If you’re looking for flowering shade plants to fill in the vertical space between low-growing ground covers and tall trees or shrubs, this list of tall shade perennials will come in handy.
Over the winter, I started mapping out ways to bring more height and bloom into the shadier corners of my garden. Sure, hostas and ferns carry a lot of the visual weight, but I wanted flowers—tall ones. Plants that could rise above the leafy base layer and add color, texture, and movement from summer into fall.
The goal? Blooms that reach at least 30 inches high, offer some contrast with existing foliage, and bring long-lasting interest without needing full sun. All of the plants listed here are perennial bloomers that thrive in part to full shade and prefer consistently moist soil. They’re perfect for filling those awkward in-between layers of the shade garden—and many are deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and surprisingly low maintenance once established.
Here’s what made it onto my must-grow list of shade-loving tall bloomers this season.
1: Japanese Anemone (Anemone × hybrida)
Zones: 3–9
Height: 30–48″
Bloom Time: Summer through fall
For late-summer flowers that float like butterflies on tall stems, you can’t beat Japanese anemones. They bloom just as many shade gardens begin to fade, with graceful single or semi-double flowers in white, blush pink, or deep rose. They reach up to 4 feet tall, adding motion and elegance in dappled light.
They thrive in part shade and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Once they settle in, they’ll form lush clumps that return reliably year after year.
How to use Japanese anemones in your shade garden
Pair them with bold foliage plants like ligularia or heuchera, and let their blooms rise behind hostas or ferns. Underplant with spring ephemerals like bleeding hearts or brunnera to stretch the bloom season from early spring to fall.
Favorite varieties to try
- ‘Honorine Jobert’ – Classic white blooms that practically glow in shade.
- ‘September Charm’ – Pink with yellow centers; pairs well with silver foliage.
- ‘Pamina’ – Deep pink and slightly shorter, great for tighter borders.
2: Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
Zones: 4–9
Height: 30–36″
Bloom Time: Late summer through fall
Toad lilies are like little secrets tucked into the shade—up close, their orchid-like blooms are nothing short of astonishing. Speckled with purple, blue, or burgundy spots, each flower is a miniature work of art, blooming on arching stems just as other perennials begin to fade.
These plants do best in part to full shade with consistently moist, rich soil. They’ll slowly spread into clumps and are especially welcome near pathways where their intricate flowers can be appreciated up close.
How to use toad lilies in your shade garden
Nestle them in front of taller shade plants like cimicifuga or under the canopy of hydrangeas. Their spotted blooms pair beautifully with the silver foliage of brunnera or the broad leaves of ligularia. Try planting them near paths or garden benches where their detail won’t be missed.
Favorite varieties to try
- ‘Sinonome’ – Pale lavender blooms with deep violet markings; strong and upright.
- ‘Empress’ – Larger flowers with bold burgundy spotting.
- ‘Miyazaki’ – Arching stems that cascade slightly; perfect for edging shady paths.
3: Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
Zones: 3–9
Height: 48–72″
Bloom Time: Summer through fall
Joe Pye Weed is a towering native perennial that brings pollinator magic to the shade. Its large domed clusters of dusky pink to mauve flowers sit atop strong, upright stems that can reach 6 feet tall. The foliage is lightly scented, and bees and butterflies can’t resist it.
While it’s often found in sunny meadows, Joe Pye also thrives in partial shade, especially with consistent moisture and rich soil. It naturalizes beautifully at the back of a woodland border or near a damp, shaded edge.
How to use Joe Pye Weed in your shade garden
Use it to anchor the back of a large border where it can rise above hostas, astilbes, or tall ferns. It combines well with black bugbane for contrasting flower shapes and timing, and makes a stunning trio with Japanese anemones and ligularia. If you have the space, let it form a bold backdrop with its airy blooms.
Favorite varieties to try
- ‘Gateway’ – Deep purple stems and rich flower color with a slightly more compact form.
- ‘Little Joe’ – A shorter version at around 3–4 feet; easier to tuck into smaller gardens.
