This blog post is all about the best cottage garden plants for shade.
In our previous home, we had very limited garden space. The space we did have was mostly covered by shade, and I almost let go of the idea of having a garden at all. But because I love flowers, I just couldn’t let the idea of a garden go. So I started researching cottage garden plants that thrive in the shade. There turned out to be quite a few, and I ended up planting a charming little cottage garden behind our house!
In this blog post, you’ll find a list of the top 10 cottage garden plants that do well in shade.
Best Cottage Garden Plants for Shade
1. Astilbe
Astilbe is an impressive plant that comes in a variety of different colors. I personally have a few light pink ones and I get so excited when I see them succeed year after year. The great thing about this flower is that it’s also great for cutting if you want to bring some cottage garden magic inside.
2. Hosta
The hosta plant is perfect for ground cover, and it fits right into a cottage-style garden. There are many varieties and leaf colors to choose from. The negative thing about these is that slugs like them, so you’ll have to do a little work to keep those away.
3. Monkshood
Monkshood is a cottage garden classic that does well in partial shade. The blue color is stunning, and they grow quite tall, making a
4. Columbine
I think columbines are incredibly charming! They spread quite a lot, but I don’t mind at all. When a flower is this beautiful, I want as many of them as possible!
5. Foxglove
Foxgloves are cottage garden staples for sure, and they do well in the shade! They are poisonous and have therefore always been kind of scary to me (I remember my mom always telling me NOT to touch those flowers when I was a kid). But if you’re careful and wear gloves they aren’t going to cause any harm. They are an absolute SHOW, and they come in a variety of colors.
6. Bleeding Hearts
We actually had bleeding hearts in our garden when I was growing up, and they were always one of my favorites. They come in pink and white and are very unique with their heart-shaped petals. A very romantic and sweet flower to grow in a shade garden.
7. Ferns
Ferns are perfect if you want to give your cottage garden a little bit of a forest vibe. They do very well in shade, and I feel like they give that enchanted forest feeling to a garden. Where I live, they grow wild in the forest, and they can be transplanted straight to my garden.
8. Geranium
Geraniums are another cottage garden plant that does well in shade. They come in many shapes and colors, but I personally love the blue/purple ones! A sweet front-of-the-border plant that can cover quite a bit of ground.
9. Siberian Bugloss
Siberian bugloss is a must-grow plant if you have a shady cottage garden. Their simple beauty always takes my breath away. I may be a little obsessed with flowers, but seriously. These are so, so charming!!
10. Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s seal are tall-growing plants that thrive in shady areas. We have some growing on our property. I’ve never touched them, and they look just as beautiful every year. A hardy plant that is perfect for the cottage garden!
Conclusion
These very my top 10 recommendations for cottage garden plants that thrive in the shade. I hope you found some inspiration for your garden. Remember that it’s YOUR garden. Make it personal, and bring in flowers you adore, or flowers that give you that feeling of nostalgia.
Looking for more cottage garden inspiration? Check out my other blog post on the topic here!
If you like to read books, this is a really great one about cottage garden design. (affiliate link)