22 Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Sandy soil perennials for shade that thrive. Gardening in sandy soil can be challenging for any gardener. Sandy soil is not binding; sandy soil does not clump, so the sandy soil does not absorb moisture. Any water and rainfall added to sandy soil runoff or away from the soil. Since sandy soil is partly made of coarse, large sand particles, moisture, and nutrients are easily washed away. Many plants cannot absorb water and nutrients from the sandy soil they need to maintain a healthy plant life. To thrive, plants also need soil with microorganisms that are lacking in sandy soil due to insufficient moisture retention and nutrients.

Amend Soil to Aid Plant Growth

To correct these deficiencies in sandy soil, add compost to your sandy soil so that organic matter can provide these nutrients and aid in water retention. If you do not have access to compost, it is easy to start a compost of your own. For information on creating compost, read our post How to Save Money On Soil by Starting A Compost. Trust me starting a compost is not only easy but a money saving alternative to buying topsoil or garden soil for your sandy soil garden. Another option is to add Greensand, a soil conditioner for sandy soil. Greensand is an organic soil conditioner that binds sandy soil to increase the water holding capacity of sandy soil.

Another consideration to successful sandy soil gardening is to select plants that are native and tolerate sandy soil as well as other environmental conditions that are common in your area such as extreme heat, humidity, drought, or wind. We’ve listed 22 perennials that will grow in sandy soil and tolerate either full shade or some shade. Take a look at these perennials that tolerant sandy soil and tell us what you think.  

Veronica Giles Van Hees (Speedwell)

Veronica Giles Van Hees or Speedwell has sunset pink florets on 6 inch spikes that bloom from late Spring to early Fall. Grows in zones 3 to 8. Thrives in conditions with full Sun or part Sun and part shade. Does well in soil conditions that are normal, clay, or sandy. Veronica Giles Van Hees attracts both butterflies and hummingbirds. Resistant to both deer and rabbits. Blooms for 4 weeks or more. It is a hot dry site tolerant Speedwell. It is seaside and salt tolerant.

Sedum Sieboldi (Stonecrop)

Sedum Sieboldi or Stonecrop has ice blue leaves tinged with rosy pink and bright rose flowers that bloom in early to late Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 10. Reaches about 4 inches tall. Thrives in full Sun or part Sun and part shade conditions. Does well in either regular, sandy, or clay soil. Sedum Sieboldi can be planted on a slope or bank to aid with erosion. Attracts butterflies. Resistant to rabbits. Grown in containers. Blooms for 4 weeks or more. It is hot dry site tolerant. Grows in a seaside and salt-tolerant environment.

Aquilegia Songbird Cardinal (Columbine)

Aquilegia Songbird Cardinal or Columbine has rose and white bicolor flowers that bloom from mid-Spring to early Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 9. Reaches between 24 to 28 inches tall. Does well in conditions with full Sun to mostly shade. Thrives in soil conditions that are normal, acidic or sandy. The Songbird Cardinal is beneficial for pollinators and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It is resistant to both deer and rabbits. Create beutiful floral arrangements with these columbine flowers. Blooms for 4 weeks or more. Grow in containers around a patio or porch. Does well in a shaded environment. 

Aquilegia Canadensis (Columbine)

Aquilegia Canadensis or Columbine has red with yellow accent flowers that bloom from mid-Spring to early Summer. This variety of Columbine grows in zones 3 to 8. Grows between 24 and 36 inches tall. Thrives in a variety of light conditions including full Sun to mostly shade. Grows in soil conditions that are normal, acidic, or sandy. Aquilegia Canadensis is beneficial for pollinators and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Gather these as cut flowers to create a bouquet. A deer-tolerant plant blooms for 4 weeks or more. Does well in a seaside and salt environment. A shade tolerant perennial.  

Veronica Tidal Pool (Speedwell) – Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Veronica Tidal Pool or Speedwell has blue violet flowers with white eyes with silver green foliage. Evergreen Tidal Pool Veronica blooms in mid to late Spring reaches 2 to 3 inches tall which makes it an ideal groundcover. Veronica Tidal Pool grows in zones 4 to 8, can grow in either a full Sun or part Sun and part shade garden location, and likes soil that is either normal, clay, or sandy. Veronica Tidal Pool attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, resists both deer and rabbits, is hot dry site tolerant, foot traffic kind, and is seaside and salt tolerant.

Panicum Northwind (Switchgrass)

Panicum Northwind or Switchgrass has pillars of olive blue green blades with yellow seed heads that crown the blades at bloom time. Blooms in mid to late Summer. Grows in zones 3 to 9. Loves conditions where it receives full Sun or part Sun and part shade. Tops out between 4 to 5 feet tall. Does well in soil that is either normal, clay, or sandy. The Panicum Northwind is deer resistant. Grow as a hedge. A humidity-tolerant Switchgrass that can be grown in containers. A seaside and salt tolerant grass that provides the garden with interest over the winter.

