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Plants for a Shade Garden | What to Know - TN Nursery
colored flowersFeb 2, 20162 min read

Made for the Shade: 7 Great Plants

Tennessee Shade Gardens

Tennessee is a beautiful expanse of limestone bluffs, lush green fields, and dense woodland. That means that there is plenty of opportunities to explore the “darker” side of gardening. These sheltered areas can be a unique retreat from the heat and humidity. Plan the perfect patch with these seven great plants for Tennessee shade gardens.

1. Smoke Trees are often an unexpected addition to a partially shaded area. They are pretty enough to use as a standalone specimen or can be incorporated into other plantings. It is a small tree with dark green foliage and scarlet-colored flowers. At maturity, the Smoke Tree reaches between 10 -15 feet in height. Once planted, it grows two feet per year.

2.Hydrangeas are an old-time favorite for an excellent reason. They are relatively easy to care for and bloom profusely. There are somewhere around 100 different types of plants in this species. They produce white, blue, or pink blooms in the summer and fall. You can control the color by altering the PH in the soil.

3. Ligularias are tall plants that can add a lot of impact to a shade garden. They feature large ornamental leaves and bright yellow or orange flowers. Due to their height, they tend to look the best when added to the back of the garden.

4. Foxglove plants are gorgeous shade dwellers. They reach two to five feet in height with slender spikes that boast purple to white blooms. Foxglove is a favorite of Hummingbirds.

5. Hosta Plants are probably one of the most common plantings in Tennessee shade gardens. They are straightforward to grow and come in many varieties. Not all Hosta's are suited to shade. The golden and fragrant types need full sun. A few pretty shade lovers are “Patriot,” Blue Moon,” and “Halcyon.”

6. Rosa Rugosa is a flowering shrub hedge that likes partial shade. It produces abundant pink blossoms in the spring, through the summer, and in the fall. They are highly fragrant and grow quite large.

7. Bleeding Hearts bloom from April to May, producing delicate flowers that look true to their name. The heart-shaped blooms are white or pink and appear to have a drop of blood on the bottom. They grow two to three feet high and are equally broad.

Source to Buy a Variety of Great Plants for Tennessee: TN Nursery

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About TN Nursery

Family Owned and run with pride

Nestled in the heart of Middle Tennessee, TN Nursery is a proud family-owned business rooted in tradition, quality, and a deep love for plants. For generations, we’ve been dedicated to providing exceptional service and building lasting personal connections with gardeners, landscapers, and nature enthusiasts across the country. Our mission is to make planting and gardening more accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding—whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or just starting your first flower bed.

We specialize in expertly grown native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and ferns that thrive in a variety of climates. Every plant we offer is carefully nurtured on our farm to ensure strong root systems, healthy growth, and long-term success in your landscape. From vibrant evergreens to colorful blooms and ground covers, we offer an expansive selection to help you create the outdoor space of your dreams.

At TN Nursery, we believe in more than just selling plants—we’re here to help you transform your garden into a place of beauty, sustainability, and joy. Our knowledgeable team is always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and share tips to ensure your planting experience is a success. Join our growing family of happy customers and let us help you bring your garden vision to life.