Plants

                                If you live in USDA hardiness zone 9, then you likely have both sunny and shady areas of your garden. Planting in the shade requires a different type perennial that can fully thrive without as much sunshine. In this article, we take a look at our favorite shade-friendly perennials for shady areas in your zone 9 garden!                                


                            By Jason White 
                                Last updated: June 24, 2022                                    |
                                15 min read

If you live in USDA hardiness zone 9, there’s likely no shortage of sun in your garden. But what happens when you want to add some perennials to an area of your garden that has a little or quite a bit of shade? Are there any shade perennials that will survive in zone 9, even with the heat?

Actually, there are quite a few shade loving perennial plants that can grow and thrive in hardiness zone 9, despite the warmer climate! But, where do you start? How do you find the perfect plants that will not only survive, but look great at the same time? Should you pick an assortment of shade friendly perennial flowers, or a mix of flowers, and non-flowering plants?

We’ve hand-picked our favorite shade perennials for zone 9 shade gardens in the following list. It’s important to note that some of the plants we discuss in more detail below will tolerate more shade than others, so make sure to check each plant’s specifications before heading off to the nursery. Let’s jump in and take a look at some of our favorite perennials for your zone 9 shade garden!

Barrenwort Bishop’s Hat

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: Asia, MediterraneanPlant Size: 8-12 inches tall, 12-36 inches wideSun Exposure: Partial shadePlant Zone: 3-9 (USDA)

Barrenwort Bishop’s Hat, sometimes referred to as Horny Goat’s Weed or simply Epimedium is a carpeting perennial that will add a pop of color to any shade garden.

Epimediums thrive in partial shade and make perfect additions to areas underneath a shady tree or rock garden. These plants make excellent ground covers in less-than-sunny spots where other plants fail to grow. The rhizomes spread allow this plant to spread without overtaking your garden or choking out other plants.

Bishop’s Hat’s leaves have a heart shape and red “veins” running through them. They bloom white, yellow, orange, pink, or purple flowers that somewhat resemble orchids in the spring.

Bleeding Heart

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: AsiaPlant Size: Up to 3 feet tall and wideSun Exposure: Partial to full shadePlant Zone: 2-9 (USDA)

Aptly named, Bleeding Heart features pillowy, heart-shaped flowers hanging in a column along the branch. If these flowers receive too much heat, they may disappear during the summer.

Bleeding hearts are very unique looking, and have very distinguished blooms. They grow low, and can really add some unique interest to any shade garden.

When Bleeding Hearts are grown in the right conditions, you can expect several weeks of blooms. It’s important to note that this plant is toxic to animals and humans, so choose your placement carefully.

Bolivian Fuchsia

  • Plant Type: Perennial evergreen shrubGeographic Origin: Southern Peru, Bolivia, northern ArgentinaPlant Size: 8-13 feet tallSun Exposure: Partial shade or full sunPlant Zone: 9-11

Bolivian Fuchsia is a hybrid of Fuchsia that is somewhat larger and more shade-tolerant than the standard plant. These vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers will attract hummingbirds to your garden while repelling most pests.

Although most people choose Bolivian Fuchsia for its unique appearance, it also bears edible fruit in the fall. The berries from this hybrid taste similar to kiwi but with less sweetness. Fuchsia Boliviana thrives in partial shade and enjoys consistently moist soil.

Bugleweed

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous PerennialGeographic Origin: Europe, northern Africa, southwestern AsiaPlant Size: 6-9 inches tall and 6-12 inches wideSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shadePlant Zone: 4 to 9 (USDA)

Bugleweed is a fast-growing, creeping plant that many use as a shady ground cover. This perennial features bright, shiny green leaves and stunning spike-shaped violet flower clusters.

It spreads with stolons, allowing it to expand over large areas quickly. Some gardeners prefer the spreading nature of this plant while it may be a nuisance to others.

However, if you live in Maryland, Oregon, or West Virginia, consider Bugleweed an invasive plant.

