One of the most important considerations for putting the right plant in the right place (RPRP) is the amount of sun that an area receives.  In shady spots, many options are available, as long as consideration is given to just how shady it is.  Some perennials are adaptable to more than one level of shade, so they are included in more than one list below.

Light shade

Ajuga,

Astilbe

Bergenia

Brunnera

Campanula

Clematis

Coral bells

Cranesbill

Foxglove

Goat’s beard

Lamb’s ear

Lavender

Lobelia

Monarda/bee balm

Periwinkle

Phlox

Pulmonaria

Primrose

Medium shade

Ajuga

Anemone

Astilbe

Bishop’s weed

Bleeding heart

Columbine

Hosta

Japanese spurge

Lady’s mantle

Lamb’s ear

Lamium

Ligularia

Lily of the Valley

Lily turf (may not be totally hardy in Nebraska)

Periwinkle

Pulmonaria

Solomon’s seal

Virginia bluebells

Heavy shade

Foxglove

Japanese spurge

Hakonechloa

Hosta

Lady’s mantle

Lamium

Ligularia

Lily of the valley

Osmunda

Periwinkle

Pulmonaria

Tiarella/foamflower

John Fech

Horticulture Extension Educator at Nebraska Extension

John Fech is a horticulturist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. The author of 2 books and over 200 popular and trade journal articles, he focuses his time on teaching effective landscape maintenance techniques, water conservation, diagnosing turf and ornamental problems and encouraging effective bilingual communication in the green industry. He works extensively with the media to extend the message of landscape sustainability, making over 100 television and radio appearances each year.