15 Outdoor Plants That Grow Without Sunlight
Thinking about outdoor plants that grow without sunlight? Finding the right plants for those shady spots in your garden can be a challenge. Not all plants thrive without sunlight.
This guide covers 15 incredible outdoor plants that don’t need sunlight to flourish. From the Cast Iron Plant to the elegant Japanese Forest Grass, these plants come from diverse regions around the world. Each one has its own unique charm and requirements, making them perfect for different low-light environments.
If you’re looking to add some greenery to a dim area, this list has something for everyone. Get ready to transform those neglected, shady spots into lush, thriving garden areas with these hardy, low-light plants.
Table of Contents
15 Outdoor Plants That Don’t Require Sunlight
Here are 15 outdoor plant lists that grow without sunlight. The list has the plant name, a quick profile, and other details you need to know to make your decision.
1. Cast Iron Plant
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Aspidistra elatior |
| Common Name | Cast Iron Plant |
| Growing Region | Japan, Taiwan |
| Height | 2-3 feet |
| Special Features | Extremely hardy, low-maintenance |
| Light Requirement | Low to medium light |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
This tough cookie hails from Japan and Taiwan and is as low-maintenance as they come. It gets its name because it’s almost indestructible.
The Cast Iron Plant has broad, dark green leaves that can handle neglect and still look fab. It’s perfect for those shady corners where nothing else seems to grow.
2. Japanese Forest Grass
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Hakonechloa macra |
| Common Name | Japanese Forest Grass, Hakone Grass |
| Growing Region | Japan |
| Height | 1-1.5 feet |
| Special Features | Graceful arching foliage, deer-resistant |
| Light Requirement | Partial to full shade |
| Watering | Keep soil moist, well-drained |
This beauty is native to the forests of Japan and brings a touch of elegance with its graceful, arching green or golden leaves. It thrives in low-light areas and adds a soft, flowing texture to your garden.
Plus, it’s deer-resistant, which is a huge bonus!
3. Ferns
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Nephrolepis exaltata |
| Common Name | Boston Fern |
| Growing Region | Tropical and subtropical regions |
| Height | 1-3 feet |
| Special Features | Lush, arching fronds |
| Light Requirement | Indirect light, shade |
| Watering | High humidity, keeps soil moist |
Ferns are another fantastic option. Species like the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) or the Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum) are perfect for shady spots. They’re native to tropical and subtropical regions, and their delicate fronds add a lush, jungle-like feel.
Ferns do need a bit more moisture, so keep them hydrated and they’ll reward you with their beautiful foliage.
4. Lilyturf
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Liriope muscari |
| Common Name | Lilyturf, Monkey Grass |
| Growing Region | East Asia |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Special Features | Grass-like leaves, purple flower spikes |
| Light Requirement | Partial to full shade |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
This hardy perennial from East Asia is a real gem. It has grass-like leaves and spikes of purple flowers in late summer. It’s super easy to grow, even in deep shade, and it’s great for ground cover or edging your garden beds.
5. Hostas
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Hosta |
| Common Name | Hostas |
| Growing Region | Northeast Asia |
| Height | 6 inches to 3 feet |
| Special Features | Varied foliage colors, lavender/white flowers |
| Light Requirement | Shade to partial shade |
| Watering | Keep soil moist |
Hostas are a classic shade garden favorite. Native to Northeast Asia, these perennials come in a range of sizes and colors, from deep blue-green to bright yellow-green. Hostas are known for their striking foliage and can also produce lovely lavender or white flowers.
Just watch out for slugs—they love Hostas as much as we do!
6. Spotted Dead Nettle
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Lamium maculatum |
| Common Name | Spotted Dead Nettle |
| Growing Region | Europe, Western Asia |
| Height | 6-12 inches |
| Special Features | Silver-patterned leaves, colorful flowers |
| Light Requirement | Shade to partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate, well-drained soil |
This plant is native to Europe and Western Asia and has pretty, silver-patterned leaves with pink, purple, or white flowers. It’s a great ground cover for shady areas and can add a pop of color to your garden all season long.
7. English Ivy
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Hedera helix |
| Common Name | English Ivy |
| Growing Region | Europe, Western Asia |
| Height | Varies (trailing/climbing) |
| Special Features | Evergreen, versatile climber/ground cover |
| Light Requirement | Shade to partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
The English Ivy (Hedera helix) is another superstar for low-light conditions. Native to Europe and Western Asia, this vine is super versatile and can climb, trail, or spread as ground cover.
It’s evergreen, so it provides year-round interest, and it’s also great for covering unsightly walls or fences.
