In addition to these perennials, also consider annuals and some great biennials, such as foxglove (digitalis) for the shade garden. 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: White, cream, purple, red, yellow, lavender, and pinkSun Exposure: Part to full shade; tolerates sun in winter monthsSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining

Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) Fringed bleeding hearts (Dicentra eximia)

If you are seeking attractive foliage to go along with the interesting blooms, fringed bleeding hearts are a great choice. But D. spectabilis ‘Gold Heart’ may turn the most heads with its bright golden leaf color.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: Pink, white, and white, with cultivar variationsSun Exposure: Full shade to part shade; tolerates some sunSoil Needs: Fertile and well-drained

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9Color Varieties: Greenish-purpleSun Exposure: Partial shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Moist, humusy

Bunchberry is ideal for dappled shade and works well in naturalized areas and along shaded walkways. 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 6Color Varieties: Yellow-greenSun Exposure: ShadeSoil Needs: Moist acidic soil

Like other plants with silver foliage, this ground cover can help brighten shady areas and make them seem less gloomy. Be aware that deadnettle can spread aggressively, so plant it only in an area where you seek a true groundcover. There are several other types of dead nettle similar to ‘Purple Dragon’ dead nettle, but avoid Lamium galeobdolon (also known as yellow archangel or golden dead nettle). It is a lovely plant but tends to be invasive.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Mauve, pink, purple, or white, depending on cultivarSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil Needs: Well-drained, with average moisture and fertility needs

Although hostas are known as shade plants, there are some exceptions. Cultivars with golden leaves, for example, need some sunlight to achieve their splendid color. 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 through 8 depending on the varietyColor Varieties: Pale yellow to deep blue-green foliage; white or lavender bloomsSun Exposure: Full to partial shade depending on varietySoil Needs: Moist soil

This perennial is versatile. While it is grouped with other shade perennials, it can tolerate some sunlight if it receives plenty of water. It can  be grown in spots that are too wet for many other plants. ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’ has stunning tcark eal-green foliage with dark purple undersides. and provides an uncommon landscape design option.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 through 8Color Varieties: Golden yellow-orangeSun Exposure: Partial to full shadeSoil Needs: Organically rich soil that stays moist

This perennial for shade also has unusual clover-like foliage (variegated in some cultivars), especially early in the growing season. Leafminer insects can damage the leaves, but some gardeners find the meandering mining tunnels on the leaves to be attractive. Do not confuse Aquilegia with columbine meadow rue (Thalictrum aquilegifolium), which is another good perennial for shade.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Red, yellow, white, blue, pink, salmon, or purpleSun Exposure: Partial shadeSoil Needs: Well-drained soil amended with compost

The delicate texture of Jacob’s ladder works well when juxtaposed against the coarser texture of hosta or ligularia. Coarse-leafed elephant ear can also serve as a dramatic contrast to the fine texture of Jacob’s ladder.  

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Mostly blue and purple; white, pink, and yellow cultivars also availableSun Exposure: Partial to full shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained

USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8Color Varieties: Pink-lavender changing to deep blueSun Exposure: Part to full shadeSoil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained soil

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7Color Varieties: Creamy white or light pinkSun Exposure: Full to partial shadeSoil Needs: Moist and rich in humus

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: Depends on variety: golden, variegated creamy yellow, bright greenSun Exposure: ShadeSoil Needs: Moist but well-drained; slightly acidic