Top 10 shade plants

Corydalis

3. Corydalis
One of the most indispensable plants in the shade garden is Corydalis lutea. This plant has delightful ferny foliage and produces clusters of yellow flowers from spring all the way to autumn. It has a tendency to self-seed in the garden, but rarely to the point of becoming a pest. A similar variety is white-flowering Corydalis ochroleuca.

Growing: Corydalis lutea, C. ochroleuca, C. flexuosa, and C. elata are all hardy in Zones 5-8 and grow about 1 foot tall. C. lutea tolerates relatively dry conditions, but the other species need moist, but well-drained soil.

Tip: Corydalis lutea grows well in between pavers, between stones, and in cracks in stone walls. Most other Corydalis species look perfect in woodland settings. Site them where you can enjoy their foliage even when the plants are not in bloom.