Carpet Box

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial evergreenGeographic Origin: Eastern AsiaPlant Size: 8-12 inches highSun Exposure: Partial to full shadePlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

Carpet Box, also known as Japanese Pachysandra or Green Carpet, is a tough plant tolerant of most garden conditions.

On the one hand, its hardiness makes it easy to grow, while on the other hand, it is considered invasive in some states.

For large areas of a shady garden, Pachysandra terminalis can be an ideal option as a ground cover. Though most enjoy this plant for its lush, dark green leaves, many enjoy its spring blooms of white flowers.

Common Camellia

  • Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen shrubGeographic Origin: Japan, China, KoreaPlant Size: 6-12 feet with a similar spreadSun Exposure: Partial shadePlant Zone: 7-9 (USDA)

Camellias are popular flowering shrubs for garden backgrounds, a shrub border, or loose hedging.

Some gardeners train Common Camellia to grow up walls or fences to create an eye-catching backdrop. You may have seen these pink, red, or white blooms in floral wedding arrangements.

With its vibrant flowers and lush greenery, this plant will create an atmosphere wherever you choose to use it.

You need to plant them in a partially shaded area in moist soil for Camellias to thrive. If you choose to grow more than one shrub, keep them at least five apart.

Coral Bells

  • Plant Type: Perennial ShrubGeographic Origin: North AmericaPlant Size: Up to 18 inches tall and 15 inches wideSun Exposure: Partial shadePlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

Coral bells, or Heuchera, are perennial evergreen shrubs many gardeners love for their rounded heart-like leaves and vibrant red or pink flowers.

This clump-forming plant comes from the 18th-century German botanist Johann Heinrich von Heuchera. The term Sanguinea translates to “blood red” as a reference to its blooms.

Heuchera thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. Give it a good drink of water during periods of drought and deadhead regularly to encourage blooms.

You can use this wispy red plant as a border front, ground cover, or edging. Unlike most Heuchera, this variety is a dwarf subspecies that enjoys filtered sun rather than full sun. They are also a shade perennial that can withstand drier conditions if the area you live in suffers from drought on occasion.

Creeping Jenny

  • Plant Type: Perennial flowering vineGeographic Origin: Western Asia and EuropePlant Size: 2-4 inches tall, 12-18 inches//+ wideSun Exposure: Partial shadePlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

As the common name implies, Creeping Jenny is a low-growing creeping plant that most gardeners use for its lush foliage.

The chartreuse greenery isn’t its only positive attribute; this perennial will produce tiny yellow flowers. Although the blooms don’t stick around for long, they’re a fun surprise when they pop up.

Another common name for Lysimachia nummularia is Moneywort because of its coin-shaped leaves. Some confuse this plant for a similar plant, Creeping Charlie, which has tiny lavender flowers.

Like other groundcovers, Creeping Jenny is sometimes considered invasive, making it hard to find in gardening shops. Some varieties, such as Golden Creeping Jenny, are less invasive.

Moneywort can also make a beautiful spiller plant if you want to contain it better.

Croton

  • Plant Type: Perennial shrubGeographic Origin: Tropical Asia and Pacific regionsPlant Size: 3 to 8 ft. tall, 3 to 6 ft. wideSun Exposure: Partial shadePlant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)

If you live in Florida or have ever visited the sunshine state, you’ve likely seen your fair share of Croton plants.

With varying leaf shapes, colorful foliage, and shade tolerance, it’s an ideal decorative shrub for many hot and humid regions.

While they love a hot summer day, they thrive best in partial shade with some dappled sunlight. These plants also need humidity, so it’s best to avoid growing them in dry environments.

Please note that Codiaeum variegatum is toxic to animals and humans, so choose your placement carefully.

Elephant Ears

  • Plant Type: Tropical PerennialGeographic Origin: Central America, South AmericaPlant Size: 12-30 inches tall, 12-24 inches wideSun Exposure: Full to partial shadePlant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)

Elephant ears are commonly used in gardens and as houseplants. Its common name refers to the large, thin shape that resembles the ears of an elephant.

