Top perennial choices?

I love any of the Hostas for shade loving perennials, bleeding hearts, and the Christmas fern. For full sun, the Daylilly, hibiscus, and the iris .

Full shade is tough but many Hosta's will put up with it...there are dozens of varieties with wide variety of leaf colors so there is interest in that alone. Ferns are also a good plant for full shade . Azaleas might work for added and earlier color. Part shade is very doable from day lilies/astilbe/Asiatic and Oriental lily bulbs/tulips etc. for spring blooms/hostas. You're best bet is to go to a gardening neighbor or local plant nursery and ask questions, But beware....gardening is a life long addiction! Lol!

Hi Sarah, or deer in bunnies a problem? It’s best to consider that restriction before deciding on plant choices.

I’m in zone seven — heres some of my favorite perennial shady site choices.

Coral bells, hostas astilbe, pulmonaria are some of my favorites. Be sure to check with your cooperative extension local master gardeners are there waiting to give you advice, they also may have local plant sales, My local MG office of the coop extension has plant sales twice a year. Acquiring plans directly from a local garden is easy way to acclimate to plants vs an imported greenhouse varity from a big box retail store.

Your selections for your situation would depend on your planting zone and lighting situation, colors and textures that you like. In my case coleus will not overwinter and is considered an annual.

A great resource is your local Cooperative extension. These offices are manned by a wonderful team of master gardeners that know your local situation quite well. They can be contacted by personal visit, phone call or Internet. Consider googling up your local extensions office. They are there waiting to lend their expert advice. Volunteering back hours and community outreach and education is part of maintaining the Master Gardener accreditation. Consider helping out the MG by allowing the MG to help you.

There's also email ( submit a photo) Q&A resources that have helped me many times.

Heres a link for your consideration. Hope this helps Sarah!

Happy gardening!

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/gardening-in-shade/

Hi Sarah, I'm a zone 4 gardener too! My 3 favorite shade perennials besides hosta are bleeding heart, pulmonaria and lamium. Consider adding some impatiens to your shade garden for all summer color. For the part sun to full sun areas my favorites are yarrow, shasta daisies and daylilies. I have some articles on my gardening blog that I think you'd find very helpful. Pop over when you have a few minutes. https://ginghamgardens.com/2018/03/15/flower-gardening-101/ and https://ginghamgardens.com/2018/05/03/flower-garden-design-tips/

Happy gardening!