Native Plants Thrive in Shade: Many native plants are well-suited for shade gardens and are highly attractive to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Host Plants for Butterflies: Certain shade-tolerant plants serve as host plants for butterfly larvae.
Shade-Loving Flowering Plants: Plants like bee balm, foxglove, and bleeding heart produce vibrant flowers even in partial shade, drawing in pollinators with their color and nectar.
Ferns for Habitat: While not a primary food source, ferns like the lady fern and maidenhair fern provide essential shelter and moisture-rich environments that support a variety of pollinators and other wildlife.
Berry-Producing Shrubs: Shade-tolerant shrubs like serviceberry and elderberry not only provide nectar for pollinators when in bloom but also produce berries that attract birds and other wildlife.
Perennials for Continuous Bloom: Selecting a variety of shade-tolerant perennials ensures continuous blooms throughout the growing season.
Water Sources in Shade Gardens: Incorporating a small water feature, like a birdbath or shallow pond, in a shady area provides a vital water source for pollinators and other wildlife.