Depending on the variety, its leaves may be shades of green or white with pink or red veins or stripes throughout them.

Because of the colorful foliage, these perennials contrast beautifully with the other greenery in your garden. There are over 1,000 cultivars, so you have your choice of color combinations.

Most people love the unique leaves so much that they don’t realize that these do produce a few flowers.

The only downside to this plant is that it’s toxic to animals and humans.

False Goat’s Beard

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: Asia and North AmericaPlant Size: 6-24 inches tall, 6-60 inches wideSun Exposure: Partial to full shadePlant Zone: 3-9 (USDA)

False Goat’s Beard is a fascinating flower to look at, but it’s also one of the easiest perennials to care for. Its plume-shaped flowers may be pink, red, purple, or white and sit atop lush foliage.

If you have a dark corner in your garden, Astilbe is a flowering perennial that will thrive there. It does best in partial to full shade and prefers consistently moist soil.

These stunning plants make a perfect colorful addition to shaded borders. Place these feathery plants next to a broad-leaf plant-like hosta or Heuchera for some textural contrast.

Flowering Quince

  • Plant Type: Perennial shrubGeographic Origin: JapanPlant Size: 2-3 feet tall with a 6-inch spreadSun Exposure: Partial shade to full sunPlant Zone: 5-9

Native to Japan, Flowering Quince, sometimes called Japanese Quince, has grown in popularity worldwide, including in the US.

This perennial shrub features fragrant flowers and edible quince fruit that attracts pollinating insects. In some areas, its fruit is made into jelly or preserves.

As a relative of the rose bush, it also produces a fair share of thorns. Its flowers may be vibrant pink, red, orange, or white shades that sit amongst deep green leaves.

While these shrubs make a stunning hedge in your garden, you can also train them to grow on a trellis or wall.

Foxtail Fern

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: AfricaPlant Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wideSun Exposure: Partial shadePlant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)

Ferns are famous for tolerating shady areas in gardens and indoors. However, despite the common name, Asparagus densiflorus isn’t a fern but rather a member of the asparagus family.

Its feathery foliage pairs beautifully with the tiny white flowers that emerge in the spring, followed by red berries.

While the flowers and berries may be pretty, all parts of this plant are toxic to humans and animals. It’s unclear what the degree of toxicity is, but it’s best to avoid ingesting.

This perennial thrives in the filtered shade as intense sunlight can burn its leaves. Because it’s succulent, be careful to avoid overwatering it; only water when the top three inches of soil is dry.

Hostas

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: Eastern AsiaPlant Size: 6-48 inches tall, up to 6 feet wideSun Exposure: Partial to full shadePlant Zone: 3-9 (USDA)

Hostas are famous backyard perennials. Although they can do okay in full shade, most varieties enjoy some filtered sunlight or a couple of hours of gentle morning light.

Each hosta variety has a different growth rate and light requirement, so make sure to look at the specific needs of your chosen plant.

Hostas are toxic to pets, including horses, so make sure you choose your placement carefully.

Hydrangeas

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: Asia, the AmericasPlant Size: Up to 15 ft. depending upon the varietySun Exposure: Partial shade to full sunPlant Zone: 5-9 (USDA)

Hortensia, also known by its botanical name, Hydrangea, are perennials that are famous for their various colors of sizeable rounded flower heads. These stunning plants grow quickly, averaging at least 24 inches of growth each year.

With over 60 species and dozens of varieties of Hydrangea, you’re sure to find the color and flower shape that best suits your garden.

Most species are hardy in zone 9 as long as they’re in soil that drains well and has organic matter, and have some shade. For better blooms and fuller growth, ensure that you fertilize yearly in the spring as part of your maintenance routine.

Japanese Toad Lily

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: AsiaPlant Size: 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wideSun Exposure: Partial to full shadePlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

Japanese Toad Lily, otherwise called Hairy Toad Lily, are simple to care for plants as long as they’re in a shady area and have consistently moist soil.

