Sometimes it seems whatever you plant in that shady spot in your yard does not seem to last. Here are some great options to look for:

Northern Sea Oats- This grass grows in partial shade has a pretty seed head that resembles oats. It does well in moist soil. Most varieties are 2 to 3 feet tall.

Ginger Lily- This is another partial shade plant but this one does well in medium drained soil. This plant can get fairly tall as the non-dwarf varieties can get up to 6 feet. The dwarf varieties are around 3 feet. Can be found with white or orange flowers with a large flowerhead.

Bugleweed- Also known as Carpetweed or Ajuga. This is a smaller plant that grows to a height of 10 inches. It usually stays at a shorter height and can be trimmed. It has a purple color that can be a great border. It spreads easily so be careful as it has weed-like tendencies.

Foam Flower- This flower is native to the Appalachian Mountains and grows to about 12 inches tall. It has pretty leaves and has multiple white flowers that comes off a stem that is shooting upwards. Heavy shade is this plants friend as it prefers deep to partial shade with moist soil. Can easily spread through underground rhizomes.

Lenten Rose- This plant is resistant to deer and does well in deep shade. It has dark green leaves and blooms small bowl-shaped flowers. One of my personal favorites, they are everywhere in my yard back home. They grow to about 12 inches tall and the blooms last a long time.

Forget-me-nots- A short-lived perennial with weed-like tendencies that has a very pretty small flower. It attracts hummingbirds and is resistant to deer and wet soil. They can be grown along creek banks and near ponds.

References:

Home | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

The Southern Gardener’s Book of Lists

For more information call the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Stanley County