Shade gardening in Virginia
Virginia has a humid, temperate climate, with hardiness zones roughly from 5 in the mountains to 8 near the coast. Much of the state was originally forested, so a wide range of native plants evolved in shade. Extension programs and native plant societies in Virginia and Maryland publish regional plant lists that are worth consulting. For basics on shade types, see our indigenous shade plants guide.
Spring wildflowers and perennials
- Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica): nodding flowers that open pink and turn blue; dormant by summer.
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense): a heart-leaved groundcover for moist or dry shade.
- Green-and-gold (Chrysogonum virginianum): yellow flowers over a long season in part to full shade.
- Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia): white flower spikes and lobed leaves.
- Wild bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia): pink flowers over a long season.
- Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata)
- Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum)
- Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans)
- Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa): tall summer flower spikes for deeper shade.
Ferns and sedges
Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) are widely used. Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is good for dry shade and as a lawn alternative.
Dry shade versus moist shade
Moist, humus-rich woodland shade suits bluebells, cinnamon fern and black cohosh. Dry shade under mature trees is a tougher site; Pennsylvania sedge, wild ginger, green-and-gold, hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa) and Christmas fern are commonly suggested. Even tough plants will need water while getting established.
What plants are good for a woodland edge?
Woodland edges get more light, so they can handle a mix of small trees, shrubs and perennials:
- Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
- Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
- Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
- Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
What are some native plants to Virginia?
Beyond shade species, Virginia natives include many trees such as oaks, tulip poplar and American beech, as well as sun perennials like purple coneflower and bee balm. This guide concentrates on plants that tolerate shade.
Leave the leaves
A theme from extension guidance is to leave fallen leaves on the garden beds instead of raking them away. They suppress weeds, hold moisture and feed the soil as they break down. Leaves also shelter overwintering insects. If leaves smother small plants, you can shred them or rake them lightly.
Care tips
- Plant in fall or early spring.
- Watch for invasive plants such as English ivy and Japanese honeysuckle, which can spread in shade.
- Buy nursery-propagated plants from reputable native growers.
Related guides
Neighboring states offer a similar palette: see shade plants for Maryland and southern plants for shade. A compiled list of shade perennials may help when planning.