This herbaceous perennial produces tall stalks with unique purple-speckled white flowers. Because the stalks grow so high, plant them in an area where a strong gust of wind won’t damage them.

These shade-loving plants grow in dark forest areas, making a perfect focal point for that shady location in your garden.

Lenten Rose

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: EuropePlant Size: 12 to 18 inches tall and wideSun Exposure: Partial shadePlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

Despite its name, the Lenten rose isn’t a rose but rather a member of the Hellebore family. Its common name gets “Lenten” from the Catholic tradition, Lent, which occurs when this plant blooms.

Additionally, though not a part of the rose family, it features red, pink, purple, maroon, cream, or yellow rose-shaped flowers.

Some flowers will have only one color, while others may have variations such as spots, freckling, or vein-like markings. Depending on the cultivar, the sepals may be ruffled or smooth.

The main benefits of the Lenten rose are its shade tolerance and easy-to-grow nature. While they prefer moist soil, they can withstand periods of drought after they’re established.

Lilyturf

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennialGeographic Origin: China, Taiwan, JapanPlant Size: 12–18 inches tall, 9–12 inches wideSun Exposure: Partial shade to full sunPlant Zone: 5-9 (USDA)

Lilyturf is a grassy perennial commonly used as a ground cover for partially shaded areas. It blooms beautiful lavender spikes of flowers that bloom toward the end of summer.

Liriope spicata also looks great with other plants inside of a pot. Its unique texture adds more definition to mixed containers, especially if you place it next to broadleaf plants.

One aspect of Lilyturf that makes it popular among gardeners is its tolerance to various conditions, except overwatering.

Over time, this clump-forming plant will spread. Luckily, it’s a slow-spreader, so it’s easy to keep up with.

Northern Sea Oats

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: the Eastern United States and Northern MexicoPlant Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wideSun Exposure: Partial shade to full sunPlant Zone: 5 to 9 (USDA)

Northern sea oats, sometimes referred to as wood oats, are a perennial ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. At first, it has a bluish-green color before it transforms to a pale green.

As a rhizome-spreading plant, it can be invasive in warmer regions. Before adding Northern Sea Oats to your garden, check if it’s marked as invasive in your area.

If you don’t want to worry about a quick spread, consider adding it to a container; it makes a stunning background to low-growing plants.

Othello Leopard Plant

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous perennialGeographic Origin: China, JapanPlant Size: 3 to 4 feet tall with a 2-3 foot spreadSun Exposure: Full shade to full sunPlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

Over 150 species in the Leopard plant, or Ligularia, genus exist. Othello Leopard Plant is more heat-tolerant than other species, ideal for zone 9.

This beautiful plant features large green leaves and clusters of vibrant yellow flowers. Despite its common name, it doesn’t produce the same leopard-spotted foliage other species have.

The Othello Leopard plant thrives in partially shaded areas, and its leaves will wilt if it receives too much harsh sunlight.

You can also utilize these for wet areas of your garden. These plants love good watering, so ensure that your plant gets a big drink weekly.

Periwinkle

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: EuropePlant Size: 3-6 inches tall with vines up to 18 inches longSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shadePlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

Periwinkle, sometimes referred to by its botanical name, Vinca minor, is a plant famous for its hardiness and ease of care.

You can use Vinca minor as a ground cover in shaded areas, such as underneath trees where grass fails to get enough sunlight. It has a creeping habit, so you can also enjoy it as a trailing plant in a hanging basket.

Some gardeners also enjoy using its sprawling habit to help contain soil on hills, slopes, or other places where rain can cause erosion.

Its vines will produce blue, purple, lavender, or white flowers that sit within its bright green foliage in the spring.

Pig Squeak

  • Plant Type: Hardy perennialGeographic Origin: Europe, AsiaPlant Size: 1-2 feet tall and wideSun Exposure: Partial to full shadePlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

This plant may have a cute common name, but you probably wouldn’t describe Bergenia cordifolia as dainty. Its large green leaves make a squeaky noise when you rub them together, hence its name.

Within its large leaves are stiff stems with clusters of tiny flowers to create a large, round flowerhead on top.

