Gardeners often come across shaded corners in their garden or yard. Such a shaded area could be under a large tree or along the north side of a building, where almost nothing seems to grow due to low light conditions. In these spots, gardeners should think of plants that can grow under minimal or no light conditions. One of the best solutions to bring life to these shaded corners is choosing shade-tolerant ground cover plants. These plants can thrive where sunlight is limited, gradually spreading to create a lush, green carpet.
These shade-loving ground covers are all low-maintenance. Most of them spread on their own, filling spaces and keeping weeds under control.
Why Shade-Tolerant Ground Cover Are Important?
Gardens often have corners where sunlight is limited, making it hard for many plants to thrive. Shade-tolerant ground covers are ideal for these areas because they fill empty spaces while suppressing weeds and protecting the soil.
Many shade-tolerant varieties tolerate a wide range of soil types and light levels, making them ideal for low-light areas. Most ground covers naturally spread over time, so you can expect them to gradually cover the entire area. Native and non-invasive varieties may extend beyond their boundaries, but it doesn't cause problems if the plant variety is adapted to the region.
Top Shade Tolerant Ground Covers
Choosing the right ground cover for a shaded spot depends on your garden’s specific conditions, including soil type, moisture level, and the amount of light it receives. Here are some of the best perennial ground covers that thrive in the shade:
Sweet Woodruff (Galium Odoratum)
Sweet woodruff is a lovely and dependable option for a shady garden ground cover. It forms a thick mat of bright green foliage, and in the spring, it is covered with tiny, delicate white flowers. It’s a low-maintenance plant that handles dry spells well once it’s established. Be sure to give it space, as it grows quickly and can fill a space with ease.
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Zone: 4 to 8
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Dimension: 6x12 inches tall and 12- 24 inches wide
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Care Requirements: Thrive in Partial to full shade with rich, well-drained soil
Bugleweed (Ajuga)
Bugleweed is a quick-growing, semi-evergreen plant that hugs the ground and blooms with a cluster of blue flowers in the spring. You can plant varieties like ‘Chocolate Chip’ or ‘Black Scallop’ under taller shrubs to act as a living mulch, helping to keep weeds in check.
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Zones: 3 to 9
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Dimensions: 6 to 12 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide
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Care Requirements: Prefers partial to full shade
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Soil Type: Well-drained soil
Yellow Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia Nummularia)
Yellow creeping Jenny makes a thick, golden carpet of small leaves in less time. It roots and spreads quickly, so it is ideal for filling in empty spaces in garden beds or containers. It is good to plant beneath perennials and shrubs to quickly add colour and ground cover.
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Zones: 4 to 9
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Dimensions: 2 to 4 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide
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Care Requirements: Grows well in partial to full shade
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Soil Type: Loamy and well-drained soil
Barrenwort
Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.) is a versatile ground cover that begins to emerge in late winter or early spring. Its leaves can be thick and leathery, providing year-round interest, though some types go dormant seasonally. The flowers come in various shades, including white, red, and yellow. This plant is well-suited for growing under the canopy of trees with stubborn roots.
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Zones: 5 to 9
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Dimension: 8-10 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide
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Light Requirements: Partial to full shade
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Soil Type: Fertile and well-drained soil
Wild Ginger
Wild ginger is of two types, Canadian wild ginger and European wild ginger. Both varieties are excellent ground covers for shady spots. The Canadian variety, a native woodland plant, forms colonies with heart-shaped leaves and has a ginger-like aroma. The European variety is recognised for its glossy, dark green foliage. Both types love rich, moist soil, and both do well in partial to heavy shade.
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Zone: 3 to 7
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Dimension: 6 feet tall
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Care Requirements: Require shade to thrive
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Soil Type: Fertile, slightly acidic and moist soil
Spurge
For shady spots, Japanese spurge is a popular evergreen ground cover with glossy green leaves, growing 6 to 12 inches tall. A native alternative, Allegany spurge, is slightly taller and has duller, blue-green foliage. While Japanese spurge spreads more quickly, Allegany spurge is tougher against cold weather and has fewer pest issues.
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Zones: 5 to 11
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Dimensions: 6 to 12 inches tall
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Care Requirements: Partial to full shade; fertile, well-draining soil
Conclusion
Shady corners in a garden do not have to stay bare. Shade-tolerant ground covers bring life to darker corners of the garden. Shade-tolerant varieties such as lilyturf, sweet woodruff, and wild ginger gradually spread to fill empty spaces with lush green plants, reducing weeds and helping the soil. Some grow faster than others, but once they take hold, they create a thick, green cover that needs very little care.
