What is a good Spiller plant for shade?

When it comes to finding a good spiller plant for shade, there are a few options that can thrive in lower light conditions. These plants add a beautiful cascading effect to any garden or hanging basket, creating a lush and vibrant display. Let’s explore some examples of shade-loving spiller plants that can bring life and color to your shaded areas.

1. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): This perennial groundcover is known for its bright chartreuse leaves that create a stunning contrast against darker foliage. It spreads quickly and can thrive in both full shade and partial shade. Creeping Jenny is an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to shady spots and can also tolerate moist soil.

2. Bacopa (Sutera cordata): Bacopa is a versatile and hardy plant that produces dainty, five-petaled flowers in shades of white, pink, or lavender. It thrives in shade or partial shade and is often used as a trailing plant in hanging baskets or container gardens. Bacopa is known for its ability to withstand heat and humidity, making it an excellent choice for summer plantings.

3. Setcreasea (Tradescantia pallida): Also known as Purple Heart or Wandering Jew, Setcreasea is a stunning trailing plant with vibrant purple foliage. It can tolerate shade but thrives in bright, indirect light. Setcreasea is a low-maintenance plant that adds a splash of color to any shady corner, and it is also drought-tolerant, making it suitable for areas with irregular watering.

4. Trailing Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides): Coleus plants are prized for their colorful and patterned leaves, and some varieties have a trailing growth habit. These shade-loving plants come in a wide range of colors, including vibrant reds, pinks, yellows, and greens. Trailing coleus adds a unique texture and visual interest to shaded areas, making them an excellent choice for containers or as groundcover.

5. Ivy (Hedera spp.): Ivy is a classic spiller plant known for its cascading vines and dense foliage. It thrives in shade or partial shade and can be trained to climb walls or trellises. Ivy comes in various leaf shapes and colors, from the classic dark green English Ivy to variegated varieties like Algerian Ivy or Goldheart Ivy. It adds a touch of elegance and a timeless appeal to any shady area.

6. Vinca minor: Also known as Periwinkle or Myrtle, Vinca minor is a fast-growing groundcover that thrives in shade. It produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue or white and spreads quickly, providing excellent coverage for bare areas. Vinca minor is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate various soil conditions, making it a popular choice for shaded gardens or slopes.

7. Splendens Wild Ginger (Asarum splendens): Wild Ginger is a shade-loving perennial with glossy, heart-shaped leaves that add a touch of elegance to any garden. Splendens Wild Ginger, in particular, has beautiful silver marbling on its foliage. This plant is known for its tolerance to dry shade and can be a great option for areas with limited water availability. Wild Ginger also produces unique, bell-shaped flowers close to the ground, adding an extra touch of beauty to its overall appearance.

These are just a few examples of spiller plants that can thrive in shade and bring life to your garden or containers. Remember to consider the specific light conditions and soil moisture of your shaded area when selecting plants, as each plant has its own preferences. Experiment with different combinations and arrangements to create a visually appealing and diverse shaded garden.

Photo of author

Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.