- Straight species (E. purpureum) – For a wilder, naturalized look that pollinators love.
4: Ligularia (Ligularia dentata and Ligularia stenocephala)
Zones: 4–8
Height: 36–60″
Bloom Time: Summer through fall
Ligularia brings a bold, dramatic look to the shade garden with its oversized foliage and golden-yellow flower spikes or daisies. Some varieties have purple-tinted leaves that make a striking contrast in shady spaces, especially against green ferns or hostas.
It thrives in part to full shade with moist, rich soil. If it dries out, it wilts quickly—so don’t let it bake in sun or go without water during heat waves. When happy, it becomes a statement plant.
How to use ligularia in your shade garden
The bold leaves look stunning near water features or along shaded paths. Pair it with tall Japanese anemones, astilbes, or cimicifuga for layered height and contrasting textures. Surround the base with shade groundcovers like creeping Jenny or lungwort to keep the soil cool and visually tie the bed together.
Favorite varieties to try
- ‘The Rocket’ – Towering spires of yellow blooms and large, toothed leaves.
- ‘Desdemona’ – Rounded bronze-purple leaves with daisy-like golden flowers.
- ‘Bottle Rocket’ – A more compact version with strong vertical flower stalks.
5: Turtlehead (Chelone lyonii)
Zones: 3–8
Height: 30–48″
Bloom Time: Late summer through fall
Turtlehead earns its name from the snapdragon-like flowers that resemble little turtle heads peeking out along tall, sturdy stems. Blooms come in pink or white and provide late-season interest just as many other perennials are finishing up. The upright form and clean, dark green foliage make it a natural fit in organized, vertical shade plantings.
This native perennial loves moist, rich soil and tolerates partial to full shade. It’s excellent for naturalizing in woodland gardens or along streams and pond edges.
How to use turtlehead in your shade garden
Plant it in groups behind lower growers like coral bells or geraniums. It combines beautifully with toad lilies and Japanese anemones for a long-lasting fall floral display. For foliage contrast, add in a few clumps of golden hakonechloa or matte silver brunnera. Pollinators—especially bees—will thank you.
Favorite varieties to try
- ‘Hot Lips’ – Vivid pink blooms with strong stems and deep green foliage.
- ‘Alba’ – A clean, crisp white variety that lights up dark corners.
- Straight species (C. lyonii) – A dependable native with a soft wildflower look.
6: Goat’s Beard (Aruncus dioicus)
Zones: 3–8
Height: 36–60″
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Goat’s beard looks like a giant astilbe, with tall creamy-white plumes that rise above feathery, deep green foliage in late spring and early summer. It brings a wild, airy elegance to the shady garden and thrives in rich, consistently moist soil.
This plant prefers part shade but can handle deeper shade if the soil stays moist. It can form large clumps over time, so give it space to stretch. In woodland borders or shady backdrops, it creates a billowy, romantic feel.
How to use goat’s beard in your shade garden
Use it at the back of a border or as a soft screen in dappled shade. Pair it with bold-leaved companions like ligularia or hostas, and let it contrast with the fine textures of ferns or Brunnera. Its early bloom makes it a great companion for bleeding hearts and early woodland phlox, followed by summer-blooming anemones or bugbane to extend the show.
Favorite varieties to try
- ‘Kneiffii’ – A more compact form with finely cut foliage.
- ‘Horatio’ – A hybrid with deep reddish stems and slightly pink-tinted flowers.
- Straight species (A. dioicus) – Best for a tall, naturalized look in wild shade gardens.
7: Meadow Rue (Thalictrum rochebrunianum)
Zones: 4–8
Height: 48–72″
Bloom Time: Summer through fall
Meadow rue is one of those plants that looks like it shouldn’t be able to stand so tall—and yet it does, and beautifully so. Its soft, fluffy clusters of lavender blooms hover above fine blue-green foliage, almost like a cloud drifting through your shade garden. Despite their airy appearance, the stems are surprisingly strong and usually don’t need staking.
