Fortunately, there are suitable plants in every category—colorful bedding annuals, flowering perennials, climbers, ground-covers, and shrubs—that will grow quite nicely in the challenging conditions created along north-facing walls. Many of these plants will also tolerate some sun, meaning that you can also plant them along east-facing and west-facing walls. Here are 11 good choices for ornamental plants to use in the challenging shady locations along north-facing walls. Impatiens do well in nearly complete shade, but they will also tolerate relatively sunny conditions if they are kept well watered. A related plant, the New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) can also be grown in the part shade found along north-facing walls. It is a taller plant, at 12 to 18 inches, and has larger flowers than the common impatiens. It is even more tolerant of sunny conditions.

USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; normally grown as an annualColor Varieties: White, red, pink, violet, coral, orange, purpleSun Exposure: Part shade to full shade; will tolerate sunSoil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-draining soil

Wax begonia is a versatile plant that can work in full sun as well as part shade. Space the plants well apart to improve air circulation and prevent fungal problems.

USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11; usually grown as an annualColor Varieties: White, pink, red, bicolorsSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Tuberous begonias grow 12 to 18 inches high with a similar spread. They bloom from July through September with brightly colored flowers that seem to glow in the shade. Tubers should be planted after the danger of frost has passed. Regular fertilization will keep these plants blooming profusely.

USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11; usually grown as an annualColor Varieties: White, yellow, orange, pink, redSun Exposure: Part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Bleeding hearts are best planted among other plants that can fill in when the foliage fades in summer heat.

USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: Pink with white, pure whiteSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

Regular fertilizing will brighten the color of the green leaves and cause the plant to spread. In some regions, periwinkle is regarded as invasive, so check with local experts before planting it.

USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Blue, lavender, whiteSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil

Lilyturf tolerates shady conditions, though it performs better if given more sunlight. It should be mowed down in early spring to stimulate new growth.

USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 10Color Varieties: Lavender to whiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

Hostas are extremely easy to grow and care for, though they can be susceptible to damage from slugs and snails, especially if the ground is heavily mulched. You can easily propagate new plants by dividing the root clumps.

USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 9Color Varieties: White, lavender (normally grown for the foliage)Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

The plants can be cut back to the ground after flowering to stimulate new growth.

USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 10Color Varieties: Blue; normally grown for foliageSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

Climbing hydrangea can become a heavy, unruly plant, so make sure to provide it with a sturdy structure if you expect it to climb.

USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Part shade to full shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

These shrubs have good tolerance for urban conditions, but make sure soil is well-drained, as they will perish if they languish in wet soil.

USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Non-floweringSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil

These shrubs bloom on old wood, so any pruning should be done immediately after flowering is complete, so that new wood has a chance to mature for the following spring.

USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: Pink, red, whiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained soil; tolerate dry soils