Many people view shade as a gardening challenge and fight against it like forcing a square peg into a round hole. Instead, actively planning a shade garden can present an opportunity to transform what might have been a landscaping challenge into a beautiful, low-maintenance haven- lemons into lemonade. By understanding the nuances of shade levels and the needs of shade-tolerant plants, you can transform even the shadiest corners of your yard into vibrant, soothing retreats.
The first step in building your shade garden is to assess your shade level, whether it’s deep shade, full shade, partial shade, or dappled shade. I have actually found that many of my plants that supposedly should thrive in “full sun”, tend to prefer partial sun and dappled shade in my container garden in Northern California. One of the perks of having a container garden is that you can experiment with placing the same type of plant in different levels of sunlight versus shade and in pots with varying degrees of drainage.
If you are planting in ground, you may want to follow a series of steps to prepare your garden bed, from removing existing grass and tilling the soil to adding compost and planting your chosen flora. Consider factors like your garden’s size, your region’s cold hardiness zone, and the micro-climate of your shaded area to ensure the best plant selection and care. Once your garden is established, you could experiment with add decorative touches like pathways, statues, water features, and seating areas to personalize your outdoor oasis. I have a lot of upcycled furniture that I turned into planters and decorated with paint and mosaics to beautify what would otherwise be junk feeding the trash monster.
With proper planning and care, your shade garden will thrive, offering a welcome respite from the sun and adding beauty and tranquility to your outdoor space. So embrace the shade and let your creativity flourish as you build your own lush, inviting shade garden. I created a comprehensive list based on the ASPCA list of nontoxic plants that are safe for cats, dogs and horses. I then checked which of the cross-section could not only tolerate but potentially thrive in shady conditions.
Outdoor Shade Plants Safe For Dogs, Cats & Horses
| Plant | Sun Needs | Water Needs | Containers? | Annual/Perennial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadieri) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Alumroot/Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea) | Partial shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) | Partial shade to full shade | High | Yes | Perennial |
| Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) | Partial shade to full shade | Low | Yes | Perennial |
| English Ivy (Hedera helix) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Ferns | Partial shade to full shade | High | Yes | Perennial |
| Friendship Plant (Pilea involucrata) | Partial shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Golden Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) | Full sun to partial shade | Low | Yes | Perennial |
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Partial shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Hagbrier/Hellfetter (Smilax hispida) | Full sun to partial shade | Medium | No | Perennial |
| Hemlock Tree (Tsuga species) | Full sun to partial shade | Medium | No | Perennial |
| Hen and Chickens Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Laurel-Leaved Greenbrier (Smilax laurifolia) | Full sun to partial shade | Medium | No | Perennial |
| Queens Spiderwort (Dichorisandra reginae) | Partial shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Rainbow Orchid (Epidendrum prismatocarpum) | Bright, indirect light | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Red Veined Prayer Plant (Calathea insignis) | Partial shade to full shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Rose (Rosa species) | Full sun | Medium | Yes* | Perennial |
| Sage (Salvia officinalis) | Full sun | Low | Yes | Perennial |
| Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) | Full sun | Low | Yes | Annual |
| Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) | Full sun to partial shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) | Full sun | Low | Yes | Perennial |
| Tall Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) | Partial shade to full shade | Low | Yes | Perennial |
| Thea Japonica/Camellia (Camellia japonica) | Partial shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) | Full sun | Low | Yes | Perennial |
| Vinca (Vinca rosea) | Full sun to partial shade | Low | Yes | Annual/Perennial* |
| Wild Strawberry (Fragaria) | Full sun to partial shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
| Willow Herb (Epilobium angustifolium) | Full sun to partial shade | Medium | Yes | Perennial |
*Some rose and vinca varieties can be grown as annuals or perennials depending on climate.
Most of the plants listed are well-suited for growing in containers, especially smaller houseplants, herbs, and shade-loving plants like ferns[1][3]. Larger trees and vines may not be ideal for long-term container growing. Pay close attention to each plant’s light, water, and soil requirements when container gardening[1][4]. Proper drainage is key for success.
Citations:
[1] https://www.highcountrygardens.com/content/gardening/patio-plants-container-gardening-with-perennials
[2] https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/container-gardens-7-238/
[3] https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/top-10-plants-for-containers/
[4] https://jsenterprise1.com/what-perennials-grow-well-in-containers/
[5] https://www.marthastewart.com/best-container-plants-7814287
