Finding the right plants for a north-facing garden can feel tricky since these areas rarely receive direct sunlight. But instead of seeing it as a challenge, you can turn it into an opportunity.
Many shade-loving plants flourish in cooler, lower-light conditions, bringing texture, fragrance, and vibrant color to corners that might otherwise look dull.
In this guide, you’ll discover 11 of the best plants for north-facing gardens. Each one is easy to grow, adds character to shady areas, and thrives without needing strong sun.
With the right mix, you can create a lush, colorful retreat that brightens even the dimmest spots.
#1 Common Bleeding Heart
Common Bleeding Heart steals attention with its heart-shaped pink and white flowers that dangle along arching stems in spring. This perennial loves part to full shade, making it perfect for north-facing walls or shaded borders.
Keep the soil moist but well-drained, and provide extra water if grown in sunnier spots. It goes dormant in summer, so consider pairing it with hostas or ferns for continuous color.
#2 Hosta
Hosta, often called plantain lily, is famous for its striking foliage ranging from bold greens to variegated patterns. It thrives in shaded gardens and is practically carefree once established.
Divide clumps every few years to multiply your collection and refresh growth. Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil and watch as it quickly fills shady areas with lush leaves that look beautiful all season.
#3 Tuberous Begonia
Tuberous Begonia is a showstopper with oversized leaves and neon-bright flowers that light up shaded corners. It prefers dappled shade or reflected light and dislikes harsh sun.
To keep blooms coming all season, feed with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks. These begonias look spectacular in containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets where their vivid colors can really shine.
#4 Bugleweed
Bugleweed makes an excellent ground cover, forming a dense carpet of glossy foliage that spreads quickly. While it flowers more in sunnier conditions, its mat-forming growth still thrives in partial shade.
In spring, expect spikes of blue blooms that contrast beautifully against the foliage. Keep it trimmed if you want to control its spread, as it can be vigorous in rich soil.
#5 Impatiens
Impatiens bring bursts of color to shady spots, blooming continuously from late spring until frost. Their bright flowers in pink, red, purple, and white stand out beautifully in darker corners.
They prefer moist, fertile soil and will reward you with nonstop flowers if watered consistently. Great for borders, containers, or mass plantings, they add instant cheer to north-facing gardens.
#6 Climbing Hydrangea
Climbing Hydrangea is a woody vine that transforms shaded walls or pergolas with its large clusters of creamy white flowers from May to July. Its heart-shaped leaves remain attractive through the season, adding texture long after blooms fade.
Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil and give it support to climb. Although slow to establish, once settled, it becomes a long-lasting highlight in shaded gardens.
#7 Wax Begonia
Wax Begonia is a versatile plant that thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it ideal for north-facing spots. Its fleshy leaves range from glossy green to bronze, paired with small but abundant flowers in pink, red, or white.
Use it as edging, bedding, or in containers to brighten shaded patios. Keep the soil evenly moist and well-drained for the best growth.
#8 Lilyturf
Lilyturf, also known as Liriope, is a hardy, grass-like perennial that thrives even in dry shade. It forms clumps of strappy foliage and produces delicate purple flower spikes in late summer.
This plant works well as edging or ground cover in difficult shady areas. It tolerates neglect but looks its best with a little extra water and compost added to the soil.
#9 Flowering Quince
Flowering Quince is a tough shrub that tolerates shade, poor soil, and even neglect. In early spring, before its leaves emerge, it bursts into bloom with scarlet, pink, or white flowers that brighten any dull corner.
Later, it produces small quince fruits that can be used for jams. Plant in well-drained soil and prune after flowering to maintain a neat shape.
#10 Creeping Myrtle
Creeping Myrtle, also called Vinca minor, is a popular ground cover for shady gardens. Its glossy green foliage forms a dense mat, and in late spring it surprises with cheerful purple-blue flowers.
It’s excellent under shrubs, trees, or alongside shade perennials like hostas. Keep the soil slightly moist and trim back runners if you want to limit its spread.
#11 Yew
Yew is an evergreen shrub that thrives in full shade and adds year-round structure to the garden. Its deep green needles and bright red berries offer a striking contrast, especially in winter.
Yew can be shaped into hedges, topiary, or left to grow naturally as a backdrop plant. Ensure the soil is well-drained, and this low-maintenance shrub will reward you with long-lasting beauty.