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It’s common gardening knowledge: have shade, must hosta. At least, that’s what social media user Grant Minkhorst (@thegardeninggrant on Instagram) says that big box stores will be telling everyone who comes in asking for shade-friendly blooms in the next few weeks.
But Minkhorst has other ideas — and encourages anyone blessed with shade rather than sun to join him in getting creative.
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The Hosta Story
Before we dive into other plant varieties to try, what’s the deal with hostas, anyway?
Minkhorst says there are “a couple hundred” varieties, and he’s not wrong — although American Meadows places that number slightly higher, at 3,000. These plants are low-maintenance and, as promised, thrive in shaded areas with at least a little dappled light. They’ll grow in full shade, too, though a bit slower and less fully.
Shade-Loving Hosta Alternatives
If you’ve spent many of your shaded summers tending to hostas, now’s the time to shake it up. Here are a few alts that Minkhorst recommends. (Just keep in mind: he lives in Toronto, in Zone 6b. To find the right plants for your garden, you’ll need to pay close attention to your zone and pick accordingly.)
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Related: Don’t Waste Your Plants by Using the Wrong Pot—Here’s How to Make Them Last
Blue wood-aster
These shade-tolerant beauties add a nice touch of color that you won’t get from hostas.
Solomon’s Seals
A woodland perennial, this produces smaller flowers in burgundy hues.
May-apples
Looking for something larger? These have leaves that resemble umbrellas and produce small white flowers that peek out beneath them.
Red and white trillium
Whether you pick red or large-flowered white, trilliums have large petals and grow quite tall. Beware that they do have a slightly unpleasant smell.
Bloodroot
A white flower with a golden center has entered the chat. Like other members of the poppy family, though, these blooms don’t last too long.
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Related: 10 Vegetables You Can Grow in Part Shade
Snakeroot
These remind me a bit of baby’s breath, and will keep your shady garden looking wedding-ready.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
We love a playful name. These flowers are hidden by hoods, which has a very “fairy garden” vibe.
Wood poppies
Should your shady area be in need of something sunny, these offer a beautiful yellow flower.
Foamflower
Long, thin stems produce little foamy white and pink flowers that give off an ethereal feel.
Christmas Fern
If you’re ready for Christmas in May, plant this beautiful evergreen. It needs no further introduction.
Don’t shy away from creative options
The bottom line? Don’t let common gardening knowledge keep you from adding variety, color, and whimsy to your plot. Check your zone, do your research, and — should someone tell you only hostas will do — stick to your (lovely, quiet) gardening guns.
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This story was originally published by Dengarden on May 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Dengarden as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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