Top 10 Shade Perennials for your Minnesota Garden in 2025
Do you have some not-so-sunny areas of your gardenscape that could use some color and texture? While Hostas do offer a tremendous variety of color and texture, there’s no reason to limit yourself to just this one type of plant. There are a plethora of other choices! The perennials below will come back year after year, filling your shady spots with color!
A bold statement plant with bright golden-yellow foliage. Small clusters of white flowers appear in late summer, followed by deep purple berries (inedible) that attract birds. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
This dwarf turtlehead is compact and bushy with deep green foliage. Produces bright rosy-pink, turtlehead-shaped flowers bloom from late summer into fall, adding long-lasting color. Attracts pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds. A great choice for adding late-season interest to the garden. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
Its large, glossy, evergreen foliage turns deep burgundy in cooler months, adding year-round interest. Clusters of bright pink flowers with a hint of white emerge in early spring, creating a striking contrast. Thick, leathery leaves produce a squeaking sound when rubbed, giving it the nickname ‘Pigsqueak.’ Drought-tolerant and easy to grow.
This striking fern features delicate, lacy fronds with vibrant red stems that add a touch of elegance and color contrast to garden spaces. The graceful, arching fronds create a soft, airy texture, while the red stems stand out, providing visual interest throughout the seasons. A low-maintenance and deer-resistant option, ‘Lady in Red’ is perfect for adding both beauty and vibrancy to shaded areas.
5. Pink Spike Cimicifuga (Bugbane)
Striking dark purple foliage adds drama to the garden. Fragrant pink bottlebrush flowers bloom in late summer to early fall, attracting pollinators. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
6. Ligularia 'Tractor Seat'
Its large, tractor seat-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers make a bold statement in shaded gardens. The dark green foliage provides a striking contrast to the vibrant blooms, creating a dramatic focal point. ‘Tractor Seat’ thrives in moist, well-drained soil, adding both texture and color to garden beds. A low-maintenance and deer-resistant choice.
This low-growing grass adds a graceful, cascading effect with its bright golden leaves. It works well as a ground cover or edging plant, bringing a pop of color to shaded gardens. Prefers moist soil and is deer-resistant, offering striking texture and movement throughout the growing season.
Lacy deep blue-green foliage with a light silver overlay and striking red highlights. Soft apricot-pink plumes accented with dark pink buds emerge on glowing red stems in early to mid-summer, fading to soft cream. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Excellent for woodland gardens and borders. Deer-resistant and attracts pollinators.
Large, heart-shaped blue-green leaves with wide, creamy-yellow margins create a bold garden statement. Pale lavender flowers rise on tall scapes in mid to late summer, attracting pollinators. Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
Attractive silver-spotted foliage and raspberry-pink flowers that bloom in early spring make this a charming addition to shady areas. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and adds both color and texture to your garden with its vibrant blooms and striking leaves.
These are just a FEW of the shade perennials available at Sargent’s. Give us a call or stop in to check out our current inventory. Our expert staff is ready to help you find the perfect plant for your unique garden!
