Shade Garden Plants
Need help finding shade loving plants for my new garden…?
I live in zone 8b. My small garden is on the northfacing side of my house, and gets almost no sun. I had this vision of blooming flowers with Wisteria climbing a trellis, but I guess that won’t happen.
I would still like some flowers, and maybe even a flowering vine if anyone knows of any that will survive in the full shade… If not, any pretty greenery is good enough for me 
This will be my first garden, so I kind of need some hardy perennials that will forgive my mistakes. Thank you.
Here is a list of flowers for a shade garden:
http://www.eastendcommunity.com/plants/shade_garden.htm
Annuals will be perennials in your warm climate.
Shade Garden Plants
Herb Garden Plants – Lungwort – The Changeling
Pulmonaria officinalis (Boraginaceae)
Appearance
The legacy of countless healers to posterity, the flowers of these herb garden plants change colour according to their stage of development. Originally showing itself in a pink shade, the flowers turn blue after pollination takes place. Depending on the development stage of the flower, it may be pink, lilac or blue, making an interesting and attractive showing as the flowers proceed in their journey of life. These are early flowering herb garden plants which are also used in pots for culinary convenience. The hair-covered bearing stems are crowned with speckled broad leaves and grow to about 300mm. (12in.)
History
Popular as both a healing herb and for its attractive showing, these herb garden plants have been cultivated all over Europe since the dark ages. Although the upsurge of modern transport has spread these far more widely – they were certainly used by pioneers headed for the New World – the plants prefer conditions close to those of the original wild plants. Denizens of shaded woodlands, they enjoy shade and slight damp. Several mentions are made in various tomes of a family link to the American cowslip of the Midwest. No definitive relationship is obvious and I would be glad to hear from someone who can suggest a reference resource or tell me more about this and whether it is true. Perhaps I am looking in the wrong place.
Usage
With a name like lungwort, one can reasonably expect that this is where its medicinal virtue lies. And one would be correct.
Lungwort strengthens the respiratory functions by treating congestion, sore throats and coughing. It is also used to break a fever in cases of influenza and bad colds as it seems to assist in the process of ’sweating it out’ which frequently precedes a cure.
Cultivation
Chalky, damp but well-draines soil approximates the natural conditions in which lungwort thrives. Duplicate these conditions for best results from these herb garden plants. Sow early in Spring and thin out seedlings in late Summer. Alternately, divide roots in the autumn (fall) and replant.
About the Author
Pete Steel has grown herbs for 25 years in several different climates and soils. He gives out herb garden information and writes about herb garden plants.
Which plants flower best in a shaded area of a garden?
The front of my house gets some sunshine in the morning but is mostly shaded, can anyone reccomend plants for me?? thanks
All the flowers suggested so far are great! I too love the impatiens, hydrangeas, fuchsias and begonias. Also, I have had great luck with coleus in the shade. There are so many beautiful varieties. I get more compliments on the coleus than all my other flowers. You can plant them singly or in groups. I like the varieties that get very full and tall. Here’s a link I found with some pictures http://www.rareplants.com/downer/index.html
Tips for Perennial Gardening : Plants For Shady Garden Areas