Perfect Perennial Pairings for Fall Color in the Shade

Posted by Annie Algren on Aug 5th 2025

Perfect Perennial Pairings for Fall Color in the Shade

As the days grow shorter and the air turns cooler, a shaded garden can become a peaceful retreat filled with rich colors and textures. Fall doesn't have to mean saying goodbye to vibrant blooms, even in areas with limited sunlight. There are plenty of perennials that thrive in the shade and bloom beautifully in the cooler months, adding depth and interest to your garden as the seasons shift. Let’s explore three perfect perennial pairings that bring fall color and texture to those shady spots, offering a delightful mix of hues and textures that will keep your garden glowing well into autumn.


Turtlehead (Chelone)

Attributes

An herbaceous perennial with lush dark green foliage and late season spikes of snapdragon-like pink flowers

Growth Habit

Clumping, slow spreading

Soil Type

Loam, will tolerate clay and sand

Bloom Color

Pink/White

Size

24-36” H x 24-36” W

Bloom Time

Late Summer to Fall

Use

Great for adding a pop of color to shadier areas, woodland gardens, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and pond or stream margins

Maintenance

Prune in early spring and divide every 3-5 years to maintiain shape

Benefits

Tolerates wet, resistant to deer and rabbit, attracts pollinators, great as a cut flower


Ragwort (Ligularia)

Attributes

An herbaceous perennial forming mounds of heart-shaped, dark green and purple leaves or serrated triangular leaves depending on species, and blooming large spikes of golden blooms

Growth Habit

Clumping, mounding

Soil Type

Loam

Bloom Color

Yellow/Orange

Size

12-36” H x 12-36” W

Bloom Time

Late-Spring to Early Summer

Use

An excellent plant for providing bright late season color in woodland gardens, stream and pond margins, and other moist, shady areas of the landscape

Maintenance

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming

Benefits

Tolerates wet, resistant to deer and rabbit, attracts pollinators, bold foliage


Toad lily (Tricyrtis)

Attributes

An herbaceous perennial sporting hairy, upright stems with dark green, lance-shaped leaves and speckled, orchid-like flowers atop

Growth Habit

Clumping, slowly spreading

Soil Type

Loam, Clay, Sand

Bloom Color

White/ Purple/ Pink/ Lavender

Size

24-36” H x 24-36” W

Bloom Time

Late Summer to Fall

Use

Woodland gardens, shady boarders

Maintenance

Prune back in late fall after blooming if desired. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and control spread.

Benefits

Heavy shade tolerant, deer resistant, attracts pollinators

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