Top 5 Shade Perennials

If you've been following along, you know we're diving into a series focused on easy-to-grow plants in the Edmonton area. While I've mainly been addressing new gardeners, this series is for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned pro tackling a new shade garden or someone who's recently moved and is planning your first perennial bed, we've got something for you. No matter your experience level, we'll highlight some fantastic plants for Edmonton's climate and share essential care tips to help you thrive in your gardening journey. All five of our top picks are cold-hardy and low-maintenance — perfect for Alberta’s climate. For the best results, we recommend enriching your soil with quality compost before planting to boost nutrients and support healthy growth.

#1 Hosta

Hostas are a shade garden classic, with an incredible range of over 2,500 registered varieties. Their lush foliage—available in countless shades and patterns of green, blue, gold, and variegation—is their biggest appeal. In summer, they also produce delicate white or purple flowers that rise above the leaves on tall stalks, adding an extra layer of charm.

Care Instructions:

• Sun & Soil: Plant late spring (after the last frost) or early fall in partial shade or full shade. Hostas prefer well-draining, rich, loamy soil.
• Watering: Give them a good watering 1–2 times/week. Keep soil consistently moist; mulch helps retain moisture.
• Winter Care: Cut back after the first frost.
• Pests: Watch for slugs/snails. Use traps or barriers.
• Dividing: Divide every 3–5 years to refresh and control spread.

#2 Aruncus

With soft, feathery plumes in creamy white, Aruncus adds elegant texture to shady spaces. Bold blooms are hard to come by in shade-loving plants — which is exactly why this standout perennial made our top 5 for Edmonton gardens.

Care Instructions:

• Sun & Soil: Plant in spring (after the last frost) or early fall in partial shade or full shade. Aruncus prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist. Aruncus hate drying out, so you can add mulch, compost, or peat to improve water retention.
• Winter Care: Cut back flower stocks in the fall or leave for winter interest.
• Pests: Generally pest-free, but watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions.
• Dividing: Divide every few years if they start to get crowded.

#3 Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)

Bleeding hearts (Dicentra) are some of the most unique flowers you’ll find for a shade garden. Their delicate heart shaped blooms pop up in late spring or early summer—just in time to kick off the season with some colour. 

Care Instructions:

• Sun & Soil: Plant late spring (after the last frost) or early fall in partial shade or full shade. Dicentra needs rich, well-draining, slightly moist soil.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist. Don’t let it dry out completely. Add mulch or compost to improve water retention.
• After Flowering: The foliage of traditional bleeding hearts tends to die back in midsummer, especially in heat or dry spells.
• Winter Care: Cut back stems in the fall after frost.
• Pests: Generally pest-free, Watch for slugs, aphids, or powdery mildew in humid conditions. 

#4 Ferns

Ferns are incredibly tough and versatile, making them perfect for Edmonton’s climate. With a range of shapes, sizes, and colors—ranging from vibrant greens to dramatic blacks and silvers—they bring a unique texture and visual interest to any shade garden.

Care Instructions:

• Sun & Soil: Plant late spring (after the last frost) or early fall in partial shade or full shade. Ferns love moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid standing water. Ferns in very dry spots will need more frequent watering. Adding mulch can help with moisture retention and keeping the roots cool. 
• Winter Care: Cut back dead fronds after the first frost.
• Pests: Ferns are typically resistant to pests, but watch for slugs or snails in damp conditions. 

#5 Brunnera

Brunnera stands out with its heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue blooms that look just like forget-me-nots. The silvery-green, variegated foliage adds beautiful contrast and texture, making it a great pick for brightening up a shade garden.

Care Instructions:

• Sun & Soil: Plant late spring (after the last frost) or early fall in partial shade or full shade. Prefers moist, rich, well-draining soil.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Brunnera likes consistent moisture but doesn’t tolerate soggy roots. Mulching helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
• Flowering: Blooms in spring, with dainty clusters of bright blue flowers.
• Winter Care: Cut back dead foliage in fall or early spring.
• Pests: Generally pest-free, but slugs might nibble the leaves in wet weather.