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perennial border plants for shade

Designing a beautiful garden in a shady spot can be both rewarding and straightforward when you choose the right plants. While some gardeners may think shady borders are tricky, many stunning perennial border plants for shade are both low-maintenance and spectacular. When you select the best perennials, you’ll enjoy a tapestry of foliage and flowers year after year, transforming shaded areas into highlights of your garden.

Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.

Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in shades of white, pink, plum, and green, often with striking speckled centres, bringing colour when few other plants flower. Growing 40–60 cm tall, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Viola odorata plants with lush green foliage and purple flowers.

Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)

Viola odorata, commonly called Sweet Violet, is a charming perennial known for its fragrant blooms and lush green foliage. Native to Europe but widely grown in NZ gardens, it brings a touch of cottage garden charm and delightful scent in early spring. This hardy groundcover is perfect for adding beauty to shaded areas, borders, or under trees.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 20 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Liriope muscari 'Gold Banded' plants with colourful, variegated foliage and pink flowers.
Liriope 'Gold Banded' (Variegated Liriope)

Liriope 'Gold Banded' produces green leaves edged with gold, and masses of lavender coloured flowers in summer. This herbaceous perennial grows as a...

From$17.95
Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red'

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

From$20.01
Acanthus mollis perennial with purple-white flowers above lush, green foliage.
Acanthus mollis (Bears Breeches)

Acanthus mollis, known as Bears Breeches or Oyster Plant, is a bold and striking perennial that adds a touch of elegance to NZ gardens. It features...

From$24.95
clivia-miniata-2
Clivia miniata (Natal Lily)

Clivia miniata (Natal Lily) is a striking evergreen perennial admired for its bold dark green strap like foliage and vibrant clusters of orange...

From$30.29
Ligularia reniformis with lush leaves growing in a container.
Ligularia reniformis

Ligularia reniformis, commonly known as the Tractor Seat Plant, is a striking foliage plant ideal for shaded New Zealand gardens. It features large...

From$17.87
An elegant Alstroemeria 'White Buttons' plant with white flowers in a pot.
Alstroemeria White Buttons (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria 'White Buttons' is a compact, clump-forming perennial prized for its masses of white flowers with yellow and green markings. Blooming...

From$29.95
Stachys macrantha plants with lush green foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Stachys macrantha

Stachys macrantha is a lovely herbaceous perennial grown for both its flowers and foliage. This small plant produces masses of pink-purple flowers on...

From$12.95
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca 'Elizabeth Cran'

Vinca 'Elizabeth Cran' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its rich green foliage, spreading habit, and colourful seasonal flowers. Its...

From$20.01
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
scutellaria-snowflakes--1
Scutellaria Snowflakes (Scutellaria Skullcap)

Scutellaria Snowflakes, commonly known as Scutellaria Skullcap or the Skullcaps plant, is grown for its foliage and flowers. This versatile and...

From$12.95
Cissus rhombifolia trailling over the sides of a planter with lush foliage.
Cissus rhombifolia (Grape Ivy)

Cissus rhombifolia, commonly known as the Grape Ivy plant, is an evergreen perennial grown for its colourful and trailing foliage. Hanging stems host...

From$31.67
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' plants with green foliage and blue flowers growing in a garden bed.
Ajuga 'Catlins Giant'

Ajuga 'Catlins Giant' (Bugleweed Plant) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy dark green leaves and striking blue flower...

From$18.63
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
phlebodium-blue-star-
Phlebodium aureum Blue Star (Blue Star Fern)

The Blue Star Fern features wavy leaves that are a blue-green colour. This popular indoor plant grows as a clump to about 30 cm tall and the same...

From$38.57
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
50-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 50% Shade (Shade Cloth)

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

From$428.40
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
50-windbreak-roll-2
Windbreak - 50% (Garden Shade Cloth)

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
pb-three-quarter-planter-bags-
PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$15.47
pb-2-planter-bags-
PB2 Planter Bags (Plastic Plant Bags)

These PB2 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.2 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$20.54
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acanthus, Alstroemeria, and Clivia, or related Categories - Grasses, Groundcover Plants, and Perennials.

Search perennial border plants for shade

Why Choose Perennial Border Plants for Shade?

Perennials are a perfect solution for partially- or fully-shaded garden borders. Unlike annuals, perennials come back each season, allowing your garden display to mature and improve over time. Shade-loving perennial border plants tend to be hardy, adaptable to a range of soil types, and require less water once established. They’re ideal for brightening up the spaces under trees, alongside fences, or on the south-facing side of your home. By choosing the right shady perennials, you’ll ensure your borders thrive, even in the most challenging conditions.

Top Perennial Border Plants for Shade

For a truly vibrant and varied shade border, consider mixing perennials with contrasting textures, heights, and flower colours. Some of our favourite perennial border plants for shade include:

For those seeking to brighten shade with vibrant colours, consider planting in drifts or groups for maximum impact. Position taller varieties like Acanthus at the back, medium-height clivias and geraniums in the middle, and groundcovers like Vinca along the front edge.

Planting and Care Tips

Most perennial border plants for shade prefer well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Before planting, loosen the soil and mix in compost. Water deeply after planting and mulch to help retain moisture. Even shade-tolerant perennials benefit from occasional feeding to boost flowering and promote healthy growth.

Deadheading spent blooms on plants such as Geranium Stephanie (Perennial Geranium Plants) will prolong flower production, while tidying old leaves in autumn keeps your border looking fresh. Keep in mind that not all shade is the same—observe the light pattern in your border and position your perennials for best results.

Ready to transform your shady garden with perennial border plants for shade? Choose from a range of vibrant, easy-care options and watch your underutilised borders burst into life year after year.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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