What are some good plants for fully shaded to partially shaded areas?

i live in cali. and my backyard is surrounded by several trees or so and the only thing that seems to grow is ivy. What are some good sturdy plants that can grow in shady ares? I am a begining gardener so i also need something that is realatively easy to start out with.

What are some good plants for fully shaded to partially shaded areas?
I'm in SoCal with a shady backyard and impatiens love it. They are easy to grow, too. I also have ferns, hostas, ivy geranium, succulents and begonias that do well back there.
Reply:Try some Hostas, ferns, astilbe. I would start with the hostas as they are the most hardy then move on from there. Your local nursery (not Lowe's or Home depot) should be able to tell you what grows well in your area.
Reply:Hostas are just about the least demanding.....

tons of varieties in color and size. a little expensive to start but after 2 years you can dig up -divide and have lots more plants for free. Go to a local nursery not the big box store for advise for your planting zone.[ heat and cold variance]
Reply:Impatience are a favorite of mine but I also like,deadnettle,coral bells,foxglove,begonias,johnny jump ups,lily of the valley and coleus some of these are annuals and some are perrennial's oh and dont forget hosta-good luck!
Reply:Hostas, caladiums, ferns, annuals like impations, sweet woodruff, Ivy, pachy sandra similar but diff. than Ivy
Reply:hostas are really good shade plants. They come in several varieties. They are very hearty and don't require alot of attention.
Reply:Yes, hostas, begonias and impatiens are good shade plants and easy to grow with a long bloom time. Also can try lily of the valley,any type of fern, bleeding hearts, astilbes. Go to a local grower and look around. Ask what they have as far as plants for the shade. There are really a lot more then you would think. Happy gardening. If something doesn't grow well in one spot, move it somewhere else. Just experiment with the flowers you like.
Reply:For a beginning gardener, I would plant hosta (they come in different shades of green) they will come back every year. Also, you can plant a bleeding heart, fern, and if there is part sun, plant daylilys--all extremly easy to grow. For an annual you can plant impatients for all types of color. Happy gardening.
Reply:hostas are the best choice for such area. They come in different varieties of green, grow easily and fast and when get big, can be divided to have more. Also the purple flowers they get are great looking. Also rather inexpensive if dont buy the largest plants.