The Netherlands is the world’s largest producer of flower bulbs, accounting for over 75% of the global supply.1 These “packaged plants” are not only a major export but also a beautiful addition to any garden.
Bulbs are underground storage organs that contain a complete miniature plant surrounded by fleshy scales that provide nourishment. Whether you’re planting tulips, daffodils, or lilies, these versatile plants can add vibrant color and interest to your landscape.
Here are 15 stunning flowering bulbs and tubers that thrive in shady backyards, perfect for those looking to brighten up their gardens.
1. Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.)
One of the earliest spring bloomers, snowdrops emerge from the ground while there’s still snow on the ground. These petite white flowers with drooping heads are a welcome sight after a long winter.
Snowdrops naturalize easily, spreading to form charming drifts over time. Plant them in clusters under deciduous trees or shrubs for a magical display in late winter to early spring. They grow best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
2. Crocus (Crocus spp.)
Another early spring bloomer, crocuses come in a rainbow of colors from white and yellow to purple and striped. These low-growing flowers are perfect for planting en masse for a carpet of color.
Crocuses are adaptable and will grow in a variety of soil types as long as it’s well-draining. They look lovely planted along a woodland path, in a rock garden, or under deciduous trees. Deer and rabbits tend to leave them alone.
3. Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)
Siberian squill is a hardy, low-maintenance bulb with star-shaped blue flowers that appear in early spring. It naturalizes readily to form a sea of blue.
This diminutive plant grows only 4-6 inches tall, making it perfect for planting under shrubs or along the front of a shady border. Siberian squill is virtually pest-free and will come back year after year with minimal care. Plant it in well-draining soil.
4. Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa forbesii)
Glory-of-the-snow is another early spring charmer with star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white. It’s a great choice for naturalizing in a woodland setting.
Like other small spring bulbs, glory-of-the-snow looks best planted in large drifts or clusters. It grows 4-6 inches tall and does well in average, well-draining soil. The flowers are attractive to early pollinators like bees.
5. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Daffodils are an iconic spring flower that will grow happily in part shade. Choose from classic yellow, white, or even pink varieties. Some daffodils are fragrant too.
Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall in well-draining soil. They will naturalize over time to form bigger clumps. Daffodils contain a substance that makes them unpalatable to deer and rodents. Pair them with hostas or ferns.
6. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
While tulips bloom best in full sun, some varieties like lily-flowered, viridiflora, and fringed tulips will tolerate part shade. Choose from a huge range of colors and flower forms.
Tulips look stunning planted in large swaths. For best results, plant the bulbs 8 inches deep in the fall in well-draining soil. Some tulips may need to be replanted every few years as they tend to dwindle over time in shadier spots.
7. Spanish Bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica)
Spanish bluebells produce arching stems with clusters of bell-shaped blue, pink, or white flowers in mid to late spring. They naturalize well in woodland settings.
Plant Spanish bluebell bulbs in the fall in humus-rich, well-draining soil. They will slowly spread to form attractive colonies. Pair them with other shade lovers like bleeding hearts or hellebores.
8. Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lily-of-the-valley features dainty, bell-shaped white flowers with a heavenly fragrance. The flowers appear in mid to late spring above lush green foliage.
This groundcover spreads readily in shady, woodland settings. It prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil. Be aware that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Combine it with astilbes or hostas.
9. Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum)
Not to be confused with snowdrops, summer snowflakes bloom a bit later, in mid-spring. The nodding white flowers are tipped with green and resemble little lanterns.
Summer snowflakes naturalize well and aren’t bothered by deer or rodents. Plant the bulbs in the fall in moist but well-draining soil. They grow 12-18 inches tall and look lovely with ferns and brunnera.
10. Foxtail Lily (Eremurus robustus)
Foxtail lilies make a dramatic statement in the garden with their tall spires of tightly packed flowers that can reach up to 8 feet tall. Colors range from white and pink to orange and yellow.
While foxtail lilies grow best in full sun, they will tolerate some light shade. Plant the tuberous roots in the fall in very well-draining soil. Stake the flower stalks to keep them upright. They bloom in early summer.
11. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
Calla lilies feature elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers in a range of colors from classic white to pink, yellow, orange, and dark purple. The lush, arrow-shaped leaves are also attractive.
In colder zones, calla lilies are grown as annuals or dug up in the fall and stored. In warmer areas, they can be left in the ground year-round. Plant them in the spring in rich, moist soil in part to full shade. They bloom from early summer to fall.
12. Caladium (Caladium spp.)
Grown for their spectacular foliage, caladiums have large, arrow-shaped leaves splashed with vibrant shades of red, pink, white, and green. They add a tropical touch to shady beds, borders, and containers.
Caladiums grow from tubers planted in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. They thrive in warm, humid conditions in rich, moist soil. In colder zones, dig up the tubers in fall and store them indoors over winter.
13. Liriope (Liriope spp.)
Also called lilyturf, liriope is a grasslike, evergreen groundcover that produces spikes of purple or white flowers in late summer, followed by black berries. It’s a tough, low-maintenance plant.
Liriope spreads slowly via underground rhizomes to form dense clumps that help suppress weeds. It grows best in part to full shade in average, well-draining soil. Use it as an edging or groundcover.
14. Tuberous Begonia (Begonia × tuberhybrida)
With their showy flowers in a kaleidoscope of colors and forms, tuberous begonias add a burst of vibrant color to shady spots. Some have ruffled petals that resemble roses or carnations.
Start tuberous begonia tubers indoors in late winter, then transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. They prefer rich, moist, well-draining soil in part to full shade. In fall, dig up and store the tubers.
15. Elephant Ears (Colocasia spp. and Alocasia spp.)
Elephant ears are grown for their dramatic foliage. The huge, heart-shaped leaves can measure up to 3 feet long, adding a bold, tropical flair to the garden. Some have dark purple or mottled leaves.
Plant elephant ear tubers in the spring in rich, moist soil in a shady spot. They can also be grown in containers or even in shallow water gardens. In colder zones, dig up and store the tubers over winter.
With so many beautiful options to choose from, it’s easy to create an enchanting shade garden filled with color, texture, and interest from early spring to fall. Mix and match a variety of these shade-loving bulbs and tubers for a low-maintenance landscape that will have your neighbors green with envy.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.