)
Impatiens are a very dependable option you can count on to brighten any shady corner. These small, vibrant flowers bloom nonstop from spring and come in a range of colors. Plus, they’re very easy to grow.
- Botanical Name Impatiens walleriana
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Spring to frost
- Colors Red, pink, white, orange, purple
- Sunlight Shade to part shade
- Height/Spread 6-24 in tall / 6-12 in spread
- Guide: How to Grow Impatiens
Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
Known for their waxy leaves and bold blooms, begonias are a shade garden staple. They thrive in pots or beds, adding a splash of red, pink, or white. If you want low-maintenance beauty, begonias are one of my top picks.
- Botanical Name Begonia semperflorens
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Spring to frost
- Colors Red, pink, white, orange
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-18 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Nemesia (Nemesia strumosa)
Nemesia is a versatile, shade-tolerant annual that blooms in shades of purple, pink, yellow, and white. It’s perfect for cooler, shaded spots in the garden, providing compact, colorful displays.
- Botanical Name
Nemesia strumosa - Growing Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Spring to fall
- Colors Purple, pink, orange, yellow, white
- Sunlight Part shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 6-12 in spread
Fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrids)
Fuchsias produce exotic, drooping flowers in vibrant combinations of pink, purple, and white. Their vivid two-toned flowers hang gracefully from baskets or pots. Ideal for shaded patios where they’ll put on a show all season.
- Botanical Name Fuchsia hybrids
- Growing Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Late spring to fall
- Colors Pink, purple, red, white
- Sunlight Part shade
- Height/Spread 12-36 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Torena (Torenia fournieri)
Often called the “wishbone flower,” Torena is perfect for adding a bit of whimsy to your shade garden. Its cheerful blooms look like tiny trumpets, and it stays compact—great for small spaces.
- Botanical Name Torenia fournieri
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Summer to fall
- Colors Blue, purple, pink, white
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 6-12 in spread
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus)
Lobelia brings a calming blue/purple hue to shade gardens. These delicate, cascading flowers are perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or as a border plant.
- Botanical Name Lobelia erinus
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Spring to early fall
- Colors Blue, purple, white
- Sunlight Part shade
- Height/Spread 4-9 in tall / 12 in spread
Balsam (Impatiens balsamina)
Balsam is a shade-loving cousin of impatiens, with larger, rose-like flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. It’s ideal for filling shaded garden beds with tall, colorful blooms.
- Botanical Name Impatiens balsamina
- Growing Zones 2-11
- Flowering Season Summer to early fall
- Colors Red, pink, purple, white
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 12-36 in tall / 6-12 in spread
Browallia (Browallia speciosa)
Browallia, with its star-shaped violet blooms, brings a subtle charm to your shaded spots. They’re small but mighty, blooming steadily without much care. A little water and shade, and they’re happy.
- Botanical Name Browallia speciosa
- Growing Zones 9-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Spring to fall
- Colors Blue, violet, white
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 12-18 in tall / 12-15 in spread
Pansy (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
Pansies don’t need much introduction, do they? Their cheerful faces are a cool-weather favorite and can tolerate partial shade. Plant them in early spring or fall for a burst of color.
- Botanical Name Viola tricolor var. hortensis
- Growing Zones 6-9
- Flowering Season Spring, fall
- Colors Purple, yellow, white, blue, orange
- Sunlight Part shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 6-9 in spread
New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri)
New Guinea impatiens are a bit more sun-tolerant than their cousins, but they still love a shady spot. Their larger blooms and glossy leaves make them stand out in mixed plantings.
- Botanical Name Impatiens hawkeri
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Spring to frost
- Colors Red, pink, white, orange, purple
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 12-18 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Wishbone Flower (Torenia)
Named for the wishbone shape inside its bloom, Torenia adds a delicate, colorful note to a shaded garden spot. It stays low and blooms generously, making it perfect for borders or containers.
- Botanical Name Torenia
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season Summer to fall
- Colors Blue, purple, pink, yellow, white Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 6-12 in spread
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
Polka dot plants are like confetti for your garden. Their leaves are spotted in pink, red, or white, bringing color even in deep shade. Easy to grow indoors or out.
- Botanical Name Hypoestes phyllostachya
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Green with pink, red, or white spots
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 9-12 in spread
Foliage Annuals for Shade:
Foliage annuals for shade are a lovely option when you want to add texture, color, and interest to the garden without relying on flowers. These plants are grown primarily for their eye-catching leaves, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. In shady areas where blooms might struggle, foliage plants like coleus, caladium, and heuchera step up to create a lush, vibrant display.
Hosta (Hosta spp.)
Hostas might be the easiest plant in the world to grow in shade. Their lush, broad leaves come in lovely patterns and varying sizes. They’re a “plant it and forget it” kind of deal—until you fall in love with them, that is.
- Botanical Name Hosta spp.
- Growing Zones 3-9
- Flowering Season Summer
- Colors Green, blue-green, variegated, purple or white flowers
- Sunlight Full shade to part shade
- Height/Spread 12-36 in tall / 12-48 in spread
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Sweet potato vines aren’t just for food gardens! Their trailing, colorful foliage can fill out shady beds or spill over containers. Fast-growing and easy, they add texture wherever you need it.
- Botanical Name Ipomoea batatas
- Growing Zones 9-11
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Green, purple, chartreuse
- Sunlight Part shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 12-48 in spread
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Most Heucheras are all about the leaves. They come in shades from lime green to deep purple, making them a reliable choice for adding color without flowers. Perfect for shady pathways or rock gardens.
- Botanical Name Heuchera spp.