Veronica Georgia Blue (Speedwell)

Veronica Georgia Blue or Speedwell has rich blue flowers with white eyes on deep green glossy foliage that blooms early to late Spring. An evergreen and groundcover, Georgia Blue Veronica grows in zones 5 to 8, grows 6 to 8 inches tall, and likes full Sun or part Sun and part shade. Georgia Blue grows in soil that is normal, clay, or sandy. Veronica Georgia Blue attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, resists both deer and rabbits, is hot dry site tolerant, blooms for 4 weeks or more, and is seaside and salt tolerant.  

Iberis Purity (Candytuft) – Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Iberis Purity or Candytuft has white clusters on glossy, evergreen foliage on a compact plant that blooms in early to late Spring. Iberis Purity grows in zones 3 to 9. Grow about 8 inches tall. Thrives in conditions with full Sun to part Sun and part shade. Candytuft likes soil that is either normal or sandy. Iberis Purity is beneficial for pollinators. Resistant to both deer and rabbits. Tolerant of hot dry sites and humidity. Use as an edger and an evergreen. It is seaside and salt tolerant.       

Veronica Waterperry Blue (Speedwell)

Veronica Waterperry Blue or Speedwell has lavender blue flowers, white eyes, and deep green foliage tinged with burgundy and copper tones. It blooms from mid to late Spring. Thrives in conditions with full Sun to half Sun and half shade. Grows in zones 3 to 9. Tops out at about 5 inches tall. Does well in soil conditions that are normal, clay, or sandy. Waterperry Blue attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It is deer and rabbit resistant. It does well in a hot dry site tolerant. Grow as a groundcover. Tolerant of foot traffic. And is seaside and salt tolerant—a great option where foot traffic is needed in a garden area.  

Armeria Dusseldorf Pride (Sea Thrift)

Armeria Dusseldorf Pride or Sea Thrift has a low tuft mound of grassy green leaves and bears deep pink globular flowers on wiry stems in mid-Spring to early Summer. The 8 to 10-inch tall Dusseldorf Pride grows in zones 3 to 9. Thrives in conditions with full Sun to part Sun and part shade. Thrives in soil conditions that are either average or sandy. Create gorgeous blooms with Sea Thrift flowers. It is tolerant of a hot dry site and an evergreen. Use as an edger. Tolerant of seaside and salt conditions. Every cheerful plant with beautiful rosy pink globe flowers!

Veronica Liwanensis (Speedwell) – Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Veronica Liwanensis or Speedwell has large periwinkle blue flowers with evergreen mats of glossy foliage that bloom in mid to late Spring. Veronica Liwanensis grows in zones 4 to 9. It reaches a height of about 3 inches. Thrives in soil conditions that are normal, sandy, or clay. Liwanensis Speedwell attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It is resistant to both deer and rabbits. An evergreen perennial that thrives in full Sun or part Sun and part shade.  Tolerant of humidity, shade, and foot traffic conditions. Use as a groundcover. It is seaside and salt tolerant.

Veronica Blue Reflection (Speedwell)

Veronica Blue Reflection or Speedwell, with its actual blue flowers that bloom from mid-Spring to mid-Summer, settle very nicely along a garden path, a rock garden, the front border of a flower bed, or as a groundcover.  The 3-inch tall Veronica Blue Reflection grows in zone 4 to 8. Thrives in soil conditions that are normal, sandy, or clay. Tolerant of heat conditions. Blue Reflection Speedwell attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Resistant to both deer and rabbits. Tolerates hot dry sites. Use as a groundcover. Blooms for 4 weeks or more. It is tolerant of seaside and salt conditions.    

Veronica Red Fox (Speedwell) – Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Veronica Red Fox or Speedwell have rosy tapering spikes that bloom in mid-Spring to late Summer. The 15-inch tall Veronica Red Fox grows in zones 3 to 8, likes a full Sun to part Sun and part shade garden location, and likes soil that is normal, clay, or sandy. Veronica Red Fox or Speedwell attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, is deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for 4 weeks or more, can be used for container gardening, and is seaside and salt tolerant. Pretty, bright, and pink spikes are a lovely addition to any garden!    

Liriope Big Blue (Lilyturf) – Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Liriope Big Blue or Lilyturf has blue flower spikes from tufted arching grass-like foliage followed by clusters of black berries that appear from early to late Summer. Liriope Big Blue grows in zones 5 to 10. It is about 14 inches tall. He equally likes full Sun to mostly shady areas. Performs well in either normal, acidic, clay, or sandy soils. Big Blue Lilyturf can be used for a Slope or Bank. It can be deer resistant. A dry shade-tolerant lilyturf that is evergreen. Grow as a groundcover. Tolerant of humidity, foot traffic, and shade tolerance. This tough lilyturf is seaside and salt tolerant too. Liriope is ideal for a difficult garden location—also a great selection for Gulf Coast states in zones 8, 9, and 10. Big Blue lilyturf is a low-maintenance perennial that can address many garden needs.    

