Garden Landscaping 14 Grass Alternatives That Thrive in Shady Yards These plants do well in partial to full shade, making them a great option for areas that don't get a lot of sun. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home. Editorial Guidelines Published on August 5, 2024 Close Photo: Laszlo Podor / Getty Images While lush green grass is popular, it can be difficult to maintain—especially if your yard doesn't get a lot of sun. If you're tired of looking at bald patches in your landscape where grass won't grow, there are plenty of lawn alternatives that thrive in partial to full shade. From options with grass-like foliage to flowering ground covers, you don't need access to sunlight to create the landscape of your dreams. Ahead, we're sharing the best grass alternatives that experts say will flourish in shady lawns. Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University, where she specializes in various gardening topics. Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins, a full-service nursery considered the world's foremost producer and marketer of roses. 15 Shade Garden Ideas to Brighten Up the Darkest Spots in Your Yard 01 of 14 Lungwort Getty Images Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a compact, herbaceous, mounding variety with silvery foliage and baby blue flowers that bloom in spring. "It has long-lasting beauty with flowers and foliage in shady conditions," says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. A desirable grass alternative, lungwort needs minimal fertilization, is resistant to common pests, needs no mowing, and attracts hummingbirds. Zones: 4 to 9 Size: 6 to 10 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Part-shade to full shade; well-drained soil 02 of 14 Blue Mouse Ears Hosta skymoon13 / Getty Images Hostas are commonly used as shade plants, and blue mouse ears hosta is a wonderful option if you're looking for a grass alternative, says Langelo. This variety has blue-green, heart-shaped leaves and showy flowers. "This plant needs no mowing; however, you can remove the leaves in the fall after a freeze since this is an herbaceous perennial," says Langelo. Zones: 3 to 8Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Part-shade to full shade; moist, well-drained, organically rich soil 20 Hosta Varieties With Beautiful Foliage and Blooms 03 of 14 Golden Star Getty Images Golden star (Chrysogonum virginianum) is an herbaceous, low-growing perennial with bright yellow flowers. "In cool summer climates, these bloom in spring and fall. In hot summer climates, these plants bloom in spring only," says Langelo. Golden star is native to areas with heavy shade and needs no mowing. Zones: 5 to 9Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 10 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Part-shade to full shade; moist, well-drained, acidic soil 04 of 14 Common Bugle Adelheid Nothegger / Getty Images Common bugle (Ajuga reptans) is a dense mat-forming ground cover with dark green leaves and blue-violet flowers that bloom in May and June. This plant spreads quickly and looks beautiful when it's in full bloom, says Langelo. No mowing is required to keep it looking tidy. Zones: 3 to 10Size: 6 to 10 inches tall x 10 to 12 inches wideCare requirements: Full shade to full sun; moist, well-drained soil 05 of 14 Allegheny Spurge Courtesy of The Morton Arboretum Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) is a shrubby ground cover that spreads by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of matte blue-green leaves mottled with purple and white, says Langelo. This plant is very hardy and can tolerate foot traffic, making it a great alternative to grass. Zones: 5 to 9Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wideCare requirements: Full shade to partial shade; well-drained, organically rich, acidic soil 06 of 14 Periwinkle Iva Vagnerova / Getty Images As the name implies, periwinkle (Vinca minor) is a plant that produces lavender-blue flowers, which bloom in spring. "This is a beautiful flowering grass alternative that is very prolific and tolerates drought and shade," says Langelo. "It does well in part to full shade." Zones: 4 to 8Size: 3 to 6 inches tall x 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full shade to partial shade; moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil 07 of 14 Creeping Jenny MartaJonina / Getty Images Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing creeping plant that forms a carpet of bright yellow flowers and ruffled leaves. "It is low-maintenance, hardy, and withstands foot traffic," says Langelo. Keep in mind that creeping Jenny spreads aggressively and is a noxious weed in some places. Zones: 4 to 8 Size: 2 to 4 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist soil 08 of 14 Clover Getty Images One of the most popular grass alternatives, clover (Trifolium spp.) features trifoliate leaves and characteristic white flowers that appear in early summer. Clover requires less frequent mowing than turf and it doesn't need fertilizer or pesticides to thrive. The roots are shallow so it will not do well in dry soils, says Langelo. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 6 inches tall x 12 inches wideCare requirements: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil Clover Lawns Are the Landscaping Trend That Calls for Just 4 Mowings Per Year 09 of 14 Microclover Clovers. Getty Images Microclover (Trifolium repens) is more dense than white clover and produces fewer flowers and smaller leaves, says Langelo. Unlike grass, there is no need to aerate or dethatch microclover. It's a good option for areas of your yard that need erosion control and is known for performing well in compacted soil. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 1 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil 10 of 14 Creeping Thyme Massimo Ravera / Getty Images Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a beautiful ground cover that produces small aromatic leaves and purple or pink flowers that bloom during spring. "Creeping thyme can handle light shade, adds fragrance and color to the garden, and forms a dense mat," says president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins. Zones: 5 to 9Size: 2 to 4 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil 11 of 14 Irish Moss Getty Images Irish moss (Sagina subulata) will add texture to the shady areas of your landscape thanks to its tiny bright green leaves and small white flowers. "It creates a soft, carpet-like appearance that’s visually appealing and inviting to walk on," says Funk. It thrives in shady areas where traditional grass struggles. Zones: 4 to 8 Size: 1 to 2 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained, moist soil 12 of 14 Sedum Elizabeth Fernandez / Getty Images Sedums are succulents with fleshy leaves and are available in various colors and textures, depending on the variety, says Funk. It's a desirable alternative to traditional grass because it is drought-tolerant and adds a unique texture to gardens. "It is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for water-wise gardens," she says. Zones: 3 to 11Size: 3 to 36 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wideCare requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil 16 Types of Succulents That Are a Beautiful Addition to Your Garden 13 of 14 Heucherella Olga Bungova / GETTY IMAGES Heucherella is known for its beautiful foliage. "Heucherella features attractive foliage in various colors, including shades of green, bronze, and purple, often with striking patterns or marbling," says Funk. "The plant also produces delicate spikes of small, bell-shaped flowers in colors ranging from white to pink." This low-growing ornamental ground cover thrives in shady conditions where grass may struggle to grow. Zones: 4 to 9 Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wideCare requirements: Full shade to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil 14 of 14 Hakone Grass Golden Hakone is a Japanese forest grass. Joshua McCullough / Getty Images Hakone grass (Hakonechloa macra) is an ornamental plant with arching, bamboo-like foliage. It comes in shades of green, gold, or variegated, forming a graceful, flowing mound that offers a soft texture and lush appearance, says Funk. In place of turf, it will add a unique, ornamental quality to your landscape. Zones: 5 to 9 Size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 18 to 24 inches wideCare requirements: Full shade to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit