Having a shady and beautiful garden to escape to can be an incredible respite for the mind and body. Shady spots throughout Red Butte Garden are sure to bring you wonderful inspiration for your own garden, or the escape you need.

Hardy Begonia   Begonia grandis ssp. grandis 

This new addition to the Garden is a lovely Begonia that thrives in the shade and is a hardy perennial in our area. The delicate pink blooms are emerging just as the temperatures have been spiking, providing an extra incentive to pause in the shade outside of the Medicinal Garden.

Variegated Hedge Maple  Acer campestre 'Carnival'

This striking ghostly Maple has been thriving in the shady bed to the southwest of the Water Pavilion. The cream colored leaves and lovely form of this tree would make and outstanding centerpiece for a shade garden.

False Spirea    Astilbe chinensis  'Vision in Red'

Fun, fuzzy pink blooms rise above a spreading mat of leaves on this drought tolerant shade lover. False spirea would be a great understory choice for your favorite shady nook.

Sum and Substance Hosta    Hosta  'Sum and Substance'

The giant, light-green leaves of this Hosta support stalks of pale purple flowers that dance in those beloved breezes that bless summer afternoons.

Ivory Halo Dogwood   Cornus  'Bailhalo'

The leaves of this shade tolerant dogwood are beautifully marbled with shades of cream and green. As a winter bonus, the stems of this shrub are bright red through the cold season.

Grecian Foxglove  Digitalis lanata  

Brown and cream flowers add a unique palette to the garden by themselves, and then put on a second show with decorative cream and green fruits. This part-shade friendly Foxglove has proven to be a great choice if you're looking for a plant that will spread easily.

Balloon Flower   Platycodon grandiflorus 

Balloon-like flower buds open to reveal deep purple veins on light purple petals on this versatile perennial that can grow in shade or sun.

Large Coneflower  Rudbeckia maxima 

If you're more in the mood for fun in the sun, don't worry there is plenty to enjoy throughout the Garden!

This time of year we come to truly appreciate those plants that can survive and thrive in part to full shade. Cool breezes aren't guaranteed, but shady spots and beautiful views are plentiful when you visit the Garden this summer. We look forward to seeing you soon!