- Growing Zones 4-9
- Flowering Season Spring to summer
- Colors Green, purple, red, silver, pink flowers
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-18 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
The Japanese painted fern is a sleek foliage option for shady gardens. Its fronds are delicate with silver, purple, and green hues. This fern brings a soft, woodland feel to garden beds.
- Botanical Name Athyrium niponicum
- Growing Zones 3-8
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Silver, green, purple
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 12-18 in tall / 18-24 in spread
Silver Falls (Dichondra argentea)
Silver Falls is the plant equivalent of a waterfall in your garden. Its silvery leaves cascade gracefully, perfect for pots or hanging baskets. And it thrives in part shade with minimal care.
- Botanical Name Dichondra argentea
- Growing Zones 8-11
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Silver
- Sunlight Part shade
- Height/Spread 2-4 in tall / 36-48 in spread (trailing)
Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta)
Want drama in your garden? Elephant ears have huge, heart-shaped leaves that will instantly turn heads. They love shady spots and moist soil, creating a tropical vibe without much effort.
- Botanical Name Colocasia esculenta
- Growing Zones 8-11
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Green, black, purple
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 36-72 in tall / 24-48 in spread
Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)
Rex begonias are showy and unapologetically bold. Their leaves come in every color and pattern imaginable. If you want something different, this one’s for you.
- Botanical Name Begonia rex-cultorum
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Green, pink, red, silver, purple
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 12-18 in tall / 12-18 in spread
Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
Persian Shield is a real show-stopper. Its purple and green leaves shimmer in the shade, making it an eye-catching addition. This plant’s foliage is practically artwork in itself.
- Botanical Name Strobilanthes dyerianus
- Growing Zones 8-11
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Purple, green
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 24-36 in tall / 18-24 in spread
Variegated English Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Variegata’)
Variegated ivy brings elegance to any shady spot, climbing walls or trailing from pots. Its two-toned leaves are easy to manage as well. Ivy’s reliable like that—always making you look good.
- Botanical Name Hedera helix ‘Variegata’
- Growing Zones 4-9
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Green, white
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-8 in tall / trailing, spreads 6-12 ft
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s ear is as soft as it sounds, with velvety, silver leaves that you can’t resist touching. It thrives in the shade and is great as ground cover or along paths.
- Botanical Name Stachys byzantina
- Growing Zones 4-9
- Flowering Season Summer
- Colors Silver foliage, purple flowers
- Sunlight Part shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Coleus isn’t just one plant—it’s a whole collection of colors and shapes. Great for containers or beds, they’ll add color without requiring much sun. Low effort, high reward.
- Botanical Name Plectranthus scutellarioides
- Growing Zones 10-11 (annual elsewhere)
- Flowering Season N/A (grown for foliage)
- Colors Green, red, purple, yellow, orange, pink
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 12-36 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Shade-Tolerant Groundcovers and Vines:
Shade-tolerant groundcovers and vines offer a natural way to cover bare patches and create a full, lush landscape. These plants, like creeping Jenny, vinca minor, and English ivy, thrive best in low-light areas, forming dense mats or climbing structures with minimal effort. They’re perfect for filling in under trees, along pathways, or anywhere the sun doesn’t quite reach.
Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum)
Deadnettle doesn’t sting like its name suggests. Its low-growing foliage is pretty and often variegated, with small pink or purple blooms. It’s a great choice for ground cover in shaded areas.
- Botanical Name Lamium maculatum
- Growing Zones 4-8
- Flowering Season Spring to early summer
- Colors Pink, purple, white flowers; variegated foliage
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum may be small, but it packs a fragrant punch. Its tiny, clustered blooms add soft accents to shaded borders, and it has a delicate honey scent you’ll love.
- Botanical Name Lobularia maritima
- Growing Zones 5-9
- Flowering Season Spring to fall
- Colors White, pink, purple
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 4-6 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is the ground cover that keeps on giving. Its bright green or golden leaves form a dense mat that thrives in moist, shady spots. Perfect for softening the edges of paths or containers.
- Botanical Name Lysimachia nummularia
- Growing Zones 3-9
- Flowering Season Summer
- Colors Yellow flowers, green or gold foliage
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 2-4 in tall / 12-18 in spread
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
Creeping Charlie is like nature’s carpet for shady areas. Its small, scalloped leaves and fast-growing habit make it ideal for filling in bare spots. Easy to manage and hard to kill.
- Botanical Name Glechoma hederacea
- Growing Zones 3-9
- Flowering Season Spring
- Colors Purple flowers, green foliage
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 2-4 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)
Vinca minor is an evergreen that flowers in the shade, sending out perky blue or purple flowers in spring. Great for ground cover, it’s low-maintenance and keeps the weeds at bay.
- Botanical Name Vinca minor
- Growing Zones 4-9
- Flowering Season Spring
- Colors Blue, purple, white
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 4-6 in tall / 12-24 in spread
Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)
Annual bluegrass is a cool-season grass that can handle shady spots and damp conditions. While it’s not the flashiest, it’s a reliable option for filling out hard-to-grow areas.
- Botanical Name Poa annua
- Growing Zones 5-9
- Flowering Season Spring to summer
- Colors Green
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 6-12 in spread
Oxalis (Oxalis spp.)
Oxalis is a small, shamrock-like plant that does well in the shade. Its clover-like leaves fold up at night, adding a touch of magic to your garden. Perfect for containers or ground cover.
- Botanical Name Oxalis spp.
- Growing Zones 6-10
- Flowering Season Spring to summer
- Colors White, pink, yellow flowers; green or purple foliage
- Sunlight Part shade to full shade
- Height/Spread 6-12 in tall / 12-18 in spread
Further Reading: Types of Annual Garden Flowers Explained
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.