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When most people think of brightly colored plants, they probably think bright plants are only for sunny gardens. However, that isn't the case. Shade plants have a lot to offer, as they can be colorful and full of texture. With so many plants to choose from, your shade garden isn't doomed to be dreary.

Bleeding Hearts

Bleeding hearts are plants that feature heart-shaped blooms that come in white, pink and red. These plants grow large, so you may want to consider separating the main bleeding heart clump after a few years. Bleeding hearts bloom in the spring and favor moist soil. In order to keep your bleeding hearts happy, you should remove its foliage when it becomes yellow or brown.

Ghost Fern

Just like its name, the ghost fern is a pale green, almost white fern with maroon colored midribs. The ghost fern's pale leaves serve as a gorgeous backdrop for stunning, shady blooms. This fern prefers to be grown in full shade which makes it perfect for under trees. Make sure you keep the soil around your ghost fern watered well.

Astilbe

This flowering plant features feathery blooms that come in white, yellow and red. These plants are considered to be low maintenance and are great for beginners. Astilbe plants like to be watered deeply at the roots as opposed to receiving a daily sprinkle of water. Being exposed to the afternoon sun can actually scorch astilbe plants, so be careful if you plant them in a partially shaded location.

Hens-And-Chicks

Hens-and-chicks feature beautiful, thick leaves shaped into rosettes. Hens-and-chicks are succulent plants that are able to tolerate dryer gardens, and prefer rocky or sandy soil. Wherever you choose to plant hens-and-chicks, it must be quick to drain. This succulent plant will gradually spread with smaller rosettes clinging to the main plant. These offshoots are easily separated and grown elsewhere.

Fuchsia

This plant is not for the faint of heart. Fuchsia features bold purple and pink blooms that are sure to be the center of attention. Their bold colors come at the cost of being hungry, and they should be fertilized frequently. Fuchsia plants are a favorite for hanging baskets.

Coleus

This foliage-based plant comes in nearly every color combination imaginable. Its leaves feature at least two colors, and very often mimic fire. You should pinch the leaves off coleus stems to encourage the plant to grow. You can prune coleus to keep it at the front of your garden bed, or let it grow tall in the back of your bed to keep it lower maintenance.

 For more advice about the best plants for your landscaping, talk with a local landscaper who can evaluate your property and offer customized recommendations.