21 Beautiful Shade-Tolerant Biennial Flowers to Grow
If your garden has a few neglected shady corners, these shade-tolerant biennials are the perfect way to bring an array of color and woodland foliage to those areas. Like other types of biennials, these plants focus on establishing themselves in year 1 and blooming in year 2. In this guide, you’ll find a collection of my absolute favorites for low-light garden patches.
Shade-Tolerant Biennials: The Basics
Shade-loving biennial flowers complete their life cycle over two growing seasons and thrive in areas with limited sunlight, such as partial or full shade. These plants grow best in low light settings (typically less than 5 hours daily), which is common under trees, in the shadow of buildings, or in woodland settings. Many can also grow happily in full shade.
For those new to biennial gardening, see our in-depth guide to the various types of biennial flowers to grow at home.
1) Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove towers above other plants with its spires of tubular flowers. These beauties are more than happy in the shade, and the variety ‘Pam’s Choice’ is a standout with white blooms and maroon spots. A great pick for height and attracting pollinators, though you might want to keep the kids and pets away—it’s as poisonous as it is pretty!
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Flowering Season: Late Spring to Summer
- Colors: Pink, White, Purple, Maroon
- Sunlight: Partial Shade
- Soil: Moist, Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 2-5 feet tall / 1-2 feet wide.
2) Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Sweet William’s cheerful clusters of red, pink, or white flowers brighten up any shady spots. Varieties like ‘Nigricans’ bring a touch of deep, dramatic color to the mix. It’s fragrant, low-maintenance, and loved by bees.
- Growing Zones: 3–9
- Flowering Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
- Colors: Red, Pink, White, Purple
- Sunlight: Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained, Fertile
- Height/Spread: 1–2 feet tall / 1 foot wide
3) Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)
These tall, bell-shaped flowers remind me of a cottage garden in full bloom. Varieties like ‘Cup and Saucer’ mix blues, pinks, and whites and do well with partial shade. They’re eye-catching and deer-resistant—a double win!
- Growing Zones: 5–9
- Flowering Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
- Colors: Blue, Pink, White, Purple
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Soil: Moist, Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 2–3 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
4) Lunaria (Lunaria annua)
Lunaria, or the “Honesty” plant, gives you two seasons of interest: purple blooms in spring, and those signature silvery seed pods later. The ‘Alba’ variety is perfect if you’re after pure white flowers. It thrives in moist, shady spots and practically takes care of itself.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Season: Spring to Early Summer
- Colors: Purple, White
- Sunlight: Partial to Full Shade
- Soil: Moist, Fertile
- Height/Spread: 2–3 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
5) Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis sylvatica)
Forget-Me-Nots are the little blue flowers that never quit. They sprinkle your garden with a soft carpet of color, especially ‘Royal Blue.’ These charmers can handle the shade and moisture like champs, which makes them a reliable choice.
- Growing Zones: 3–9
- Flowering Season: Spring to Summer
- Colors: Blue, Pink, White
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Soil: Moist, Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 6–12 inches tall / 6–12 inches wide
6) Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri)
Wallflowers are the garden’s workhorse, filling those shady nooks with fragrant blooms in purple, yellow, or red. Try ‘Blood Red’ if you want to add a splash of deep color. They’re one of those plants that don’t need much fussing over, which is always a relief.
- Growing Zones: 5–9
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Colors: Red, Yellow, Orange, Purple
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained, Alkaline
- Height/Spread: 1–2 feet tall / 1–1.5 feet wide
7) Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)
While they’re usually found sunbathing, hollyhocks like ‘Chater’s Double’ can still thrive in partial shade, especially if it’s cooler. Their tall, old-fashioned blooms give any space a fairytale vibe, and they’re as tough as nails once established.
- Growing Zones: 3–8
- Flowering Season: Summer to Early Fall
- Colors: Pink, Red, White, Yellow
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 5–8 feet tall / 2–3 feet wide
- Guide: How to Grow Hollyhocks
8) Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
Toadflax might be a bit unassuming, but the sunny yellow flowers with orange lips are worth a second look. It’s not fussy and grows just about anywhere, even in that tricky spot with dappled shade. If you’re aiming for a more wild, natural look, this plant has you covered.
- Growing Zones: 3–9
- Flowering Season: Summer to Fall
- Colors: Yellow, Orange
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained, Sandy
- Height/Spread: 1–3 feet tall / 1–1.5 feet wide
9) Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
Angelica is a garden giant growing up to 6 feet tall with umbrella-like flowers. It loves cool, shady areas, and the ‘Vicar’s Mead’ variety even sports deep purple stems. It’s a bit of an architectural wonder, and it’s edible, which is always a fun bonus.
- Growing Zones: 4–7
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: Greenish-white
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Soil: Moist, Rich
- Height/Spread: 3–6 feet tall / 2–4 feet wide
10) Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Evening primrose isn’t just a pretty face—it blooms at dusk, releasing a soft fragrance when other flowers are winding down. ‘Sunset Boulevard’ is a brilliant shade-tolerant biennial. Plus, the butterflies love it!
- Growing Zones: 3–9
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: Yellow
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 3–5 feet tall / 2–3 feet wide
11) Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
If you’re after something bold, cow parsnip’s large, white flowers on towering stems will do the trick. It’s right at home in cool, damp, shaded areas. Just make sure you give it a bit of room to stretch out—it can get pretty big!