This plant does best in part shade with moist, rich soil. It’s especially lovely in a border where you want height without the heaviness of broad leaves or dense flower heads.
How I like to use it
I love tucking meadow rue behind a group of turtleheads or Japanese anemones. The contrast in flower shape and foliage keeps the planting feeling light and layered. Try weaving it near ferns or ligularia to soften up their bold leaves. And since it blooms right through summer into fall, it fills that awkward gap when other shade bloomers take a break.
A few favorites worth growing
- ‘Lavender Mist’ has the classic wispy look with pretty purple flowers.
- Thalictrum delavayi offers more saturated color and strong stems.
- ‘Splendide’ is tall, full, and a real statement if you’ve got space.
8: False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra ‘Summer Nights’)
Zones: 3–9
Height: 36–48″
Bloom Time: Summer through fall
Now, you might think of sunflowers as sun lovers—and most are. But Heliopsis ‘Summer Nights’ bends the rules. It handles part shade beautifully and still pumps out bright, daisy-like golden blooms with deep red stems that glow in contrast. It brings a wild meadow feel into a shadier garden space.
It’s tough, dependable, and long blooming. The flowers are great for cutting, and pollinators absolutely love them. Just give it moist, well-drained soil and let it catch some dappled morning light if you can.
How I like to use it
This one really shines when planted with purple-leaved companions like bugbane or heuchera. I often tuck it into the edge of a lightly shaded border where it can catch a few hours of sun and still mingle with other shade lovers like turtlehead and meadow rue. The bright yellow color lifts the whole planting, especially later in the season.
9: Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima, formerly Eupatorium rugosum)
Zones: 3–9
Height: 36–60″
Bloom Time: Late summer through fall
Snakeroot is one of those under-the-radar plants that quietly steals the show when everything else is starting to fade. By late summer, it sends up fluffy white flower clusters on tall, upright stems that light up shady spots like little lanterns. The blooms are nectar-rich and pull in late-season pollinators like crazy.
This native perennial thrives in part to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It’s low-maintenance and has a natural woodland charm, making it great for less formal garden areas or to blend into wild borders.
How I like to use it
I like planting snakeroot toward the back of a dappled border where its pure white blooms really pop against darker foliage. Try pairing it with Japanese anemones or meadow rue for a soft, layered look. It’s also lovely rising above groundcovers like wild ginger or foamflower. And if you’ve got purple foliage from plants like ‘Chocoholic’ bugbane nearby, that contrast is unbeatable.
A must-grow variety
- ‘Chocolate’ – This cultivar has dark purple-brown leaves that hold their color all season and make the white blooms stand out even more. It adds depth and drama to any shady spot.
10: Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’ or ‘Catlin’s Giant’)
Zones: 3–9
Height: 18–30″ in bloom
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Okay, technically bugleweed is often grown as a groundcover—but hear me out. Certain varieties like ‘Catlin’s Giant’ send up striking blue flower spikes that can easily reach over 18 inches tall in spring. And ‘Black Scallop’ adds deep, glossy burgundy foliage that stays low but rich in color all season long, giving your shade bed a layered, textural base with vertical flower appeal.
It’s tough, spreads steadily but politely, and handles shade like a champ. Plus, those vibrant blue flowers are among the earliest to bloom, making it an important nectar source for pollinators waking up in spring.
How I like to use it
Use it as a colorful carpet under taller shade perennials like bugbane or goat’s beard. Let it spill along the front edge of a shady path or border and weave between spring ephemerals. It pairs well with bleeding hearts and pulmonaria in early spring, then gives way to summer bloomers while its foliage holds the ground.
Favorite tall-ish varieties
- ‘Catlin’s Giant’ – Larger flower spikes with bold bronze-green foliage.
- ‘Black Scallop’ – Deep, nearly black leaves and rich purple-blue blooms.
11: Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)
Zones: 3–7
Height: 36–60″
Bloom Time: Late summer through fall
Monkshood adds a dose of mystery to the shade garden with its tall spires of deep indigo-blue flowers that resemble little hoods or helmets—hence the name. It brings height and bold color just as the garden is shifting toward fall, and it holds up beautifully even in cooler, wetter weather.