Armeria Rosa Stolz (Sea Thrift)

Armeria Rosa Stolz, or Sea Thrift, has pastel lavender pink buttons of color on slim stems over grass mounds that bloom in mid to late Spring. The petit Armeria Rosa Stolz grows in zones 3 to 9. Thrives in conditions with full Sun to part Sun and part shade. Does well in either standard or sandy soil. Rosa Stolz Sea Thrift is a good source for cut flowers. A hot dry site tolerant perennial that can be used as an edger. Evergreen, and is seaside and salt tolerant. A charming floral perennial that would be ideal along a garden path. 

Sedum Blue Spruce (Stone Crop)

Sedum Blue Spruce or Stonecrop has Christmas tree like foliage with yellow flowers appear early to late Spring. The 6-inch Sedum Blue Spruce grows in zones 3 to 9, likes full Sun to part Sun and part shade, and does well in normal or sandy soils. Sedum Blue Spruce can be planted on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, is deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, can be used as a groundcover, blooms for 4 weeks or more, can be used in container gardening, and is seaside and salt tolerant.  

Black Sea Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Black Sea Heuchera or Coral Bells are glossy, dark burgundy-purple leaves that stand out amongst other perennials is a striking contrast to their deep, dark foliage. A vigorous “black” Heuchera, Black Sea Coral Bells grow in zones 4 to 9. Reaches between 12 to 18 inches in height. It does well in soils that are normal, sandy, or damp. The evergreen Black Sea Coral Bells are both deer and rabbit resistant. It attracts hummingbirds and is so easy to grow. Create a cut flower bouquet with these Coral Bells flowers. Grow in containers.

Christmas Fern

The deer-resistant native of the eastern US, the Christmas Fern provides your garden with year around deep, evergreen beauty. The robust Christmas Fern grows in zones 3 to 9, reaches between 12 and 24 inches in height, and likes soil that is either sandy, normal, or acidic. Christmas Fern grows in full shade or part Sun and part shade, is evergreen, can be used as erosion control, and provides interest to the winter garden.

Frans Hals Daylily

Frans Hals Daylily has bicolored flowers that are rusty crimson inner petals with yellow throats and sunny yellow outer petals that appear in mid to late Summer. The daylily variety of Frans Hals grows in zones 2 to 9. It likes full Sun to part Sun and part shade. Grows between 20 to 24 inches in height. Loves normal, sandy, drought, and dry soil. Does well in moist and wet soils too. A humidity-tolerant daylily, Frans Hals Daylily attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It is resistant to rabbits—an easy-to-grow daylily. Use for erosion control. This low-maintenance daylily is perfect for planting in small spaces. It can be used in mass plantings.   

Bright Eyes Phlox – – Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Bright Eyes Phlox has pale pink blooms with spotted deep magenta eyes blooming mid Summer through Fall. The phlox variety of Bright Eyes Phlox grows in zones 4 to 8. It does best in full Sun to part Sun and part shade. Grow this Phlox between 24 and 36 inches tall. It prefers soil that is either sandy or normal. Bright Eyes Phlox attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, is a native plant, fragrant. Cut these blooms to create a gorgeous floral bouquet.   

Dwarf Blazing Star

Dwarf Blazing Star with spiky purple blooms that tolerates heat, drought, and high humidity. The showy native Dwarf Blazing Star grows in zones 4 to 8. Thrives in an environment with full Sun to part Sun and part shade. Reaches between 18 to 24 inches tall. Does well in soil conditions that are either normal, sandy or drought dry. Dwarf Blazing Star attracts birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A bee-friendly perennial that tolerates dry sites and humidity conditions.

Geranium Johnson’s Blue (Cranesbill) – Sandy Soil Perennials for Shade

Geranium Johnson’s Blue or Cranesbill has large vivid periwinkle blue flowers blooming from late Spring to Fall. The 12-inch tall Geranium Johnson’s Blue grows in zones 4 to 8. Thrives in an environment that has full Sun to mostly shade. Grows in soil conditions that are either normal, sandy, or acidic. Geranium Johnson’s Blue is beneficial for pollinators and attracts butterflies. This deer-resistant perennial can be used as an edger or groundcover—blooms for 4 weeks or more. Grow in containers. It is tolerant of shade and seaside, and salt conditions.  

Gardening in a region with sandy soil is possible if you add 2 to 3 inches of compost or a soil conditioner such as organic Greensand. Mix the compost into the ground at least 6 inches deep. Remember to select native plants that are tolerant of sandy soil and kind of weather conditions common in your neighborhood, such as drought, extreme heat, humidity, or wind. After planting your perennials or annuals, add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to your garden plants to maintain moisture. If you try these 22 Sandy Soil Perennials that like shade, let us know how you make out.

For information on sandy soil perennials that like Sun, see our post 50 Sandy Soil Perennials That Like Sun. For details on shade-tolerant perennials, see our post, 24 Spectacular Shade Garden Perennials. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us in the comments below. We always are ready to help you out.  

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