- Growing Zones: 3–7
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: White
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Soil: Moist, Rich
- Height/Spread: 5–8 feet tall / 3–6 feet wide
12) Honesty (Lunaria rediviva)
Honesty brings delicate, pale purple flowers followed by silvery seed pods that catch the light. ‘Alba Variegata’ adds white variegation to its leaves for even more interest. This one thrives in a nice shady corner, and those seed pods are also beautiful in their own right.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
- Colors: Purple, White
- Sunlight: Partial Shade
- Soil: Moist, Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 2–3 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
13) Saxifrage (Saxifraga sp.)
Low-growing and perfect for rock gardens, Saxifrage brings clusters of small flowers that practically glow in the shade. ‘London Pride’ is a classic variety with pink-tinged blooms. It’s great for filling in those shady gaps with minimal care.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Season: Spring to Summer
- Colors: Pink, White
- Sunlight: Partial Shade
- Soil: Moist, Well-drained, Rocky
- Height/Spread: 4–12 inches tall / 12–18 inches wide
14) Money Plant (Lunaria biennis)
The Money Plant’s coin-like seed pods aren’t just pretty—they’re practically iconic. The ‘Alba’ variety, with white flowers, adds a fresh touch to shady gardens. It’s an easy-care biennial that’s a joy to grow and lovely to admire.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Season: Spring to Early Summer
- Colors: Purple, White
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Soil: Moist, Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 2–3 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
15) English Daisy (Bellis perennis)
English Daisies may look dainty, but they can handle partial shade without missing a beat. ‘Tasso Strawberries & Cream’ is a popular variety with pinkish-red blooms that resemble mini pom-poms. These little guys are perfect for borders or filling in small spaces.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Season: Spring to Early Summer
- Colors: White, Pink, Red
- Sunlight: Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained, Moist
- Height/Spread: 4–6 inches tall / 6–12 inches wide
16) Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein is usually found in sunny spots, but it can handle a bit of shade too. Its tall spikes of yellow flowers are great for adding vertical interest. ‘Snow Maiden’ offers white blooms, which stand out nicely against darker foliage.
- Growing Zones: 4–9
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: Yellow, White
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 3–6 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
17) Alaskan Monkshood (Aconitum delphiniifolium)
Monkshood is a bit of a mystery with its hooded blue or purple flowers. It thrives in shady, cooler spots and ‘Fischeri’ is a particularly lovely variety. Just be cautious—it’s poisonous, but it adds drama like few other plants can.
- Growing Zones: 3–7
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: Blue, Purple
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Soil: Moist, Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 3–4 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
18) Common Caraway (Carum carvi)
You might know Caraway for its seeds, but it’s also a charming garden plant with feathery foliage and white flowers. It’s happy in partial shade and does well in moist soil. Bonus: you get edible seeds in the second year.
- Growing Zones: 3–7
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: White
- Sunlight: Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained, Moist
- Height/Spread: 2–3 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
19) Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Clary Sage is bold, with showy pink or purple bracts and aromatic leaves. ‘Vatican White’ is a striking variety that stands out in partial shade. It’s great for adding texture and fragrance, plus it’s a pollinator magnet.
- Growing Zones: 5–9
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: Pink, Purple, White
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 2–3 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
20) Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
Wild Parsnip isn’t just for the veggie patch—it also brings a lot to the garden with its tall stems and umbrella-like yellow flowers. It’s tolerant of partial shade and thrives in most soil types. A reliable shade-tolerant biennial if you need something tall and tough.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: Yellow
- Sunlight: Partial Shade
- Soil: Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 4–6 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
21) Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Tansy’s button-like yellow flowers are small but mighty. It thrives in light shade and has a reputation for being an insect deterrent. It’s great for natural gardens, plus it’s practically foolproof when it comes to growing.
- Growing Zones: 4–8
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Colors: Yellow
- Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Sun
- Soil: Well-drained
- Height/Spread: 2–4 feet tall / 1–2 feet wide
Resources And Further Reading
There’s a lot to learn and love about perennial plants. Here are some of my favorite books and resources:
Books:
- “The Complete Garden Flower Book” by Lewis Hill and Susan Hill – A comprehensive guide covering over 600 plants, including biennials, with practical growing tips and troubleshooting advice. This book is ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- “From Seed to Bloom: How to Grow over 500 Annuals, Perennials & Herbs” by Eileen Powell – This book includes detailed instructions on growing biennials from seed, along with a wide range of other flowering plants.
- “Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden” by Erin Benzakein – This beautifully illustrated book provides a detailed guide to growing cut flowers, including biennials like foxgloves and sweet William. It’s a favorite among gardeners for its practical advice and inspirational photography.
- “Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening” by Matt Mattus – This book is ideal for gardeners looking for a deeper understanding of flower cultivation, including how to grow and manage biennial flowers for season-long blooms.
- “Color in Your Garden” by Penelope Hobhouse – Known for its insights into biennial planting designs and color schemes, this book is ideal for gardeners who want to add an artistic touch to their gardens.
Online Resources:
- National Gardening Association (NGA) – The NGA offers practical advice for growing and caring for biennial flowers, with tips for planting and maintenance.
Forums and Communities
Getting advice from fellow gardeners can be incredibly useful. Websites like GardenWeb and The National Gardening Association have forums where people share their experiences and tips for growing perennials.
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.