This is a plant that thrives in part shade and moist, humus-rich soil. It’s perfect for woodland borders where you want something statuesque that doesn’t need staking. That said, a quick heads-up—all parts of the plant are toxic, so it’s best planted where kids or pets won’t be brushing up against it.
How I like to use it
I like weaving monkshood in between other tall shade perennials like cimicifuga or meadow rue. Its rich blue flowers contrast beautifully with lighter shades—try it near white Japanese anemones, silver brunnera, or pale yellow ligularia blooms. Even the finely cut foliage looks elegant and fits well among ferns and bleeding hearts.
A few standout varieties
- ‘Bicolor’ – A rare twist with blue and white hooded blooms.
- ‘Stainless Steel’ – Silvery-blue flowers on strong upright stems.
- Straight species (A. napellus) – That classic deep blue that always turns heads.
12: Tall Astilbe (Astilbe chinensis var. taquetii)
Zones: 3–8
Height: 36–48″
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Tall astilbes bring a feathery softness to the shade garden that’s hard to beat. Unlike the shorter varieties you often see in front borders, these taller types send up bold plumes of pink, lavender, or creamy white that rise well above the foliage—sometimes up to 4 feet tall. The blooms are long-lasting and float like pastel smoke in shady corners.
They love rich, consistently moist soil and dappled shade. In hotter climates, deeper shade helps prevent the foliage from crisping in summer. While they’re elegant, they’re also surprisingly tough and reliable.
How I like to use it
I like massing tall astilbes behind a drift of shorter ferns or brunnera to create a soft, tiered effect. They pair beautifully with the bolder textures of ligularia, cimicifuga, or even the upright drama of monkshood. The contrast between their airy flower spikes and broader leaves around them keeps the planting dynamic from June through August.
Top varieties to try
- ‘Purple Candles’ – A bold, upright variety with deep lavender plumes.
- ‘Superba’ – Classic bright pink that really pops in low light.
- ‘Bridal Veil’ – Elegant creamy white blooms perfect for woodland-themed gardens.
13: Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
Zones: 3–9
Height: 30–48″
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Solomon’s Seal brings pure grace to the shade garden. Its arching stems rise gently from the soil, draped with dangling cream-colored, bell-shaped flowers in spring. As the season goes on, its clean green leaves stay lush and elegant, eventually turning golden yellow in fall. It’s a plant that adds motion and rhythm to a garden bed just through its form.
This native perennial thrives in part to full shade and moist, humus-rich soil. Once established, it slowly spreads by rhizomes, creating soft drifts over time without becoming invasive. It’s deer-resistant, low-maintenance, and practically designed for woodland gardens.
How I like to use it
Solomon’s Seal is lovely planted in arcs or winding lines beneath trees or along shaded walkways. I like pairing it with bleeding hearts for overlapping spring bloom, or setting it behind a swath of hostas and hellebores to keep the garden looking layered and full. It also plays beautifully with the feathery textures of ferns or the cool tones of brunnera and lungwort.
Varieties to try
- Polygonatum biflorum – A native classic with soft, greenish-white blooms.
- ‘Variegatum’ – White-edged foliage that brightens dark corners.
- Giant Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum commutatum) – Taller and more dramatic, reaching up to 5 feet.
14: Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia siphilitica)
Zones: 4–9
Height: 36–48″
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
A native wildflower that thrives in moist shade, Great Blue Lobelia sends up tall spikes of electric blue flowers that bloom just as many other shade plants begin to fade. It forms upright clumps and brings a vertical accent that’s bold, colorful, and pollinator-friendly—making it perfect as a floral backdrop in naturalistic or woodland-style plantings.
How I like to use it
This looks best planted in groups at the back of a damp, shady border—especially alongside turtlehead, Japanese anemones, and meadow rue. The cool blue tones blend beautifully with whites and purples, and its upright habit keeps the border tidy and tall.