8. Coral Bells
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Heuchera |
| Common Name | Coral Bells |
| Growing Region | North America |
| Height | 6 inches to 2 feet |
| Special Features | Colorful foliage, bell-shaped flowers |
| Light Requirement | Shade to partial shade |
| Watering | Keep soil moist, well-drained |
Perennial plants are native to North America. They’re loved for their stunning foliage, which comes in a variety of colors like purple, silver, and even peach. They do well in shaded areas and can produce delicate, bell-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds.
9. Solomon’s Seal
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Polygonatum |
| Common Name | Solomon’s Seal |
| Growing Region | Temperate regions of Northern Hemisphere |
| Height | 1-3 feet |
| Special Features | Arching stems, white bell-shaped flowers |
| Light Requirement | Shade to partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate, well-drained soil |
A lesser-known but equally beautiful option.
This plant is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and has graceful, arching stems with small, white, bell-shaped flowers. It’s perfect for woodland gardens and adds a touch of elegance.
10. Foamflower
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Tiarella cordifolia |
| Common Name | Foamflower |
| Growing Region | North America |
| Height | 6-12 inches |
| Special Features | Heart-shaped leaves, airy flower spikes |
| Light Requirement | Shade to partial shade |
| Watering | Keep soil moist, well-drained |
Native to North America, this plant is perfect for shady spots. It has lovely, heart-shaped leaves and produces airy, white, or pink flower spikes in spring. It’s great for ground cover and adds a light, frothy texture to the garden.
11. Chinese Evergreen
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Aglaonema |
| Common Name | Chinese Evergreen |
| Growing Region | Tropical and subtropical Asia |
| Height | 1-3 feet |
| Special Features | Attractive foliage with various patterns |
| Light Requirement | Low to medium light |
| Watering | Moderate, prefers humid conditions |
Chinese Evergreens are a popular choice for low-light areas due to their attractive, variegated leaves that come in shades of green, silver, and red. Native to tropical and subtropical Asia, these plants are known for their durability and low maintenance needs.
They grow well in low to medium light and prefer humid conditions, making them perfect for shaded garden corners or indoor spaces.
12. Snake Plant
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Sansevieria trifasciata |
| Common Name | Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue |
| Growing Region | Tropical West Africa |
| Height | 1-4 feet |
| Special Features | Upright, sword-like leaves |
| Light Requirement | Low to bright indirect light |
| Watering | Low, drought-tolerant |
Snake Plants, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are renowned for their striking, upright leaves that can range from one to four feet in height. Native to tropical West Africa, these plants are incredibly hardy and can survive with minimal water and low light.
Their architectural form and ease of care make them a favorite for indoor gardens and shady outdoor spots.
13. Japanese Sedge
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Carex morrowii |
| Common Name | Japanese Sedge |
| Growing Region | Japan |
| Height | 1-2 feet |
| Special Features | Grass-like foliage, evergreen |
| Light Requirement | Shade to partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate, prefers moist soil |
Japanese Sedge is a grass-like perennial native to Japan, appreciated for its lush, evergreen foliage that adds a soft, flowing texture to shady garden areas.
Growing about one to two feet tall, it prefers shade to partial shade and thrives in moist soil. Its low-maintenance nature and year-round greenery make it an excellent ground cover or border plant.
14. Spider Plant
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Chlorophytum comosum |
| Common Name | Spider Plant |
| Growing Region | Southern Africa |
| Height | 1-2 feet (including trailing stems) |
| Special Features | Variegated leaves, produces “spiderettes” |
| Light Requirement | Low to bright indirect light |
| Watering | Moderate, prefers evenly moist soil |
Spider Plants are versatile and easy to grow, with long, arching leaves that are often variegated with white or yellow stripes. Originating from Southern Africa, they are well-known for their ability to produce offshoots or “spiderettes” that can be propagated easily.
They thrive in low to bright indirect light and add a touch of greenery to any space.
15. Sweet Box
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Sarcococca confusa |
| Common Name | Sweet Box |
| Growing Region | China, Himalayas |
| Height | 2-4 feet |
| Special Features | Fragrant white flowers, evergreen |
| Light Requirement | Shade to partial shade |
| Watering | Moderate, well-drained soil |
Sweet Box is a fragrant, evergreen shrub native to China and the Himalayas. It features glossy, dark green leaves and small, white flowers that emit a delightful fragrance in late winter to early spring.
Growing two to four feet tall, Sweet Box thrives in shaded areas and prefers well-drained soil. Its pleasant aroma and evergreen nature make it a lovely addition to any garden.
This YouTube video should help you with this matter.
Conclusion
It’s clear that even the shadiest parts of your garden can be transformed into lush, vibrant spaces. With the right selection of plants, those dark corners can become the highlight of your outdoor area.
Each of the 20 plants we’ve covered brings its own special charm, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for every garden. These plants are easy to care for and can handle a variety of conditions. An ideal choice for busy gardeners or those new to plant care!
So go ahead and start planting! Enjoy your gardening journey and watch how these resilient plants bring life and beauty to your space.