Pig Squeak is a reasonably large flowering plant that will thrive in darker areas of your garden. It makes an excellent plant for edging, mixed containers, or within a garden bed.

Although they are spreaders, you don’t have to worry about them becoming invasive.

These hardy plants don’t require much maintenance, though keeping the soil moist and routinely deadheading will help encourage new blooms.

Spiderwort

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: The AmericasPlant Size: 1-3 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wideSun Exposure: Full shade to full sunPlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

Spiderwort, or Tradescantia, is a perennial that produces spring blooms and grassy leaves. There are over 70 species in the Tradescantia genus, though most have similar features.

The most common Tradescantia gardeners use Common Spiderwort, which features purple-blue flowers in the middle of spring or early summer.

Its grassy leaves will grow up to three feet tall, and each flower reaches 2 inches across. Spiderwort’s blooms will only show for one day before closing up for good.

Luckily, you will get to enjoy plenty of blooms each blooming season. Its flowers have nectar for butterflies and bees to enjoy and attract your garden.

Though Spiderwort thrives in partial sun, they can survive in full shade.

Tuberous Begonia

  • Plant Type: Perennial (Grown as annuals in some regions)Geographic Origin: South America and southern AfricaPlant Size: 6 to 18 inches tall with a similar spreadSun Exposure: Part shadePlant Zone: 9-11 (USDA)

Tuberous Begonias are famous for their stunning orange, yellow, red, white, salmon, or pink flowers.

Though Begonia tuberosa are in the same family as wax begonias, they have varying characteristics. While wax begonias enjoy full sun, Tuberous Begonias prefer shady areas.

These beautiful flowers look gorgeous in containers or within a garden bed, so long as they’re in a location that doesn’t get too much sun.

Western Wild Ginger

  • Plant Type: Evergreen rhizomatous perennialGeographic Origin: Eastern North America, Southeastern CanadaPlant Size: Up to 8 inches tallSun Exposure: ShadePlant Zone: 6-9

Western Wild Ginger adds a little texture and character to shady areas of your garden. Though primarily famous for its glossy green and fragrant leaves, it does produce flowers.

Asarum caudatum looks excellent as a groundcover for full shade areas. When you crush the leaves, they emit a ginger scent.

Wild ginger is edible, and many boasts of its antibiotic compounds, and some use this plant to treat wounds. Though they keep out any plant-destroying animals, like deer, they attract butterflies, bees, and even ants.

Wild Stonecrop

  • Plant Type: Perennial herbGeographic Origin: Eastern and East-Central U.SPlant Size: 3-6 inches tall and 6-9 inches wideSun Exposure: Full to partial shadePlant Zone: 4-9 (USDA)

Wild Stonecrop, or Woodland Stonecrop, is a perennial succulent herb that attracts bees and other pollinating insects.

It features pale green leaves with clusters of five-petaled white flowers with spearlike petals. Of all the plants in the Sedum family, Wild Stonecrop is the most widespread in the United States.

This perennial herb thrives in partially shaded areas, though it can withstand full shade. It doesn’t need much water, so let the soil dry out before watering.

Wood Violet

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: Europe, AsiaPlant Size: 3-4 inches tallSun Exposure: Partial to full shadePlant Zone: 5-10

While there are hundreds of species within the Viola genus, Wood Violet is one of the best suited for shady areas in Zone 9 regions.

As the name suggests, Wood Violet produces dainty violet-purple flowers that attract bees searching for pollen.

One feature many people don’t know about Viola odorata is that it’s edible. Some use its flowers to garnish meals, add to salads, or use it as a cake decoration.

These stunning flowers thrive in full shade so that you can spruce up the darkest areas of your garden.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect plants for shady areas can be tricky, but luckily there are plenty to choose from. It’s important to note that full shade doesn’t equate to no sun; most plants need at least some dappled sunlight. Whether you want a shrub, flower, vine, or groundcover, there’s plenty of perfect perennials for your zone 9 shade garden!

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