5 Favorite Shade-Loving Plants

This herbaceous perennial grows four to six inches high with kidney-shaped, leathery gray-green eaves. In mid-spring the unusual urn-shaped, deep burgundy flowers appear at ground level. The slow-growing plant will eventually form a mat and is deer-resistant. Early pioneers used the fresh or dried roots as a ginger substitute. This is the most common wild ginger in New England and the Great Lakes region and is also found throughout the Appalachian range.
How to use it: As a groundcover and to mix with other native plants and also bulbs.
Care: Grow in light to moderate shade in humus-rich acidic, moist soil. Don't allow to dry out.
Source: Wildflower Farm

This is the pink version of the U.S. native foamflower. The fragrant flowers appear in spring atop evergreen foliage. Narrow, erect flower stems are topped with frothy blooms. This herbaceous perennial grows from six to 12 inches tall. Native to eastern North America. USDA Zones 3-8.
How to use it: This is an excellent ground cover for the woodland garden and a great texture plant. Lovely combined with ferns, gingers and other native perennials. Particularly effective in masses on the forest floor.
Care: Foamflowers prefer cool, humus-rich soil that is kept evenly moist. Don't let transplants dry out.
Source: Plant Delights Nursery

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, this herbaceous perennial is naturalized throughout the English countryside. The plant forms a rosette of crinkled leaves, and in April sends up clusters of yellow, bell-shaped flowers on eight- to 12-inch stems. The entire plant disappears in summer, so be mindful when digging in the area where it's planted. USDA Zones 5-7.
How to use it: Form a "primrose path" in the woodland by lining both sides of a walkway with cowslips. Nice in combination with hostas, Japanese roof iris and bleeding heart.
Care: Locate the plants in part shade in ordinary garden soil that isn't too dry. Keep evenly moist during dry periods.
Source: Garden Makers

Carpet moss is a simple, rootless evergreen that's most often found on the floor of a deciduous forest. In winter and spring, the moss is a golden green, but as the season progresses, it becomes a dark, rich green.
How to use it: For paths, for patches of green among other plants and to grow along streams and on rocks.
Care: Keep moss moist. It usually grows in areas of poor drainage or in soils that are too acidic for turf. Propagation can be done by spores or by dividing clumps.
Source: Moss Acres

Growing from a bulb that is native to parts of Europe, the Spanish bluebell produces 15- to 18-inch flower stalks with clusters of flared blue bells. Strap-like leaves emerge first in spring, followed by the stalks of flowers. The bulbs eventually form colonies and are deer-resistant.
How to use it: Wonderful as a grouping in the shade garden. This is a particularly good flower for dry shade, which is typically a challenging situation for most plants. Also good for bouquets.
Care: Plant in well-drained soil in partial shade.
Source: Easy to Grow Bulbs

Canadian wild ginger - Wildflower Farm
foamflower - Plant Delights
English cowslip - Garden Makers
carpet moss - Moss Acres
Spanish bluebells - Easy to Grow Bulbs