This page lists alphabetically genera or species from H-Lu recommended for growing in shade by members of the PBS list, sometimes with comments, followed by the name and the location of the person who suggested them, usually from experience growing them. There are links for more information and if we have photos of these plants on the wiki, we have included a few photos to illustrate them on this page.
Haemanthus albiflos was recommended by Rhoda McMaster as a plant that looks good planted in front of Clivia and has white flowers in early winter followed by red berries. Jim Shields in central Indiana recommended it for people in warmer climates or for growing in a greenhouse.
Haemanthus deformis was recommended by Jim Shields in central Indiana for regions where it is hardy outdoors (or greenhouses) as needing deep shade.
Haemanthus pauculifolius was recommended by Jim Shields in central Indiana for regions where it is hardy outdoors (or greenhouses) as tolerating moderate shade.
Hepatica nobilis was recommended by someone who grew it in partial shade in Iowa, Indiana, and Michigan.
Hippeastrum hybrids were recommended by Boyce Tankersley from his time in Texas, both zone 7 and 8.
Hippeastrum papilio was recommended by Patty Colville, Southern California.
Hyacinthoides hispanica or the Spanish blue bell is a great shade bulb but forms vary depending on the source and what is sold from some catalogues can be a hybrid between it and Hyacinthoides non-scripta. It naturalizes in some places of the world which is either good or bad depending on the preferences of the gardener. Favored by Jamie Vande, France; Chuck Gleaves, Ohio, Ann, Southern California.
Hyacinthoides non-scripta seems better adapted to shade than Hyacinthoides hispanica according to Jane McGary, Oregon. Boyce Tankersley nominated this plant for his time spent in Missouri and Scotland. Roland from France also suggested this species.
Hymenocallis was a favorite genus for Boyce Tankersley when he lived in Galveston, Texas, zone 8. Patty Colville in Southern California had a favorite Hymenocallis, but it was not identified by name.
Hymenocallis eucharidifolia is grown by Jim Shields in Indiana in moderate shade in a lath house.
Hymenocallis occidentalis needs partial shade according to Jim Shields, Indiana.
Impatiens flanaganae was recommended by a grower in Northern California who grows this species in partial shade.
Impatiens tinctoria was recommended by a gardener in Northern California who grows this species in partial shade. It is suitable for maritime climates with cooler summers.
Iris reticulata cultivars were favorites of Boyce Tankersley when in lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico, zone 7 and arid.
Kaempferia is a rhizomatous genus in the Zingiberaceae family recommended by Tim Chapman, south Louisiana. Boyce Tankersley recommended this family from his time spent in the cloud forests of southern Costa Rica.
Leucojum aestivum was mentioned by Mary Sue Ittner, coastal Northern California as carefree and not needing water in summer and not eaten by deer. Boyce Tanksersley also found it a favorite when living in Las Cruces, New Mexico, zone 7 and arid.
Lilium longiflorum hybrids were mentioned by Boyce Tankersley from his time in Las Cruces, New Mexico, zone 7 and arid.
Lilium martagon is a wonderful bulb for shade that seems easy to please and is possible to grow quite easily from seed. It comes in several forms and colors: white, a mauvey-reddish-pink and a claret red. Suggested by Ernie O'Byrne, Oregon. Rodger Whitlock, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada also recommends hybrids of this species and related species.
Lilium maritimum grows and blooms in a very shady part of Mary Sue Ittner’s garden every year and survives with little care. Jane McGary noted it is habitat-specific and might not be an easy plant to grow in most gardens.
Lilium pardalinum according to Jane McGary, Oregon is a good doer almost anywhere and one of the few lilies that can cope with burrowing bulb-eaters, having an extensive, rhizome-like bulb with many loose scales that will renew it after attack. It is also favored by Mary Sue Ittner, Northern California.
Lilium szovitzianum was suggested by Rodger Whitlock, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Index for Bulbs for Shade - Bulbs for Shade A-B - Bulbs for Shade Ca-Cl - Bulbs for Shade Co-Cy - Bulbs for Shade D-G - Bulbs for Shade Ly-O - Bulbs for Shade P-Z